Fluoroscopy guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Refractory Knee Osteoarthritis: Three Months Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for treating refractory knee osteoarthritis. METHODOLOGY: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Peoples Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 on patients suffering from refractive knee osteoarthritis treated by fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (FGGNRA). Eighty-six patients enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. The outcome measures included a reduction in pain scores assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks, though follow-up at six and nine months intervals. Data was collected on a predesigned proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 26, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were treated, with the highest number of patients in the age group of 41-50 years (n=30, 34.9%, Mean. 54.3, Min. 35, Max. 85) having ASA Status-I (n=81, 94.2%). VAS score before the therapeutics block was at an average of 6.6 (±0.8); however, after the procedure, the average score was 2.0 (±0.8). The consequent observation after 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 weeks, six, and nine months showed an average VAS score of 1.9 (±0.8), 1.9 (±0.8), 1.8 (±0.8), 1.8 (±0.8), and 1.9 (±0.9), 2.5 (±0.8) and 2.5 (±0.9) respectively. Major complications after the procedure were numbness (43.0%, n=37), weakness (37.2%, n=32), vascular injury (12.8%, n=11), and paresthesia (7.0%, n=6). CONCLUSION: The FGGNRA technique for refractory knee osteoarthritis can be a promising option for treating knee pain with minor complications and long-term effects.