GENICULAR NERVE ABLATION IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Severe knee osteoarthritis (OAJ) significantly impacts patient function and quality of life.
• Genicular nerve ablation is an emerging treatment option for managing refractory knee pain.
• Comparing pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and phenol ablation for genicular nerve treatment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of genicular nerve ablation in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (OAJ).
• To compare the outcomes of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) versus phenol ablation for genicular nerve treatment.
• To assess pain reduction and functional improvements at 1 and 3 months post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 35 patients with grade IV knee osteoarthritis.
• Patients underwent genicular nerve ablation using either PRF or phenol.
• Outcomes measured included pain (NRS), function (KOOS, TSL30), and mobility (TUG) at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Both PRF and phenol ablation groups showed significant, comparable improvements in pain and function up to 3 months.
• Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores decreased by an average of 30% in both groups.
• Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance improved, and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (TSL30) performance increased, indicating better function.

Conclusions:

• Genicular nerve ablation, using either PRF or phenol, provides significant and lasting improvements for severe knee osteoarthritis.
• Both ablation techniques demonstrated comparable effectiveness in enhancing pain relief, function, and quality of life.
• This study provides Level I evidence supporting genicular nerve ablation as a viable treatment for severe OAJ.