Comparative Study of CT and Fluoroscopic Guided Genicular Nerve Ablation in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, characterized by progressive cartilage loss, inflammation, and pain. Despite various treatment options such as intra-articular corticosteroids, viscosupplementation, and PRP injections, many patients experience inadequate relief or adverse effects. Genicular nerve ablation has emerged as a promising minimally invasive technique to alleviate chronic knee pain by interrupting pain transmission from the genicular nerves to the central nervous system.

Rationale:

The rationale for comparing CT-guided and fluoroscopic-guided genicular nerve ablation lies in optimizing treatment outcomes while ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. CT-guided procedures offer unparalleled precision in nerve localization, potentially enhancing the accuracy of nerve ablation and improving clinical outcomes. However, this method involves higher radiation exposure compared to fluoroscopic guidance, which utilizes real-time imaging with lower radiation doses. Understanding which approach provides superior pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction is crucial for optimizing treatment protocols and guiding clinical practice.

Objectives:

Primary Objective:

• Evaluate the efficacy of CT-guided and fluoroscopic-guided genicular nerve ablation in reducing knee pain, as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), at 3 months post-procedure.

Secondary Objectives:

• Evaluate changes in knee function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), a validated scoring system specifically designed for osteoarthritis.
• Monitor and document any procedure-related adverse events to compare the safety profiles of both techniques.
• Evaluate patient satisfaction using the structured Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ)

Study Design:

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at evaluating the comparative effectiveness of CT-guided versus fluoroscopic-guided genicular nerve ablation. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups. Given the specific nature of the interventions, it may not be possible to blind participants or operators; however, to minimize potential bias, outcome assessors will be blinded to the treatment assignments.

Participants:

• Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 45-80 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis refractory to conservative treatment, characterized by persistent knee pain despite medication and physical therapy.
• Exclusion Criteria: Patients with contraindications to genicular nerve ablation procedures (e.g., allergy to local anesthetics, active infection at the procedure site), or recent knee surgery within the last six months.

Interventions:

• CT-guided Genicular Nerve Ablation: Patients will undergo CT-guided genicular nerve ablation, involving meticulous planning of needle placement under CT imaging to accurately target the genicular nerves responsible for knee pain. Ablation parameters will be standardized to ensure consistency across procedures.
• Fluoroscopic-guided Genicular Nerve Ablation: Patients assigned to this group will undergo genicular nerve ablation under fluoroscopic guidance, utilizing real-time X-ray imaging to guide needle placement and confirm adequate nerve coverage before ablation.

Outcomes:

• Primary Outcome: Reduction in knee pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) at 3 months post-procedure.
• Secondary Outcomes
• Improvement in knee function measured by changes in WOMAC scores over the follow-up period.
• Incidence and nature of any procedure-related adverse events
• Patient-reported outcomes regarding satisfaction, using the structured PSQ

Follow-Up:

Participants will be closely monitored post-procedure with scheduled follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. These visits will include clinical assessments, pain evaluations, functional tests, and documentation of any adverse events.

Conclusion:

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the comparative effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction of CT-guided versus fluoroscopic-guided genicular nerve ablation in the management of knee osteoarthritis. By rigorously evaluating these techniques, the findings will inform clinical decision-making, optimize treatment strategies, and pave the way for future research aimed at enhancing outcomes for patients suffering from chronic knee pain.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 45 to 80 years.
• Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.
• Knee osteoarthritis refractory to conservative treatment.
• Able to provide informed consent.
• Agree to follow the study procedures and attend follow-up visits.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior knee surgery within the last six months.
• Contraindications to genicular nerve ablation (e.g., certain types of infections, bleeding disorders).
• Severe comorbid conditions that may interfere with the study outcomes (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, other severe autoimmune diseases).
• Current participation in another clinical trial that could interfere with the outcomes of this study.
• Allergy or sensitivity to the materials used in the ablation procedures.