Recruiting

Nerve treatment versus physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain

Plain-English translation of NCT06094660 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2023 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial tests whether two types of nerve ablation—a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or chemical injection to reduce pain signals from nerves around the knee—works better than conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication for people with severe knee osteoarthritis pain. You'll be randomly assigned to receive either radiofrequency ablation, chemical neurolysis with phenol, or conservative treatment over six months, and researchers will track how much your pain improves and how well your knee functions.

Many people with severe knee osteoarthritis aren't ready for knee replacement surgery, but conservative treatments alone don't always relieve their pain. This study fills a gap by comparing nerve ablation—a less invasive option—to standard care to see if it can bridge that gap for patients waiting for surgery or unable to have it.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are over 35 years old and not a candidate for knee replacement surgery due to your age, health conditions, or other reasons
you have confirmed osteoarthritis in your knee on X-ray or MRI
you have had moderate to severe knee pain (rated 6 or higher on a 0–10 pain scale) for at least 3 months despite trying conservative treatments
your knee function is limited (Oxford Knee Score below 30 on a 48-point scale)
you are willing to try either the nerve procedure or conservative treatment and complete 6 months of follow-up

You likely don't qualify if…

you have already had nerve ablation, knee replacement, or knee surgery with hardware left in place
you have had recent trauma or nerve/blood vessel injury to your legs
you currently have a neurostimulator implanted or are on uncontrolled immune-suppressing medications
you have had steroid or other joint injections in your knee within the past 90 days
you have an allergy to lidocaine, phenol, or contrast dye used during the procedures

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups: radiofrequency nerve ablation, chemical nerve ablation with phenol, or conservative treatment (physical therapy, pain medication, and education). The procedure groups will receive their treatment as an outpatient visit, while the conservative group will continue with standard care. All participants will be monitored for six months with follow-up visits and pain/function assessments to measure how well the treatment works.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Netherlands

Dijklander Ziekenhuis, Hoorn, North Holland

Bravis Ziekenhuis, Roosendaal