Comparing nerve stimulation and steroid injections for chronic knee pain
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of Genicular Nerves Versus Conventional Therapy With Intra-articular Steroid Injection for Chronic Knee Pain: A Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study
This study is testing whether nerve stimulation therapy works better than steroid injections for improving knee movement in people with chronic knee pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06004882 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 with chronic knee pain and a baseline pain score of 4 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive dysfunction, recent substance abuse, or specific allergies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with chronic knee pain, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While peripheral nerve stimulation has been explored in other contexts, this specific comparison with steroid injections is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.