Radiofrequency in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide, particularly in middle-aged and elderly populations. It is characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, and synovial inflammation.

There were many trails to provide pain relief by using systemic opioids or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (with side effects such as peptic ulcer and hepatic, renal impairment) In knee osteoarthritis .these nerves are believed to be sensitised, leading to increased pain signalling . This can result in chronic pain and discomfort in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Radiofrequency targeting these nerves aims to provide pain relief by disrupting the pain signals transmitted through these nerves .

By selectively targeting the articular branches, these interventions can alleviate pain and improve the physical function and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. The positive therapeutic effect of radiofrequency on genicular nerves has been reported in many previous studies . However, little is known about its effects on patients with intractable knee pain.

Inclusion criteria

• American society of anesthesiologist's physical status class I, II- Body mass index (BMI): 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2- Confirmation of knee OA on radiograph- Chronic knee pain ≥ 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

• History of clinically significant cardiac, hepatic, renal or neurological disease- Allergy to study medication- Coagulopathy- Infection at injection site