Comparing nerve stimulation and steroid injections for chronic knee pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) therapy compared to conventional steroid injections in improving knee range of motion for patients suffering from chronic knee pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a standard steroid injection, PNS therapy combined with a steroid injection, or PNS therapy with a placebo injection. The primary outcome will be measured using goniometry to assess changes in knee range of motion at 30, 60, and 90 days post-treatment, alongside secondary outcomes including pain scores and opioid usage. The study is conducted at the Pain Management Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with chronic knee pain (baseline pain score \>=4), seen at Pain Management Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center; if patient has bilateral knee pain, the side with the more severe knee pain will be treated first and counted towards the primary and secondary endpoints
* Patients between ages 18-85 years old
* Patient signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with cognitive dysfunction or without capacity to consent
* Patient with recent history (\<6 months) of drug or alcohol abuse
* Patients with open skin lesion or undergoing antibiotic therapy for local for systemic infection
* Patients with allergies to local anesthesia, steroids, or adhesives
* Patients who are on opioids for reasons other than knee pain

Where it's running

• M D Anderson Cancer Center
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Saba Javed, MD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: Saba Javed, MD
• Email: sjaved@mdanderson.org
• Phone: (713) 792-9530

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.