Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of Genicular Nerves Versus Conventional Therapy With Intra-articular Steroid Injection for Chronic Knee Pain: A Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study

Primary Objectives:

• To compare the mean change in knee range of motion using goniometry from at 30 days (visit 2) from baseline among the three treatment arms.

Secondary Objectives:

• To compare the mean change in knee range of motion using goniometry at 60 days (visit 3) and 90 days (visit 4) from baseline among the three treatment arms.
• To compare changes in knee pain scores (NRS), WOMAC index, use of opioids (measured in morphine milliequivalent), and incidence of complications and adverse effects at 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days from baseline among the three treatment arms

Inclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with chronic knee pain (baseline pain score >=4), seen at Pain Management Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center; if patient has bilateral knee pain, the side with the more severe knee pain will be treated first and counted towards the primary and secondary endpoints
• Patients between ages 18-85 years old
• Patient signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with cognitive dysfunction or without capacity to consent
• Patient with recent history (<6 months) of drug or alcohol abuse
• Patients with open skin lesion or undergoing antibiotic therapy for local for systemic infection
• Patients with allergies to local anesthesia, steroids, or adhesives
• Patients who are on opioids for reasons other than knee pain