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Medial and Lateral Burns With Concomitant Infection After Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report
Mark P Pressler1, Priyanka Singla1,2, Yasmin Sritapan1,2
1University of Virginia Department of Anesthesiology, Charlottesville, VA.
Pain Medicine Case Reports
|July 1, 2025
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for knee osteoarthritis can cause skin burns, even with proper technique. Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial to prevent complications like infection after genicular nerve RFA.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers an alternative for knee osteoarthritis patients unresponsive to conservative treatments.
- While generally safe, RFA carries a risk of complications, including skin burns.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male with a history of cardiovascular disease and smoking developed medial and lateral skin lesions post-RFA.
- The lesions presented as full-thickness burns with drainage and infection.
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant pain reduction after genicular nerve RFA.
- Complications included full-thickness skin burns and infection at both medial and lateral ablation sites.
Implications:
- Patient risk factors (low BMI, smoking, vascular disease) and needle depth may contribute to RFA complications.
- Optimizing patient selection and ensuring correct needle depth are vital for minimizing risks associated with genicular nerve RFA.
