Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis

Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Of The Genicular Nerves In The Treatment Of Patients With Osteoarthritis Knee Pain: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Son Llatzer · NCT02915120

This study is testing whether a new ultrasound-guided treatment for knee pain can help people with chronic knee osteoarthritis feel better and use less pain medication.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment142 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Son Llatzer Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palma, Balear Islands)
Trial IDNCT02915120 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment on the genicular nerves in patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo a double diagnostic genicular nerve block followed by either real or sham pulsed radiofrequency treatment. The primary focus is to assess improvements in pain, function, and reduction in analgesic use over time. Given the increasing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, this approach seeks to provide an alternative to conventional treatments and surgical options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic knee pain due to primary osteoarthritis, experiencing significant pain despite conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary osteoarthritis or those who have had recent corticosteroid injections may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and improve function for patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have shown promising results with ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic knee pain with pain intensity of at least 4 out 10 on the VAS on most or all days for more than 3 months
* Patients of either sex with primary osteoarthritis of one or both knees fulfilling diagnostic criteria for osteoarthritis knee laid down by American College of Rheumatology.
* Patients also had to have a Kellgren-Lawrence (radiologic criterion) score of at least 2
* Pain resistant to conventional therapy including NSAIDs, opioids, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, physical therapy, and intra-articular injection therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The patients with secondary osteoarthritis of knees
* Associated systemic arthropathies, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and gout
* Previous radiofrequency ablation treatment for similar symptoms.
* Intra-articular knee corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection in the past 3 months.
* Active systemic or local infections at the site of proposed needle and electrode placement.
* Coagulopathy or other bleeding disorder
* Cognitive deficit.
* Unstable medical or psychiatric illness.
* Previous knee joint replacement surgery
* Patients missing two or more appointments consecutively were excluded from the study

Where this trial is running

Palma, Balear Islands

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 Osteoarthritis, KneeKnee painosteoarthritisgenicular nerveultrasonographypulsed radiofrequency
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.