Project Title: The safety and efficacy of genicular radiofrequency ablation for patients with persistent knee pain following total knee arthroplasty
Study Investigators: Dr. Robert Burnham, Dr. Ashley Smith, Dr. Taylor Burnham, and Dr. David Hart
Research Host Institutions: Vivo Cura Health (Calgary, Alberta), the CAPRI clinic (Lacombe, Alberta), and the University of Calgary.
Background: Unfortunately, 15-30% of people receiving total knee joint arthroplasty (TKA) continue to experience knee pain, reduced quality of life and functional impairment and have few available treatment options. Genicular radiofrequency ablation (GRFA) has been described, refined, and validated as an effective minimally invasive intervention to treat refractory knee osteoarthritis. It has not been thoroughly examined in people following TKA.
Purpose of Study: To determine the safety and efficacy of GRFA in patients with failed TKA.
Eligibility Criteria:
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> 50 years old
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1+ years since total knee replacement
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At least 4/10 average knee pain intensity
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No response to conventional treatment
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Successful response to ‘freezing’ of the nerves around the knee
Participation Details: Participants will be enrolled in active or sham GRFA. Possible risks include bruising, swelling, as well as more uncommon complications such as infection, skin burns, and lower leg weakness, or numbness. Participants will be required to complete a series of questionnaires to evaluate pain, disability, function, and quality of life. These will be repeated again 6-months later. Participants will be followed for 12-months.
Confidentiality Protocols: All information collected about participants will be kept under strict confidentiality.
Recruitment start and end dates:
May 2022 - June 2024
Contact Information:
Jennifer Laxshimalla, BSc. Clinical Research Coordinator Vivo Cura Health
(403) 265-3838 ext. 2100
research@vivocura.ca.