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Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation Efficacy in Achieving Total Knee Pain Reduction Trial

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Knee Arthroplasty, Total
Osteoarthritis
Radiologic Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis
Interventions
Procedure: Genicular Nerve RFA
Procedure: Sham Genicular Nerve RFA
Registration Number
NCT02947321
Lead Sponsor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Brief Summary

Given the benefits of genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in improving pain and functional status in non-surgical patients with knee osteoarthritis as well as the high prevalence of postoperative pain from total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this study is designed to determine the efficacy of preoperative genicular nerve RFA in improving acute and chronic postoperative pain as well as functional status in patients undergoing TKA. Patients will be randomized to one of two study arms: RFA group (genicular nerve thermal RFA) or control group (RFA needles placed in proper location without effective neurotomy).

Detailed Description

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and effective treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis. As the average age of the population increases in developed countries, the number of TKAs performed is projected to increase to 3.48 million procedures per year by 2030, a 673% increase from 2005. Although TKA is widely accepted as an efficacious form of treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis, the incidence of patient dissatisfaction and postoperative pain cannot be ignored. Genicular nerve RFA has been performed in non-surgical patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis with significant post procedure improvement in pain and functional status. This study is designed to determine the efficacy of preoperative genicular nerve RFA in improving acute and chronic postoperative pain as well as functional status in patients undergoing TKA.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
60
Inclusion Criteria
  • Surgical candidate for total knee arthroplasty secondary to osteoarthritis
  • Radiologic tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-4)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Worst knee pain score on day of evaluation <4/10
  • Already taking opioids >100 mg/day of morphine equivalent dose
  • Infectious etiology (over RFA insertion site or systemic)
  • Workers compensation
  • History of adverse reaction to local anesthetic or contrast
  • History of intraarticular injection in the last 6 weeks with steroids or hyaluronic acids
  • Prior total knee arthroplasty
  • Prior open knee surgery or ligament reconstruction
  • Prior RFA of knee joint
  • Connective tissue diseases affecting the knee
  • Sciatic pain
  • Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe medical disease
  • Serious neurological disorders
  • Serious psychiatric disorders
  • Suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • BMI>50

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
RFA GroupGenicular Nerve RFAA genicular nerve RFA will be performed prior to planned total knee arthroplasty.
Control GroupSham Genicular Nerve RFAA sham genicular nerve RFA will be performed prior to planned total knee arthroplasty.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Comparison of pain score at restOn the day of genicular nerve RFA or sham procedure, preoperatively on the day of surgery, on postoperative day 1 and 2, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52.

Pain score at rest using an 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS)

Comparison of pain score with ambulationOn the day of genicular nerve RFA or sham procedure, preoperatively on the day of surgery, on postoperative day 1 and 2, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52.

Pain score with ambulation using an 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Comparison of PROMIS physical function scoreOn the day of genicular nerve RFA or sham procedure, preoperatively on the day of surgery, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52

Physical function assessment using the PROMIS physical function score

Assessment of pain catastrophizing using Catastrophizing General Chronic Pain (CAT) ScaleDay of genicular RFA or sham procedure
Comparison of quadriceps strengthDay of genicular RFA or sham procedure, and at weeks 2 and 6 postoperatively
Comparison of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Joint Replacement Score (KOOS JR)On the day of genicular nerve RFA or sham procedure, preoperatively on the day of surgery, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52

Outcome assessment using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Joint Replacement Score (KOOS JR)

Comparison of Mobility using Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)Day of genicular RFA or sham procedure, and postoperative day 1

Assessment of mobility using the TUG test

Comparison of PROMIS global health scoreOn the day of genicular nerve RFA or sham procedure, preoperatively on the day of surgery, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52

Global health assessment using the PROMIS global health score

Comparison of 7-point Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)Preoperatively on the day of surgery, and at week 2, 6, 24, and 52

Assessment of the subject's belief about the efficacy of treatment using the PGIC.

Comparison of Total opioid use in morphine equivalentsDay of genicular RFA or sham procedure, day of surgery, post op dy 1 and 2, and at weeks 2,6 postoperatively
Comparison of Depression assessment using Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)Day of genicular RFA or sham procedure and at 6 weeks postoperatively

Screening for depression using the CES-D

Assessment of pain location using Michigan Body MapDay of genicular nerve RFA
Comparison Range of Motion - KneeDay of genicular RFA or sham procedure, and at weeks 2 and 6 postoperatively

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

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