Phenol Neurolysis Versus Local Anesthetic Plus Steroid Genicular Nerve Block in Knee Osteoarthritis
Key facts
- Who runs it
- Salim Sencar
- Where
- Türkiye1 site in 1 countryChoose a country to see its sites
- Trial code
- Status
- Completed
- People taking part
- 42 people enrolled
- Started
- 1 May 2025
- Ended
- 1 May 2026
- Type of study
- Observational, 2 groups
- Treatments tested
- Phenol Injection
- Bupivacaine + Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection
- Record updated
- 18 August 2026
Who can take part
- Age
- 40 years and older
- Sex
- Women and men
- Healthy volunteers
- Cannot take part
The registry criteria, word for word
Show all 13 criteriaShow less
Who can take part
- Age ≥ 40 years
- Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3-4) confirmed by radiographic evaluation
- Moderate to severe knee pain for at least 3 months (VAS ≥ 4)
- Inadequate response to conservative treatments (e.g., medications, physical therapy, exercise)
- Ability to provide informed consent
Who cannot take part
- Intra-articular injection (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, PRP, etc.) within the last 6 months
- Severe coagulopathy or current use of anticoagulant therapy contraindicating injection
- History of knee surgery (e.g., total knee arthroplasty) on the affected side
- Local skin infection at the injection site
- Known allergy or contraindication to phenol, bupivacaine, or triamcinolone acetonide
- Severe uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g., advanced cardiac, hepatic, or renal failure)
- Secondary arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, trauma-related arthritis)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
This trial has no sites in United States.
It has sites in one country. Choose a country to see its sites.
About the trial
What the trial wants to find out
This study aims to evaluate two different ultrasound-guided procedures for patients with knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) who did not benefit from conservative treatments. The first method is genicular nerve neurolysis with phenol, a chemical agent that blocks nerve signals and may reduce pain for a longer period. The second method is a genicular nerve block with local anesthetic (bupivacaine) and corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide), which is commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Read full original descriptionShow less
A total of 42 patients are followed prospectively. Pain intensity is measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes are assessed with the WOMAC Index and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Joint range of motion, need for pain medications, and possible side effects are also monitored.
The results will help to compare the effectiveness and safety of phenol neurolysis and triamcinolone acetonide-local anesthetic nerve block, and may guide future treatment choices for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The 2 groups in the trial
- Phenol Neurolysis
Patients in this group receive ultrasound-guided genicular nerve neurolysis. Using a 22G, 50 mm needle under ultrasound guidance, injections are performed at the superomedial, superolateral, and inferomedial genicular nerves. At each site, 2 mL of 6% phenol is injected to achieve chemical neurolysis and long-term pain relief.
Treatment: Phenol Injection
- Local Anesthetic + Triamcinolone Acetonide Block
Patients in this group receive ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block. At the same three target nerves (superomedial, superolateral, inferomedial), 2 mL of a mixture containing 0.25% bupivacaine and 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide is injected at each site. This combination provides nerve blockade with additional anti-inflammatory effect from the corticosteroid.
Treatment: Bupivacaine + Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection
Data and sources
- Registry record
- Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Official title
- Comparison of Phenol Neurolysis and Local Anesthetic Plus Steroid Genicular Nerve Block Under Ultrasound Guidance in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Effects on Pain, Function, and Safety
- Record updated
- 18 August 2026