Nerve branches to the vastus medialis added to genicular nerve treatment for chronic knee pain
Official title: Chronic Knee Pain Beyond the Genicular Nerves: The Role of Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
Run by Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital · NCT07703293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests whether adding pulsed radiofrequency to the nerve branches near the vastus medialis to standard genicular nerve treatment helps people with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07703293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 45-80 years with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV), chronic knee pain for ≥3 months, and insufficient response to conservative therapies.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose pain is not driven by the distal vastus medialis sensory branches or who do not respond to any radiofrequency approach may not see additional benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational cohort study enrolling adults aged 45-80 with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain (≥3 months) who have not fully responded to conservative care. Participants will receive either conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency alone or with additional pulsed radiofrequency targeting the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis, and will be followed in routine clinical practice. Outcomes include pain measured by the Visual Analog Scale and function via the WOMAC score, assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. The study aims to compare outcomes between the two treatment approaches and monitor safety events related to the procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients might experience greater pain relief and improved function with an expanded radiofrequency approach.
How similar studies have gone: Prior anatomical and ultrasound studies support the role of additional sensory branches, but direct comparative clinical data are limited and this observational approach is among the first to contrast these two strategies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age between 45 and 80 years Clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV knee osteoarthritis Chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months Insufficient response to conservative treatments such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, or exercise programs Baseline Visual Analog Scale pain score ≥5 No coagulation disorder or active infection that would contraindicate the procedure Written informed consent provided by the participant Exclusion Criteria: Knee pain primarily caused by conditions other than osteoarthritis, including inflammatory arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor-related causes, or infectious causes Previous total knee arthroplasty or knee prosthesis surgery in the affected knee Radiofrequency or neurolytic procedure around the affected knee within the last 6 months Severe knee instability, advanced deformity, or history of acute trauma Active infection, skin lesion, or ulceration at the procedure site Uncontrolled systemic disease such as advanced heart failure or uncontrolled diabetes Bleeding diathesis or inability to discontinue anticoagulant therapy for an appropriate duration Pregnancy or lactation Cognitive impairment, inability to cooperate, or inability to comply with follow-up visits
Where it's running
-
Ayse Betul Acar
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.