Study Comparing Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Steroid Injections for Chronic Knee Pain Randomized Trial Measuring Knee Movement and Pain Relief Over 90 Days

What this Trial Is About

This trial evaluates treatments for chronic knee pain by comparing standard steroid injections with peripheral nerve stimulation PNS therapy combined with either steroid or placebo injections. The goal is to assess how these therapies affect knee range of motion and pain over time. The study is a prospective, randomized pilot study conducted by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Participants receive one of three treatments a single standard steroid injection directly into the knee joint using triamcinolone and bupivacaine PNS therapy plus one standard steroid injection or PNS therapy plus one placebo injection. PNS therapy involves implanting a small wire near the nerve causing pain, connected to an external device delivering electrical pulses for 60 days to block pain signals. During the study, participants knee range of motion is measured at 30, 60, and 90 days using goniometry. Pain levels, opioid use, and any complications or adverse effects are also monitored at these times. Safety is closely tracked with adverse events graded by standard criteria throughout the study, which concludes by 2027. Participant involvement includes receiving assigned treatments and attending follow-up assessments to measure outcomes and safety.

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