Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain

Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy: Effectiveness of 5 Nerve Protocols Versus 3 Nerve and 2 Nerve Protocols - A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

This study tests whether a new ultrasound-guided treatment for knee pain from osteoarthritis can help people feel better by comparing different ways of using the therapy.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (estimated)
• Ages: 30 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ankara Etlik City Hospital (other gov)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara, Ankara)
• Trial ID: NCT06914960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation therapy in patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis. It compares the outcomes of different treatment protocols involving 2, 3, and 5 nerve ablations on pain relief, balance, proprioception, and fall risk. The study aims to provide insights into the long-term benefits of these interventions, as current conservative treatments have limited efficacy and potential side effects. By evaluating the impact on multiple symptoms, the research seeks to enhance the understanding of this invasive procedure's role in managing knee osteoarthritis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 30-75 with chronic knee pain lasting at least 6 months and confirmed osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic inflammatory diseases, previous knee surgeries, or recent knee treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on radiofrequency ablation for knee osteoarthritis, existing literature suggests varying degrees of effectiveness, indicating a need for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 30-75
* Chronic knee pain that lasts at least 6 months
* Radiographic confirmation of osteoarthritis: Presence of Grade 3 or 4 radiographic changes characterized by significant narrowing in the medial space of the tibiofemoral joint according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system
* Knee pain \>40 mm when performing one of the two movements that cause the most severe pain (sitting to standing or going up and down stairs) according to 100 mm VAS

  * 50% reduction in VAS with diagnostic genicular nerve block

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of systemic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis
* Previous RFA treatment to the knee or hyaluronic acid or steroid injection to the knee within the last 3 months
* History of previous knee surgery
* Clinically significant structural abnormalities other than osteoarthritis that may lead to chronic knee pain
* Having undergone physical therapy to the knee in the last 6 months or a history of knee trauma
* Application of other pain treatments
* Body-Mass İndex \<18 and \>40 kg/m2
* Pregnancy
* Presence of uncontrolled serious illness (cancer, diabetes, etc.), infection, psychiatric disorder, coagulation disorder

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Ankara

• Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Bengu Turemenogullari

Conditions: Gonarthrosis, gonarthrosis, genicular nerve, radiofrequency, ablation, proprioception, balance, risk of falling