Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Pulsed Radiofrequency

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Osteoarthritis of Knee

• Registration Number: NCT06894147
• Lead Sponsor: Ankara City Hospital Bilkent

Brief Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of two treatments-genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation and pulsed radiofrequency-in reducing pain and improving function in osteoarthritis patients. These techniques, used after diagnostic nerve blocks, aim to provide long-lasting pain relief. Despite both being found effective, no clear consensus exists on which method is superior. The study seeks to compare these techniques and contribute new insights to the existing literature.

Detailed Description

Chronic knee pain, especially in osteoarthritis patients, is a common condition that significantly affects mobility and quality of life. In individuals over the age of 60, the incidence is 9.6% in men and 18% in women. In patients with osteoarthritis, weight loss and appropriate exercises are recommended as the primary treatments. This is followed by medical therapy, injection treatments, and, if necessary, total knee arthroplasty. However, for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, total knee arthroplasty is avoided due to the high surgical risk. In recent years, genicular nerve diagnostic block and radiofrequency ablation have been shown to reduce pain and improve function in these patients . Radiofrequency ablation works by blocking the transmission of sensory nerves, thereby improving function.

The innervation of the knee joint originates from the femoral nerve's articular branches, the common peroneal, saphenous, tibial, and obturator nerves. These articular branches are known as the genicular nerves, which are superficial and can be easily accessed using both fluoroscopy and ultrasound.

In osteoarthritis patients, superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerve blocks are applied. After the diagnostic block, some clinics apply radiofrequency thermocoagulation to the genicular nerve branches for a lasting effect, while others use pulsed radiofrequency. Both techniques have been found to be effective, but there is no data in the literature regarding which technique is superior. The aim of this study is to determine which of the two techniques is more effective and share the findings with the literature.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-04
• Study Start: 2024-04-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-24
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-25
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-30
• Study Completion: 2025-05-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• patients over the age of 18
• osteoarthritis
• Grade 2-4 gonarthrosis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification
• Pain 6-10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with chronic knee pain due to another pathology (e.g., meniscopathy, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis) History of previous knee surgery History of intra-articular injection in the last 3 months Coagulopathy, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications Infection Severe psychiatric disorders Patients with a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator Renal or hepatic failure

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Numeric rating scale (NRS) ,	Baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months.	The numeric rating scale (NRS) is a pain screening tool, commonly used to assess pain severity at that moment in time using a 0-10 scale, with zero meaning "no pain" and 10 meaning "the worst pain imaginable

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index	Baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months.	The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) is widely used in the evaluation of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 24 items divided into 3 subscales: Pain (5 items): during walking, using stairs, in bed, sitting or lying, and standing upright.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital; 🇹🇷 Ankara, Cankaya, Turkey