New method for treating knee pain with radiofrequency ablation
Segurança e eficácia de Nova Abordagem Ecoguiada de ablação Por radiofrequência Dos Nervos Geniculados
This study is testing a new way to treat chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis using a special technique that targets specific nerves to see if it helps people feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Algarve Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Faro and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06934421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates a novel approach to alleviate chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting the genicular nerves. The procedure involves precise localization of these nerves based on recent anatomical research, followed by thermal lesioning to disrupt pain signaling. Participants will be monitored for two years to assess pain reduction and functional improvement after the treatment. The study aims to enhance the accuracy of nerve targeting compared to conventional methods, which often miss key nerve branches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic knee pain due to severe osteoarthritis who have not found relief from conservative treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who have had knee surgery, previous radiofrequency ablation, or those with certain psychological or pain conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce knee pain and improve mobility for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar approaches, but this specific method is based on recent anatomical insights and may offer improved outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with chronic knee pain related to radiographic knee osteoarthritis, Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade III or IV, who are refractory to conservative treatment. (Refractoriness to conservative treatment is defined as: * Persistent pain and functional limitation after undergoing knee-targeted physiotherapy and analgesic medication in accordance with clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis \[e.g., paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other drugs as deemed appropriate by the treating physician\]; * Persistent pain and functional limitation after intra-articular corticosteroid injections or limited success with such interventions.) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with previous knee arthroplasty * Patients who have undergone prior radiofrequency (RF) ablation * Significant psycho-emotional disorders * Addictive behaviors * Generalized pain * Nociplastic pain * Presence of a pacemaker * Presence of osteosynthesis material in the knee or adjacent anatomical regions
Where this trial is running
Faro and 1 other locations
- Serviço de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação - Hospital de Faro - Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve — Faro, Portugal (Recruiting)
- Serviço de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação - Hospital de São Francisco Xavier - Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental — Lisbon, Portugal (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Manuel Tomás Farinha Caroço, Medical Doctor — Unidade Local de Saude do Algarve / Centro Hospitalar Universitario Algarve
- Study coordinator: Manuel Tomás Farinha Caroço, Medical Doctor
- Email: farinhacaroco@gmail.com
- Phone: +351968010683
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.