Approximately 20-30% of patients experience persistent pain after a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This study investigates whether percutaneous cryoneurolysis of genicular nerves can reduce pain and improve physical function when performed at least 24 hours before surgery. Participants will be randomized to receive either the cryoneurolysis procedure + TKA or TKA only. Results will be tracked for 6 months to see if the intervention improves long-term recovery and quality of life.
Adults ≥18 years undergoing primary TKA for osteoarthritis.
Cognitively normal and able to self-assess pain and function.
Provide written informed consent.
Cancer-related knee pain.
Neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions interfering with assessment.
Chronic opioid users.
Parallel
CT-guided Cryoneurolysis of the Genicular Nerves
Procedure/SurgeryPercutaneous CT-guided cryoneurolysis using up to three cryoprobes (-20°C to -100°C) for temporary sensory nerve interruption.
Change in pain severity
Change in pain severity (Brief Pain Inventory-BPI) - Baseline to 1 month postoperatively. The BPI typically assesses two primary domains using a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale: Pain Intensity: Patients rate their pain at its "worst," "least," and "average" over the last 24 hours, as well as their pain "right now." 0 = No Pain 10 = Pain as bad as you can imagine Pain Interference: Patients rate how much their pain interferes with seven daily activities (General Activity, Mood, Walking Ability, Normal Work, Relations with others, Sleep, and Enjoyment of Life). 0 = Does not interfere 10 = Completely interferes Because higher numbers represent more intense pain and more significant disruption to life, a reduction in score over time is the goal of most clinical treatments.
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score
The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score is a 42-item questionnaire designed to assess short-term and long-term consequences of knee injury. It covers five subscales: Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sport/Rec, and QOL. Each subscale is transformed to a 0 to 100 scale. Unlike pain-only scales, higher scores mean a better outcome, with 100 representing a perfectly functional knee and 0 representing extreme knee problems.
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index is the "gold standard" for evaluating patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. It measures 24 items divided into pain, stiffness, and physical function. Using a Likert scale (0-4 per item), the total score ranges from 0 to 96. For the WOMAC, higher scores mean a worse outcome, reflecting increased pain and significant physical disability.
The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) Classification System
The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) Classification System is a tool used by clinicians to standardize the reporting of complications in interventional radiology. It ranks adverse events from Grade 1 to Grade 6. A Grade 1 signifies a minor issue with no therapy required, while a Grade 6 indicates patient death. Therefore, higher scores mean a worse outcome, representing a higher severity of medical complications.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
