Radiofrequency Ablation in the Pain Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation on Genicular Nerve, Intraarticular Pulsed Radiofrequency With Steroid Injection in the Pain Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of radio frequency thermo-coagulation on the genicular nerve (RFTGN) and intra-articular pulsed radio frequency (IAPRF) for Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) to improve physical activity , range of joint movement , pain intensity and quality of life.

After obtaining the consent from patients and being informed about the study and potential risks , all patients were randomly assigned to the RFTGN, IAPRF, and intraarticular steroid injection (IAS) groups. All procedures were performed under the guidance of C-arm X-ray machine. The observation indicators of this study were the numeric rating scale (NRS), Oxford knee scale (OKS), and perceived global effect (GPE). The time points for the assessment were 1-week, 1-month, 3-months, 6-months and 9-months after the treatment.

• Inclusion Criteria:

  1. patients diagnosed with KOA based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria
  2. age 18-70 years
  3. grade 2 or 3 KOA based on the Kellgren-Lawrence classification
  4. patients who did not respond to conservative treatment (physiotherapy, oral NSAIDs, and/or intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid) for 3 months
  5. duration of knee pain ≥ 3 months
  6. numeric rating scale (NRS) ≥ 5 points within 24 h prior to admission.

• Exclusion Criteria:

  1. grade 1 or 4 KOA based on the Kellgren-Lawrence classification
  2. severe liver, kidney, cardiovascular, and respiratory disease
  3. abnormal blood coagulation
  4. skin infections in the puncture region
  5. patients who previously underwent knee arthroscopy, TKA, RFTGN, or IAPRF
  6. mental disorders or inability to complete the follow-up observational form
  7. patients with bilateral knee pain.