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Comparison of Denervation Techniques for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Continuous Ablative Radiofrequency Vs. Chemical Denervation with Absolute Alcohol

NCT06858228 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 288

Last updated 2025-03-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized clinical trial compares two minimally invasive treatments for knee osteoarthritis pain that has not responded to conventional therapies. The study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of continuous ablative radiofrequency, which uses heat energy to disrupt pain signals, and chemical denervation with absolute alcohol, which involves an injection to reduce pain transmission. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the treatments, and their pain levels, mobility, and quality of life will be monitored over time to determine which method provides better pain relief.

Conditions

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Continuous Ablative Radiofrequency

Continuous ablative radiofrequency is a minimally invasive neuroablative procedure that targets the sensory genicular nerves to manage pain in knee osteoarthritis. Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency probe is inserted percutaneously near the target nerves. The procedure delivers continuous thermal energy at 80°C for 120 seconds, creating a controlled lesion that disrupts pain signal transmission. This technique is distinct from pulsed radiofrequency, as it aims for permanent nerve ablation rather than neuromodulation. The expected outcome is prolonged pain relief and improved function in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis refractory to conservative treatments.

DRUG

Chemical Denervation with Absolute Alcohol

Chemical denervation with absolute alcohol is a minimally invasive neurolytic procedure targeting the sensory genicular nerves to manage chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. Under ultrasound guidance, a percutaneous injection of absolute alcohol 66% is administered near the targeted nerves. The neurolytic effect of alcohol induces axonal degeneration and Wallerian degeneration, leading to prolonged disruption of pain signal transmission. This intervention differs from radiofrequency ablation as it achieves chemical neurolysis rather than thermal ablation, with potential for a distinct duration of analgesia and varying nerve regeneration patterns. The expected outcome is long-lasting pain relief and improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis who have not responded to conservative treatments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Federal University of São Paulo

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-04-30
Primary Completion
2026-09-30
Completion
2026-12-31

Countries

  • Brazil

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06858228 on ClinicalTrials.gov