- Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
- Vol: 50 Issue: 1
- Results of genicular nerve ablation by radiofrequency in osteoarthritis-related chronic refractory k...
Results of genicular nerve ablation by radiofrequency in osteoarthritis-related chronic refractory knee pain
Authors : Zafer Yasin Konya, Suna Akın Takmaz, Hülya Başar, Bülent Baltaci, Gülçin Babaoğlu
Pages : 86-95
Doi:10.3906/sag-1906-91
View : 13 | Download : 2
Publication Date : 9999-12-31
Article Type : Makaleler
Abstract :Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the medium- to long-term effects of radiofrequency RF ablation of genicular nerves for chronic refractory knee pain due to osteoarthritis OA .Materials and methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent RF ablation of the genicular nerves were evaluated retrospectively. The visual analogue scale VAS score, Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index WOMAC index , opioid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug NSAID use score, quality of life score, and treatment satisfaction score were examined at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure.Results: The mean VAS scores were significantly lower at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month evaluations compared with the preoperative values P < 0.001 . A significant decrease was observed in the WOMAC index compared with preoperative values P < 0.001 . It was found that 66.7% of opioid users and 56.3% of NSAID users stopped using medication. No serious complications were encountered during or after the procedure. Conclusion: In chronic refractory knee pain due to OA, the application of RF ablation to the genicular nerve is an effective and safe treatment option in the medium to long term.Keywords : Knee osteoarthritis, pain, genicular nerves, radiofrequency ablation