Efficacy of Cooled and Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation of the Geniculate Nerves for the Treatment of Chronic Osteoarthritic Knee Pain

This is a single center randomized controlled trial. Approximately 102 patients will be randomized to one of two treatment groups: cooled radiofrequency or conventional monopolar radiofrequency ablation. Patients with chronic knee pain, with moderate to severe osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale for at least 6 months who have failed conservative therapy will be screened for the study. Then, patients will be enrolled based on reporting ≥50% pain relief after a fluoroscopic guided single diagnostic block of the geniculate nerves (superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial) with 0.5 ml of local anesthetic (2% Lidocaine). Baseline data will be collected for all enrolled patients. Outcomes will be measured at 1, 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks. Outcome measures will be: Visual analogue scale (VAS) both while at rest and during ambulation, Oxford knee scores, WOMAC, and global perceived effect.