Radiofrequency Ablation for Osteoarthritis Post-Knee Replacement
(GRATKA Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the trial is for those whose pain is not relieved by conventional treatments like medication, you might be able to continue them. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation for knee pain after knee replacement?
Research shows that genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation is effective in reducing chronic knee pain related to osteoarthritis, especially when other treatments have failed. It has been successfully used to alleviate pain after total knee replacement, providing relief for patients who experience persistent pain.12345
Is genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation safe for humans?
How is the treatment Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation different from other treatments for knee pain after replacement surgery?
What is the purpose of this trial?
Currently, nearly 1 million total knee arthroplasties (TKA) are performed yearly in the United States. Three million are projected to be performed in 2040. Between 15-30% of all patients who undergo TKA have continued pain, reduced quality of life and functional impairments that cannot be attributed to hardware failure/loosening or infection. Treatment options for persistent post TKA pain (failed TKA) are limited. There is a need for minimally invasive, and effective pain and disability modulating interventions for patients with failed TKA. Genicular radiofrequency ablation (GRFA) has been described, refined, and validated as an effective minimally invasive intervention to control refractory knee pain secondary to knee osteoarthritis (OA) as evidenced by three favorable meta-analyses published in 2021 alone.3-5 GRFA is a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure that utilizes thermal energy to coagulate nerves from the knee. Though sometimes used in practice, there is limited research describing and evaluating GRFA for patients with failed TKA. This will be the first trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GRFA in patients with failed TKA using a robust study design and up-to-date, evidence-based selection criteria and technique.
Research Team
Ashley Smith, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Calgary
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals who had knee replacement surgery at least a year ago and still experience significant pain (more than 4/10) despite treatments like physiotherapy or medication. They must have had major pain relief from a specific diagnostic nerve block. Exclusions include uncontrolled bleeding disorders, pregnancy, severe psychiatric conditions, pacemakers, certain allergies, and other specific medical issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either thermal or sham genicular radiofrequency ablation (GRFA) for knee pain management
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post-GRFA
Crossover
Participants in the sham group are offered crossover to receive the active GRFA treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation
- Sham Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation
Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
- Failed total knee arthroplasty
- Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
- Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Calgary
Lead Sponsor