Cooled versus conventional radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves for chronic knee pain: 12-month and cost-effectiveness results from the multicenter COCOGEN trial
Authors' conclusion
Both RF treatments demonstrated in approximately 22% of patients a ≥50% pain reduction at 12 months. In patients with PPSP, contrary to OA, cooled RF seems to be more effective than conventional RF. Additionally, cooled RF has in patients with PPSP, as opposed to OA, greater effectiveness at lower costs compared with conventional RF.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA) or persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) after total knee arthroplasty41 completed 12-month follow-up
- Participants
- 49 patients
- Comparison
- Cooled vs conventional radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the genicular nerves
- Primary endpoint
- Incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), trial-based economic evaluation, societal perspective
- Follow-up
- Up to 12 months
Methodological detailsdouble-blinded, non-inferiority, pilot, multicentre, 1:1 randomisation, trial-based economic evaluation
- Double-blinded
- Non-inferiority
- Pilot
- Multicentre
- 1:1 randomisation
- Trial-based economic evaluation
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Cost-effectiveness (incremental costs per QALY)
- Cooled RF resulted in lower costs and improved quality-adjusted life year (QALYs) vs conventional RF in PPSP but not in OA
Further findings
≥50% pain reduction · up to 12 months
P > 0.05
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Mean absolute NRS, PPSP (subgroup) · up to 12 monthsStatistically significant difference | P = 0.02 |
- ≥50% pain reduction: 4/18 vs 5/22
Other outcomes (functionality, quality of life, emotional health, medication use)
- Differences not statistically significant
Safety
- No serious adverse events
Original publication
Cooled versus conventional radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves for chronic knee pain: 12-month and cost-effectiveness results from the multicenter COCOGEN trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 21 February 2024. doi:10.
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