Comparing pulsed radiofrequency therapy and adductor canal blockade for knee osteoarthritis

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy and Canal Adductor Blockade for Chronic Pain and Functioning in Knee Osteoarthritis

Observational University Medical Centre Ljubljana · NCT05962463

This study is testing whether pulsed radiofrequency therapy or adductor canal blockade can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain without needing surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ljubljana)
Trial IDNCT05962463 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency therapy compared to adductor canal blockade in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The study focuses on individuals who have had knee osteoarthritis for more than six months and are not suitable candidates for surgical intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment, and their pain levels will be assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) before and after the interventions. The study has received ethical approval and aims to provide insights into non-surgical pain relief options for knee osteoarthritis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 45 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis at K-L grades 3 and 4.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal conditions, or those with significant neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-surgical pain relief options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions, indicating potential efficacy in pain management for knee osteoarthritis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnose of the Knee osteoarthritis confirmed by orthopedic examination
* K-L grades 3 and 4
* A sufficient level of education to understand study procedures
* Be able to communicate with site personnel
* Age \>45 years

Exclusion Criteria :

* Any cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal conditions that would compromise participation, in the opinion of the investigator
* Severe neurologic conditions interfere with a knee condition
* Narcotic dependent (opioid intake of more than 3 months and more than 30 mg of daily oral morphine equivalents)
* Coexisting severe hematological disorder or deranged coagulation parameters
* Psychiatric illnesses
* Allergy to any of the drugs used in the study
* Infection or malignancy at the site of the block
* Any active systemic infection
* Implanted electronic devices like spinal cord stimulators, cardiac pacemakers or similar

Where this trial is running

Ljubljana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthritisAdductor canal blockadeRadiofrequency therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.