Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Refractory Knee Pain: Case Series

BACKGROUND: Chronic knee pain (CKP) is common, and one of the treatment options includes the targeting of the genicular nerves with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA of the genicular nerve or genicular nerve ablation (GNA) for CKP, traditionally includes several nerves, the superior lateral, superior medial, and inferior medial. More recently, other nerves, such as the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IFBS), have been investigated. CASE REPORT: Four patients with mostly refractory inferior medial CKP who were all nonresponsive to conservative treatments were evaluated for treatment for GNA. All the patients underwent traditional genicular nerve blocks (superior lateral, superior medial, and inferior medial) under fluoroscopy and failed to obtain relief of > 50%. Subsequently, these 4 patients underwent successful IFBS nerve blocks and RFA. CONCLUSIONS: GNA is a treatment option for patients with CKP. Despite the growing evidence of support for GNA, other targets, such as the IFBS, may be more appropriate to include or target specifically and may be considered based on the location of pain or response to traditional targets.