Continuous Radiofrequency in Hip Osteoarthritis Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Conventional Radiofrequency (CRF group): Radiofrequency will be performed with a 22-gauge CRF cannula, 10/15 cm long, 10mm curved active tip, at 90º for 90 seconds, introduced in the anteroposterior and lateromedial directions, to reach the teardrop landmark. Denervation of the articular branches of the Obturator Nerve will be performed in 2 cycles, starting lateral to the lateral edge of the obturator foramen, followed by a point approximately 1cm lateral to the first point. Next, the cannula will be repositioned in a more cranial location, parallel to the superolateral edge of the acetabular dome, to reach the sensory branches of the Femoral Nerve, performing 3 cycles at the 01, 12, and 11 o'clock positions. All lesions will be preceded by motor stimulation at 2,5V and cycles will be followed by the infusion of 2ml of 1% ropivacaine. After concluding the procedure, hip intraarticular infiltration will be performed as described for the control group.

Intraarticular Infiltration ( Control group): For the control group (IA), an epidural anesthesia needle (22G spinal needle) will be used, positioned anteroposteriorly towards the central portion of the femoral neck, which will be introduced until transfixion of the anterior hip capsule through tactile sensitivity. After checking the correct positioning with the use of fluoroscopy and infusion of 3 ml of 50% diluted iodinated contrast, an infusion of 4 ml of 1% Ropivacaine and 80mg of methylprednisolone 40mg/ml will be done.

Study summary

This will be a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized study designed to compare the efficacy of the intraarticular injection of a corticosteroid and the Conventional Radiofrequency (CRF) of the anterior sensory branches to the hip in controlling pain and improving function related to hip osteoarthritis.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Quality of Life (WOMAC) — Baseline to 24 weeks ± 1 week.
  The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) is a self-administered health status measure and consists of 24 items divided into three domains, which are pain (5 questions), stiffness (2 questions), and physical function (17 questions), validated to patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, available in a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 96 points.This questionnaire is translated and validated in portuguese.

Trial sites (1)

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