Cooled Radiofrequency vs. Hyaluronic Acid to Manage Knee Pain

Study Purpose

This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter comparison study examining the outcomes of subjects with osteoarthritis and knee pain undergoing a procedure to create a radiofrequency lesion of the genicular nerves with the Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA) system compared to subjects receiving Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Approximately 168 subjects will be enrolled into this study, with subjects undergoing either CRFA or HA injection in a 1:1 randomization scheme. Follow-up will be conducted for 12 months post-CRFA, with the primary endpoint being completed at month 6. Subjects randomized to the comparison (HA) group will have the option to cross-over to the neurotomy group after completing the 6-month endpoint assessment. They will be followed for an additional 6 months. Pain, overall outcome, quality of life, pain medication use, and adverse events will be compared between the two treatment groups to determine success.

Recruitment Criteria

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Healthy volunteers are participants who do not have a disease or condition, or related conditions or symptoms

No
Study Type

An interventional clinical study is where participants are assigned to receive one or more interventions (or no intervention) so that researchers can evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or health-related outcomes.


An observational clinical study is where participants identified as belonging to study groups are assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.


Searching Both is inclusive of interventional and observational studies.

Interventional
Eligible Ages 21 Years and Over
Gender All
More Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA 1. Age ≥ 21 years 2. Able to understand the informed consent form and provide written informed consent and able to complete outcome measures 3. Chronic knee pain for longer than 6 months that interferes with functional activities (for example, ambulation, prolonged standing, etc.) 4. Continued pain in the target knee despite at least 3 months of conservative treatments, including activity modification, home exercise, protective weight bearing, and/or analgesics (for example, acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) 5. Positive response (defined as a decrease in numeric pain scores of at least 50%) to a single genicular nerve block of the index knee 6. Pain on NRS ≥ 6 on an 11-point scale for the index knee 7. Radiologic confirmation of arthritis (x-ray/MRI/CT) of OA grade of 2 (mild), 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe) noted within 6 months for the index knee 8. An intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection is indicated as an appropriate treatment option 9. WOMAC Knee Score group at baseline of Score of ≥ 2 (0 to 4 scale) on WOMAC question 1 (Pain) and a mean score of ≥ 1.5 on all five questions of the WOMAC pain subscale. 10. Analgesics including membrane stabilizers such as Neurontin/gabapentin and antidepressants for pain such as Cymbalta/duloxetine must be clinically stable (defined as stable dosage for ≥ 6 weeks prior to the screening visit) and shall not change during the course of the study without approval of the investigator 11. Agree to see one physician (study physician) for knee pain during the study period 12. Willing to utilize double barrier contraceptive method if of child bearing potential. 13. Willing to delay any surgical intervention for the index knee for the period of the study follow up 14. Willingness to provide informed consent and to comply with the requirements of this protocol for the full duration of the study EXCLUSION CRITERIA 1. Evidence of inflammatory arthritis (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) or other systemic inflammatory condition (for example, gout, fibromyalgia) that could cause knee pain 2. Evidence of neuropathic pain affecting the index knee 3. Previous or pending lower limb amputation 4. Intra-articular steroid injection into the index knee within 90 days from randomization 5. Hyaluronic acid injection, platelet rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, or arthroscopic debridement/lavage injection into the index knee within 180 days from randomization 6. Prior radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves of the index knee 7. Prior partial, resurfacing, or total knee arthroplasty of the index knee (residual hardware) 8. Clinically significant ligamentous laxity of the index knee 9. Clinically significant valgus/varus deformities or evidence of pathology (other than osteoarthritis of knee) that materially affects gait or function of the knee or is the underlying cause of the knee pain and/or functional limitations 10. Body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2 11. Extremely thin patients and those with minimal subcutaneous tissue thickness that would not accommodate a radiofrequency lesion of up to 14 mm in diameter to limit the risk of skin burns 12. Pending or active compensation claim, litigation or disability remuneration (secondary gain) 13. Pregnant, nursing or intent on becoming pregnant during the study period 14. Chronic pain associated with significant psychosocial dysfunction 15. Beck's Depression Index score of > 22 (indicates clinically depressed state) 16. Allergies to any of the medications to be used during the procedures, including known hypersensitivity (allergy) to hyaluronate preparations or allergies to avian or avian-derived products (including eggs, feathers, or poultry) 17. Active joint infection or systemic or localized infection at needle entry sites (subject may be considered for inclusion once infection is resolved) 18. History of uncontrolled coagulopathy, ongoing coagulation treatment that cannot be safely interrupted for procedure, or unexplained or uncontrollable bleeding that is uncorrectable. 19. Identifiable anatomical variability that would materially alter the procedure as described in the protocol 20. Within the preceding 2 years, subject has suffered from active narcotic addiction, substance, or alcohol abuse 21. Current prescribed opioid medications greater than 60 morphine equivalent daily opioid dose 22. Uncontrolled immunosuppression (e.g. AIDS, cancer, diabetes, etc.) 23. Subject currently implanted with pacemaker, stimulator or defibrillator. 24. Participating in another clinical trial/investigation within 30 days prior to signing informed consent 25. Subject unwilling or unable to comply with follow up schedule or protocol requirements

Trial Details

Trial ID:

This trial id was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, providing information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants with locations in all 50 States and in 196 countries.

NCT03381248
Phase

Phase 1: Studies that emphasize safety and how the drug is metabolized and excreted in humans.

Phase 2: Studies that gather preliminary data on effectiveness (whether the drug works in people who have a certain disease or condition) and additional safety data.

Phase 3: Studies that gather more information about safety and effectiveness by studying different populations and different dosages and by using the drug in combination with other drugs.

Phase 4: Studies occurring after FDA has approved a drug for marketing, efficacy, or optimal use.

N/A
Lead Sponsor

The sponsor is the organization or person who oversees the clinical study and is responsible for analyzing the study data.

Avanos Medical
Principal Investigator

The person who is responsible for the scientific and technical direction of the entire clinical study.

Antonia F Chen, MD
Principal Investigator Affiliation Brigham and Women's Hospital
Agency Class

Category of organization(s) involved as sponsor (and collaborator) supporting the trial.

Other
Overall Status Recruiting
Countries United States
Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Additional Details

The COOLIEF™ system components utilized in the study are the same in form and function regardless of specific product branding (COOLIEF* or SInergy*). The COOLIEF™ system is comprised of three primary components (collectively known as 'disposables') and is used in conjunction with the Pain Management generator, pump unit, connector cables (collectively known as 'Hardware') and dispersive electrodes (also known as 'grounding pads'):

  • - Cooled Radiofrequency Sterile Tube Kit (sterile, single use, non-body contact): It is used for closed-loop circulation of sterile water through a Halyard Health* Cooled Radiofrequency Probe.
It includes a burette and tubing.
  • - Cooled Radiofrequency Introducer (sterile, single use): It is to be used with the Probes only.
The Cooled Radiofrequency Introducer provides a path for the Probe to the targeted nervous tissue.
  • - Cooled Radiofrequency Probe (sterile, single use): It is inserted through an Introducer into or near nervous tissue.
The active tip extends 4mm from the introducer and delivers energy. Sterile water circulates internally to cool the Probe while it delivers radiofrequency energy. A thermocouple in the Probe measures the cooled electrode temperature throughout the procedure. The product is comprised of an electrically insulated shaft with an active tip that functions as an electrode for RF energy delivery, a handle, tubes with luer locks and a cable with a 7-pin connector. The Introducer includes an insulated stainless steel cannula and a stylet. The Tube Kit is comprised of a burette and flexible tubing fitted with luer locks for connection to the Probe. The Probe, Introducer, and Tube Kit are ethylene oxide sterilized and supplied sterile. These components can be packaged together in a kit or as separate components. The devices should be stored in a cool, dry environment. The Instructions For Use (IFU) documents (Appendix 1) are included in each kit. Halyard Health maintains a list of all model numbers and sizes for the system components. The control product/device, Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) (HA), is an elastoviscous high molecular weight fluid containing hylan A and hylan B polymers produced from chicken combs. Hylans are derivatives of hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate). Hylan G-F 20 is unique in that the hyaluronan is chemically crosslinked. Hyaluronan is a long-chain polymer containing repeating disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-N-acetylglucosamine. Synvisc-One is a single injection regimen therapy indicated for the treatment of pain in OA of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen. Study Duration:
  • - Overall Study: Estimated 24-30 months - Individual Study Participation: Up to 13 months post-treatment - Treatment Group: Up to 12 months following index procedure - Control Group: Up to 13 months, depending upon receipt of cross-over procedure.
Effectiveness Endpoints: - Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, Usual Level of Pain) - Western Ontario & McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - EQ-5D-5L Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire - Global Perceived Effect Scale

Contact a Trial Team

If you are interested in learning more about this trial, find the trial site nearest to your location and contact the site coordinator via email or phone. We also strongly recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider about the trials that may interest you and refer to our terms of service below.

Lyman Medical Research, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Status

Recruiting

Address

Lyman Medical Research

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83814

Site Contact

Jeffrey Lyman, MD

[email protected]

509-747-5615

Ocshner Baptist Clinical Trials Unit, New Orleans, Louisiana

Status

Recruiting

Address

Ocshner Baptist Clinical Trials Unit

New Orleans, Louisiana, 70115

Site Contact

Maged Guirguis, MD

[email protected]

504-842-5300

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Status

Recruiting

Address

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905

Site Contact

Matthew Pingree, MD

[email protected]

507-284-2511

Clinical Investigations, LLC, Edmond, Oklahoma

Status

Recruiting

Address

Clinical Investigations, LLC

Edmond, Oklahoma, 73013

Site Contact

Douglas Beall, MD

[email protected]

405-601-2325

University Orthopedics Center, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Status

Recruiting

Address

University Orthopedics Center

Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16602

Site Contact

Fred Khalouf, DO

[email protected]

814-942-1166 #4235

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Status

Recruiting

Address

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104

Site Contact

Ignacio Badiola, MD

[email protected]

800-789-7366

University Orthopedics Center, State College, Pennsylvania

Status

Recruiting

Address

University Orthopedics Center

State College, Pennsylvania, 16801

Site Contact

Keith Zora, DO

[email protected]

814-272-3751

Piedmont Comprehensive Pain Management, Anderson, South Carolina

Status

Recruiting

Address

Piedmont Comprehensive Pain Management

Anderson, South Carolina, 29621

Site Contact

Eric Loudermilk, MD

[email protected]

864-558-0008

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Status

Recruiting

Address

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908

Site Contact

Lynn Kohan, MD

[email protected]

814-942-1166

Virginia iSpine Physicians, Richmond, Virginia

Status

Recruiting

Address

Virginia iSpine Physicians

Richmond, Virginia, 23235

Site Contact

Michael DePalma, MD

[email protected]

804-330-2611