MedPath

Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve Versus Physical Therapy for Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis
Interventions
Other: physical therapy
Other: radiofrequency ablation
Registration Number
NCT06173830
Lead Sponsor
Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of conventional physiotherapy methods with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve on pain and functional status in patients with stage 2-3 chronic knee osteoarthritis.

Detailed Description

Patients diagnosed with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, and with radiological osteoarthritis at Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2 and 3, within the age range of 45-70, and meeting the study criteria will be included in the study. After providing information about the procedures to be performed and potential risks to the patients, if they give their written informed consent, treatment methods will be applied to the patients. Eligible patients will be divided into two groups. In one group, Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve under Ultrasound Guidance will be performed, while the other group will receive physical therapy.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
68
Inclusion Criteria
  • VAS ≥ 5
  • To be aged between 45 and 70 years old
  • Patients diagnosed with chronic knee osteoarthritis using the American College of Rheumatology criteria and having radiological osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 and 3
  • Cognitive functions being intact
  • Being willing to participate in the study and signing the consent forms
Exclusion Criteria
  • Having received physical therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritis in the last 6 months
  • Having received glucocorticoid or hyaluronic acid injections in the last 6 months
  • Having taken oral glucosamine
  • Undergoing knee surgery
  • Having current neurological or mental disorders
  • History of pacemaker usage
  • Presence of local infections or sepsis
  • Progressive neurological deficit
  • Presence of oncological diseases
  • Hemorrhagic diathesis or anticoagulation
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or other serious internal comorbidities
  • Allergy to medications or materials used
  • Pregnancy
  • Lack of cooperation
  • Not willing to participate in the study.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
physical therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritisphysical therapyThirty-four patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis meeting the criteria will receive 10 sessions of physical therapy.
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve in chronic knee osteoarthritisradiofrequency ablationA total of 34 patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis meeting the criteria will undergo ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)Before treatment (initial), after 2 weeks and 12 weeks changes

Scale. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is evaluated on a scale ranging from "no pain" to "worst possible pain." The value of 0 (zero) indicates "no pain," while the value of 10 (ten) indicates "the most severe pain imaginable."

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT)Before treatment (initial), after 2 weeks and 12 weeks changes

The 6MWT is an assessment to measure the distance a person is capable of walking on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes. It is a useful test to measure the response of all the bodily systems that a person uses while exercising.

EuroQol scale (EQ-5D-3L)Before treatment (initial), after 2 weeks and 12 weeks changes

Questionnaire. The EuroQol (EQ) scale, developed by the EuroQol Group, is a general tool for measuring overall quality of life. The EQ-5D-3L (3-level version) is a widely used scale for assessing health status. The EQ-5D-3L consists of two main components: the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS).

In the first component, the EQ-5D descriptive system, health status is evaluated in five dimensions: "Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort, Anxiety/Depression." Each dimension has three levels: "1=No problems," "2=Moderate problems," and "3=Severe problems." Combinations derived from these five dimensions create an index score to express individuals' overall health status.

The second component is the visual analog scale (EQ VAS), where the patient self-assesses their health on a vertical visual analog scale with endpoints labeled 'Best imaginable health state=100' and 'Worst imaginable health state=0'.

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)Before treatment (initial), after 2 weeks and 12 weeks changes

Questionnaire. The WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) test is a disease-specific, valid, and reliable measure for osteoarthritis, comprising 24 questions in three subcategories: pain, stiffness, and physical function. Each question is scored using the Likert scale as follows: 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe, 4=very severe. Scores for each section are calculated independently, and the total score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate an increase in pain and stiffness, as well as a deterioration in physical function.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

🇹🇷

Ankara, Bilkent - Çankaya, Turkey

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath