STAR & BMI: Can thigh muscle and fat measurements predict knee pain relief after a nerve block

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 prospective observational study will enroll adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing their first ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block. Before the procedure, ultrasound will measure anterior quadriceps thickness and subcutaneous fat to calculate the Star ratio (STAR) as muscle thickness divided by BMI, along with other body-fat metrics. Clinical outcomes, including pain and function, will be tracked after the block to see if STAR or fat measurements correlate with treatment response. The goal is to identify imaging biomarkers that help select patients who are most likely to benefit from GNB. The study does not involve altering standard care beyond data collection. Findings could improve patient selection and personalize interventional pain management approaches.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥45 years.
* Symptomatic bilateral knee osteoarthritis with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4.
* Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score ≥4 at rest or during movement.
* Scheduled to undergo first ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block.
* No intra-articular knee injection within the previous 3 months.
* Considered unsuitable for or awaiting total knee arthroplasty.
* Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or crystal arthropathy.
* Previous knee surgery or knee prosthesis.
* Active local or systemic infection.
* Anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders.
* Contraindication to corticosteroids (including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
* Allergy to study medications.
* Neurological disorders causing neuropathic knee pain.
* Dementia or inability to complete study assessments.
* Additional interventional procedures or surgery during follow-up.

Where it's running

• University of Health Sciences Gaziosmanpaşa Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
  Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

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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.