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Osteoarthritis of the KneeNCT03381248

Cooled Radiofrequency vs. Hyaluronic Acid to Manage Knee Pain

A study testing Cooled Radiofrequency, Hyaluronic Acid Injection and Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled Radiofrequency in people with Osteoarthritis of the Knee, run by Avanos Medical at 10 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter comparison study examining the outcomes of subjects with osteoarthritis and knee pain undergoing a procedure to create a radiofrequency lesion of the genicular nerves with the Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA) system compared to subjects receiving Hyaluronic Acid… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 21 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
What is being tested?
Cooled Radiofrequency, Hyaluronic Acid Injection and Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled Radiofrequency
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
177 participants
Where
10 sitesUnited States
Study dates
7 Dec 2017to 20 Jul 2020
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 21 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 21 years
  • Able to understand the informed consent form and provide written informed consent and able to complete outcome measures
  • Chronic knee pain for longer than 6 months that interferes with functional activities (for example, ambulation, prolonged standing, etc.)
  • Continued pain in the target knee despite at least 3 months of conservative treatments, including activity modification, home exercise, protective weight bearing, and/or analgesics (for example, acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs])
  • Positive response (defined as a decrease in numeric pain scores of at least 50%) to a single genicular nerve block of the index knee
  • Pain on NRS ≥ 6 on an 11-point scale for the index knee
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  • Radiologic confirmation of arthritis (x-ray/MRI/CT) of Osteoarthritis (OA) grade of 2 (mild), 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe) noted within 6 months for the index knee
  • An intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection is indicated as an appropriate treatment option
  • WOMAC Knee Score group at baseline of Score of ≥ 2 (0 to 4 scale) on WOMAC question 1 (Pain) and a mean score of ≥ 1.5 on all five questions of the WOMAC pain subscale.
  • Analgesics including membrane stabilizers such as Neurontin/gabapentin and antidepressants for pain such as Cymbalta/duloxetine must be clinically stable (defined as stable dosage for ≥ 6 weeks prior to the screening visit) and shall not change during the course of the study without approval of the investigator
  • Agree to see one physician (study physician) for knee pain during the study period
  • Willing to utilize double barrier contraceptive method if of child bearing potential.
  • Willing to delay any surgical intervention for the index knee for the period of the study follow up
  • Willingness to provide informed consent and to comply with the requirements of this protocol for the full duration of the study

Who cannot join

  • Evidence of inflammatory arthritis (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) or other systemic inflammatory condition (for example, gout, fibromyalgia) that could cause knee pain
  • Evidence of neuropathic pain affecting the index knee
  • Previous or pending lower limb amputation
  • Intra-articular steroid injection into the index knee within 90 days from randomization
  • Hyaluronic acid injection, platelet rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, or arthroscopic debridement/lavage injection into the index knee within 180 days from randomization
  • Prior radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves of the index knee
Show all 25Show fewer
  • Prior partial, resurfacing, or total knee arthroplasty of the index knee (residual hardware)
  • Clinically significant ligamentous laxity of the index knee
  • Clinically significant valgus/varus deformities or evidence of pathology (other than osteoarthritis of knee) that materially affects gait or function of the knee or is the underlying cause of the knee pain and/or functional limitations
  • Body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2
  • Extremely thin patients and those with minimal subcutaneous tissue thickness that would not accommodate a radiofrequency lesion of up to 14 mm in diameter to limit the risk of skin burns
  • Pending or active compensation claim, litigation or disability remuneration (secondary gain)
  • Pregnant, nursing or intent on becoming pregnant during the study period
  • Chronic pain associated with significant psychosocial dysfunction
  • Beck's Depression Index score of > 22 (indicates clinically depressed state)
  • Allergies to any of the medications to be used during the procedures, including known hypersensitivity (allergy) to hyaluronate preparations or allergies to avian or avian-derived products (including eggs, feathers, or poultry)
  • Active joint infection or systemic or localized infection at needle entry sites (subject may be considered for inclusion once infection is resolved)
  • History of uncontrolled coagulopathy, ongoing coagulation treatment that cannot be safely interrupted for procedure, or unexplained or uncontrollable bleeding that is uncorrectable.
  • Identifiable anatomical variability that would materially alter the procedure as described in the protocol
  • Within the preceding 2 years, subject has suffered from active narcotic addiction, substance, or alcohol abuse
  • Current prescribed opioid medications greater than 60 morphine equivalent daily opioid dose
  • Uncontrolled immunosuppression (e.g. AIDS, cancer, diabetes, etc.)
  • Subject currently implanted with pacemaker, stimulator or defibrillator.
  • Participating in another clinical trial/investigation within 30 days prior to signing informed consent
  • Subject unwilling or unable to comply with follow up schedule or protocol requirements

Trial locations and contacts

10 sites in 1 country.

10 sites in 1 country

United States10 sites
  • University Orthopedics Center

    Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16602

  • Piedmont Comprehensive Pain Management

    Anderson, South Carolina, 29621

  • University of Virginia

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908

  • Lyman Medical Research

    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83814

  • Clinical Investigations, LLC

    Edmond, Oklahoma, 73013

  • Ocshner Baptist Clinical Trials Unit

    New Orleans, Louisiana, 70115

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104

  • Virginia iSpine Physicians

    Richmond, Virginia, 23235

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905

  • University Orthopedics Center

    State College, Pennsylvania, 16801

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Prospective, Multi-center, Randomized, Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of Using COOLIEF™ Cooled Radiofrequency Probe to Create Lesions of the Genicular Nerves and Comparing a Single Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in the Management of Knee Pain

This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter comparison study examining the outcomes of subjects with osteoarthritis and knee pain undergoing a procedure to create a radiofrequency lesion of the genicular nerves with the Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA) system compared to subjects receiving Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Approximately 168 subjects will be enrolled into this study, with subjects undergoing either CRFA or HA injection in a 1:1 randomization scheme. Follow-up will be conducted for 12 months post-CRFA, with the primary endpoint being completed at month 6. Subjects randomized to the comparison (HA) group will have the option to cross-over to the neurotomy group after completing the 6-month endpoint assessment. They will be followed for an additional 6 months. Pain, overall outcome, quality of life, pain medication use, and adverse events will be compared between the two treatment groups to determine success. Subjects who were randomized to and received COOLIEF* as their initial treatment will have the option to add 2 additional visits at 6-month intervals, representing 18 and 24 months post initial treatment.

Read the detailed description

The COOLIEF™ system components utilized in the study are the same in form and function regardless of specific product branding (COOLIEF* or SInergy*). The COOLIEF™ system is comprised of three primary components (collectively known as 'disposables') and is used in conjunction with the Pain Management generator, pump unit, connector cables (collectively known as 'Hardware') and dispersive electrodes (also known as 'grounding pads'):

  • Cooled Radiofrequency Sterile Tube Kit (sterile, single use, non-body contact): It is used for closed-loop circulation of sterile water through a Halyard Health* Cooled Radiofrequency Probe. It includes a burette and tubing.
  • Cooled Radiofrequency Introducer (sterile, single use): It is to be used with the Probes only. The Cooled Radiofrequency Introducer provides a path for the Probe to the targeted nervous tissue.
  • Cooled Radiofrequency Probe (sterile, single use): It is inserted through an Introducer into or near nervous tissue. The active tip extends 4mm from the introducer and delivers energy. Sterile water circulates internally to cool the Probe while it delivers radiofrequency energy. A thermocouple in the Probe measures the cooled electrode temperature throughout the procedure.

The product is comprised of an electrically insulated shaft with an active tip that functions as an electrode for radiofrequency energy delivery, a handle, tubes with luer locks and a cable with a 7-pin connector. The Introducer includes an insulated stainless steel cannula and a stylet. The Tube Kit is comprised of a burette and flexible tubing fitted with luer locks for connection to the Probe. The Probe, Introducer, and Tube Kit are ethylene oxide sterilized and supplied sterile. These components can be packaged together in a kit or as separate components. The devices should be stored in a cool, dry environment. The Instructions For Use (IFU) documents (Appendix 1) are included in each kit.

Halyard Health maintains a list of all model numbers and sizes for the system components.

The control product/device, Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) (HA), is an elastoviscous high molecular weight fluid containing hylan A and hylan B polymers produced from chicken combs. Hylans are derivatives of hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate). Hylan G-F 20 is unique in that the hyaluronan is chemically crosslinked. Hyaluronan is a long-chain polymer containing repeating disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-N-acetylglucosamine.

Synvisc-One is a single injection regimen therapy indicated for the treatment of pain in Osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.

Following treatment, subjects in the CRF treatment group will follow up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. These subjects will then have the option to return for two additional visits at 18 and 24 months. Subjects initially randomized to the comparison (HA) group will follow up at 1, 3, and 6 months, and then be given the option to receive crossover CRF treatment. If crossover CRF treatment was received, subjects will return for follow up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. If crossover treatment was not received, subjects will return for their final 12 month visit.

Study Duration:

  • Treatment Group: Up to 24 months following index procedure
  • Control Group: Up to 13 months, depending upon receipt of cross-over procedure.

Effectiveness Endpoints:

  • Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, Usual Level of Pain)
  • Western Ontario \& McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
  • EQ-5D-5L Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire
  • Global Perceived Effect Scale
Being tested
Cooled Radiofrequency, Hyaluronic Acid Injection, Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled Radiofrequency
Keywords
randomized clinical trial, osteoarthritis, radiofrequency ablation, knee, genicular, cross-over, viscosupplementation
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Knee, Osteoarthritis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Cooled RadiofrequencyDevice

    Also called Coolief

    Delivery of energy to ablate sensory nerves via cooled radiofrequency probe.

  • Hyaluronic Acid InjectionOther

    Also called Viscosupplementation

    Delivery of hyaluronic acid into knee by injection with needle to reduce knee pain.

  • Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled RadiofrequencyOther

    Also called Viscosupplementation, Cooled Radiofrequency

    Delivery of hyaluronic acid into knee by injection with needle to reduce knee pain. After 6 months, qualifying subjects in this group will have the option to crossover to receive cooled radiofrequency treatment.

Study groups in NCT03381248
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Cooled RadiofrequencyExperimentalCooled radiofrequency energy will be delivered to study subjects' knees to ablate culprit sensory nerves and reduce knee pain. Subjects in this group will be followed for 12 months post-procedure.
Receives: Device: Cooled Radiofrequency
Hyaluronic Acid, then Cooled RadiofrequencyActive comparatorHyaluronic acid injections will be administered to study subjects' knees to reduce knee pain. Subjects in this group will have the option to crossover to receive cooled radiofrequency after 6-months. Crossover subjects will be followed for an additional 6 months post-procedure. Non-crossover subjects will continue to be followed until the 12-month timepoint.
Receives: Other: Hyaluronic Acid Injection; Other: Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled Radiofrequency

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

    The proportion of subjects whose knee pain is reduced by ≥ 50% based on the NRS. The NRS is an 11-point scale (0 points to 10 points), where 0 points equals "no pain" and 10 points equals the "worst pain". There are no sub-scales.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 month study visit

  2. Safety: The Proportion of Subjects Experiencing Adverse Events Through Final Follow up.

    Safety: The proportion of subjects experiencing adverse events through final follow up.

    Measured: Baseline to 12 month study visit

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Numeric Rating Scale

    The proportion of subjects whose knee pain is reduced from baseline by ≥ 50% based on the NRS. The NRS is an 11-point scale (0 points to 10 points), where 0 points equals "no pain" and 10 points equals the "worst pain". There are no sub-scales.

    Measured: Baseline (or date of crossover for Crossover group subjects) to 12 month study visit

  2. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

    The change in WOMAC score from baseline to 6 months. This outcome instrument is composed of three sub-scales, including "Pain" (5 questions), "Stiffness" (2 questions), and "Physical Function" (17 questions). The point range for each sub-scale question is from 0 to 4, with "0" indicating the best study subject condition and "4" indicating the worst study subject condition. Thus, the minimum score per sub-scale is 0, and the maximum is 20, 8, and 68 for "Pain", Stiffness", and "Physical Function", respectively. The minimum and maximum possible scores for the entire instrument are 0 (best study subject condition) and 96 (worst study subject condition).

    Measured: Baseline to 6 month study visit

  3. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

    The change in WOMAC score from baseline to 12 months. This outcome instrument is composed of three sub-scales, including "Pain" (5 questions), "Stiffness" (2 questions), and "Physical Function" (17 questions). The point range for each sub-scale question is from 0 to 4, with "0" indicating the best study subject condition and "4" indicating the worst study subject condition. Thus, the minimum score per sub-scale is 0, and the maximum is 20, 8, and 68 for "Pain", Stiffness", and "Physical Function", respectively. The minimum and maximum possible scores for the entire instrument are 0 (best study subject condition) and 96 (worst study subject condition).

    Measured: Baseline (or date of crossover for Crossover group subjects) to 12 month study visit

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Dec 2017
  2. Study start7 Dec 2017
  3. Primary completion8 Feb 2019
  4. Study completion20 Jul 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
177 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03381248
Sponsor's protocol ID
105-17-0001
Status last verified
Sep 2023
First submitted
18 Dec 2017
Last updated
10 Oct 2023
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes

Publications

  • Chen AF, Khalouf F, Zora K, DePalma M, Kohan L, Guirguis M, Beall D, Loudermilk E, Pingree MJ, Badiola I, Lyman J. Cooled radiofrequency ablation provides extended clinical utility in the management of knee osteoarthritis: 12-month results from a prospective, multi-center, randomized, cross-over trial comparing cooled radiofrequency ablation to a single hyaluronic acid injection. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 9;21(1):363. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03380-5.

    PubMed 32517739

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Cooled Radiofrequency, Hyaluronic Acid Injection and Crossover from Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Cooled Radiofrequency in people with Osteoarthritis of the Knee, run by Avanos Medical at 10 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 14 inclusion and 25 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Oct 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 10 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 22 May 2020). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) (time frame: Baseline to 6 month study visit). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03381248, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Oct 2023.

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