Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided Acupotomy in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Published on: April 26, 2024
Ultrasound-guided thermal radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves after total knee replacement
Pablo Froidefond1, Valerio Nasso2, Edgar Petitgenet3
1iULS - institut universitaire locomoteur et sport, hôpital Pasteur 2, université Côte d'Azur, 30, voie Romaine, 06001 Nice cedex 1, France; Clinique universitaire du sport, hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, CHU Purpan, 1, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
Abstract:
The rate of refractory chronic pain after total knee replacement (TKR) is 20-25%, with no identifiable etiology in 6% of cases. Without an etiologic diagnosis, the surgeon is unlikely to consider revision, but pain poses a therapeutic challenge for achieving satisfaction and an acceptable quality of life. Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) was recently developed as a non-drug analgesic option. It is minimally invasive and safe, with few adverse effects, opening a new perspective for management of refractory chronic pain after TKR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
