Knee OsteoarthritisNCT07703293
Nerve to Vastus Medialis Branches in Chronic Knee Pain
An observational study of Knee Osteoarthritis and Chronic Knee Pain, run by Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of adding ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis to conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Chronic Knee Pain
- What is being tested?
- Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency and Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 20 May 2026to 1 Sep 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 45 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population will consist of adult patients aged 45 to 80 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months despite conservative treatment. Eligible patients will be those who are evaluated in the Algology Clinic and undergo ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment, with or without additional pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis, as part of routine clinical practice. Patients will be included after providing written informed consent and will be followed for pain and functional outcomes at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.
Who may be able to join
- Age between 45 and 80 years Clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV knee osteoarthritis Chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months Insufficient response to conservative treatments such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, or exercise programs Baseline Visual Analog Scale pain score ≥5 No coagulation disorder or active infection that would contraindicate the procedure Written informed consent provided by the participant
Who cannot join
- Knee pain primarily caused by conditions other than osteoarthritis, including inflammatory arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor-related causes, or infectious causes Previous total knee arthroplasty or knee prosthesis surgery in the affected knee Radiofrequency or neurolytic procedure around the affected knee within the last 6 months Severe knee instability, advanced deformity, or history of acute trauma Active infection, skin lesion, or ulceration at the procedure site Uncontrolled systemic disease such as advanced heart failure or uncontrolled diabetes Bleeding diathesis or inability to discontinue anticoagulant therapy for an appropriate duration Pregnancy or lactation Cognitive impairment, inability to cooperate, or inability to comply with follow-up visits
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ayse Betul Acar
Ankara, 06500
AYSE BETUL ACAR, 05326685180, betulbozann@gmail.com
AYSE BETUL ACAR, betulbozann@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Chronic Knee Pain Beyond the Genicular Nerves: The Role of Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of adding ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis to conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis.
Adult patients aged 45-80 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months despite conservative treatment will be included. Patients will be followed according to routine clinical practice. Two cohorts will be evaluated: patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency alone and patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency plus pulsed radiofrequency of the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis.
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional status will be evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Assessments will be performed before the procedure, at 1 month, and at 3 months after treatment. Adverse events recorded in patient files will also be evaluated.
Read the detailed description
Chronic knee pain related to knee osteoarthritis is mediated by a complex sensory innervation network. Although genicular nerves are commonly targeted in radiofrequency procedures for knee osteoarthritis pain, recent anatomical and ultrasound-based studies suggest that additional sensory branches may contribute to medial knee joint pain. The distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis have been described as contributors to the sensory innervation of the medial knee joint capsule.
In routine clinical practice, patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis may undergo ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves. In some patients, pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis may also be added. This study will compare clinical outcomes between these two routinely treated cohorts.
The study will include adult patients aged 45-80 years with knee osteoarthritis confirmed clinically and radiologically, Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV, chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months, and insufficient response to conservative treatments. The primary outcome will be the change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale from baseline to follow-up. Functional outcomes will be assessed using the WOMAC score. Evaluations will be performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. Safety outcomes will include procedure-related adverse events such as hematoma, infection, increased neuropathic pain, or transient motor impairment.
No additional intervention will be performed for research purposes, and treatment allocation will not be determined by the investigators.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Chronic Knee Pain
- Being tested
- Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency, Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
- Keywords
- Genicular nerve, Nervus vastus medialis, Chronic knee pain
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conventional Genicular Nerve RadiofrequencyProcedure or surgery
Also called Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation
Ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves will be performed as part of routine clinical practice in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Pain and functional outcomes will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and WOMAC scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.
Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus MedialisProcedure or surgery
Also called Genicular nerve RF plus nerve to vastus medialis PRF
Ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves will be combined with pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis. This combined approach will be performed as part of routine clinical practice in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Pain intensity and functional status will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and WOMAC scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency | Patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis who received ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves as part of routine clinical practice. Receives: Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency | |
| Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerves Vastus Medialis | Patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis who received ultrasound-guided conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment plus pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nervus vastus medialis as part of routine clinical practice. Receives: Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency; Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Visual Analog Scale Pain Score
Change in knee pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale. The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe pain.
Measured: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in WOMAC Score
Change in knee osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness, and physical function assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Higher scores indicate worse symptoms and functional impairment.
Measured: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2026
- Study start20 May 2026
- Primary completion20 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Knee OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Damla Yürük, Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703293
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Geniculer RF&VM PRF
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Saena S, Sukhonthamarn K, Kosuwon W, Apinyankul R, Witayakom W. Anatomical presentation of the nerve to vastus medialis within the adductor canal and femoral nerve branch insertions into thigh muscles: a cadaveric study. Surg Radiol Anat. 2025 Oct 31;47(1):250. doi: 10.1007/s00276-025-03763-0.
PubMed 41174247Orduna-Valls J, Ferreira-Silva N, Acevedo C, Cunat T, Araujo-Cernuda R, Vallejo R, Ribeiro-da-Silva T, Pena I, Ferreira-Dos-Santos G. The nerve to vastus medialis as a target for treating chronic medial knee joint pain: an ultrasound-based anatomical localization study in healthy subjects. Pain Med. 2026 Feb 1;27(2):170-176. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaf111.
PubMed 40828883
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Chronic Knee Pain Beyond the Genicular Nerves: The Role of Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07703293
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Geniculer RF&VM PRF
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Chronic Knee Pain
- Keywords
- Genicular nerve, Nervus vastus medialis, Chronic knee pain
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Diskapi Teaching and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of adding ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis to conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis.
Adult patients aged 45-80 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months despite conservative treatment will be included. Patients will be followed according to routine clinical practice. Two cohorts will be evaluated: patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency alone and patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency plus pulsed radiofrequency of the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis.
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional status will be evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Assessments will be performed before the procedure, at 1 month, and at 3 months after treatment. Adverse events recorded in patient files will also be evaluated.
Detailed description
Chronic knee pain related to knee osteoarthritis is mediated by a complex sensory innervation network. Although genicular nerves are commonly targeted in radiofrequency procedures for knee osteoarthritis pain, recent anatomical and ultrasound-based studies suggest that additional sensory branches may contribute to medial knee joint pain. The distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis have been described as contributors to the sensory innervation of the medial knee joint capsule.
In routine clinical practice, patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis may undergo ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves. In some patients, pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis may also be added. This study will compare clinical outcomes between these two routinely treated cohorts.
The study will include adult patients aged 45-80 years with knee osteoarthritis confirmed clinically and radiologically, Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV, chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months, and insufficient response to conservative treatments. The primary outcome will be the change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale from baseline to follow-up. Functional outcomes will be assessed using the WOMAC score. Evaluations will be performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. Safety outcomes will include procedure-related adverse events such as hematoma, infection, increased neuropathic pain, or transient motor impairment.
No additional intervention will be performed for research purposes, and treatment allocation will not be determined by the investigators.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency | – | Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve RadiofrequencyPatients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis who received ultrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves as part of routine clinical practice. |
| Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerves Vastus Medialis | – | Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency, Procedure: Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus MedialisPatients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis who received ultrasound-guided conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment plus pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nervus vastus medialis as part of routine clinical practice. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population will consist of adult patients aged 45 to 80 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months despite conservative treatment. Eligible patients will be those who are evaluated in the Algology Clinic and undergo ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment, with or without additional pulsed radiofrequency treatment targeting the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis, as part of routine clinical practice. Patients will be included after providing written informed consent and will be followed for pain and functional outcomes at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure.
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age between 45 and 80 years Clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV knee osteoarthritis Chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months Insufficient response to conservative treatments such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, or exercise programs Baseline Visual Analog Scale pain score ≥5 No coagulation disorder or active infection that would contraindicate the procedure Written informed consent provided by the participant
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Knee pain primarily caused by conditions other than osteoarthritis, including inflammatory arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor-related causes, or infectious causes Previous total knee arthroplasty or knee prosthesis surgery in the affected knee Radiofrequency or neurolytic procedure around the affected knee within the last 6 months Severe knee instability, advanced deformity, or history of acute trauma Active infection, skin lesion, or ulceration at the procedure site Uncontrolled systemic disease such as advanced heart failure or uncontrolled diabetes Bleeding diathesis or inability to discontinue anticoagulant therapy for an appropriate duration Pregnancy or lactation Cognitive impairment, inability to cooperate, or inability to comply with follow-up visits
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Genicular Nerve RadiofrequencyAlso: Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablationUltrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves will be performed as part of routine clinical practice in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Pain and functional outcomes will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and WOMAC scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency, Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerves Vastus Medialis |
| Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus MedialisAlso: Genicular nerve RF plus nerve to vastus medialis PRFUltrasound-guided conventional radiofrequency treatment targeting the genicular nerves will be combined with pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis. This combined approach will be performed as part of routine clinical practice in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Pain intensity and functional status will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and WOMAC scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Plus Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerves Vastus Medialis |
Primary outcome
Change in Visual Analog Scale Pain Score
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure
Change in knee pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale. The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe pain.
1 secondary outcome
Change in WOMAC Score
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 41174247Saena S, Sukhonthamarn K, Kosuwon W, Apinyankul R, Witayakom W. Anatomical presentation of the nerve to vastus medialis within the adductor canal and femoral nerve branch insertions into thigh muscles: a cadaveric study. Surg Radiol Anat. 2025 Oct 31;47(1):250. doi: 10.1007/s00276-025-03763-0.
- Results publication: PubMed 40828883Orduna-Valls J, Ferreira-Silva N, Acevedo C, Cunat T, Araujo-Cernuda R, Vallejo R, Ribeiro-da-Silva T, Pena I, Ferreira-Dos-Santos G. The nerve to vastus medialis as a target for treating chronic medial knee joint pain: an ultrasound-based anatomical localization study in healthy subjects. Pain Med. 2026 Feb 1;27(2):170-176. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaf111.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Knee Osteoarthritis and Chronic Knee Pain, run by Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Visual Analog Scale Pain Score (time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure). 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 NCT07703293, which also lists 2 linked publications.
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 14 Jul 2026.