• Pain Med · Feb 2022

    Observational Study

    Functional outcomes and physical performance of knee osteoarthritis patients after ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation.

    • Yi-Wei Chang, I-Shiang Tzeng, Kun-Chang Lee, and Ming-Chang Kao.
    • Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
    • Pain Med. 2022 Feb 1; 23 (2): 352-361.

    ObjectiveTo elucidate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation in alleviating pain as well as its effects on functional outcomes, quality of life and physical performance in knee osteoarthritis patients.DesignProspective observational study.SettingPatients were recruited within one community hospital.SubjectsPatients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThe subjects underwent ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves after showing a positive response to a diagnostic block. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at 2 and 12 weeks posttreatments using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and a physical performance evaluation including balance tests, quadriceps muscle strength test, two-minute walking test and knee joint proprioception test.ResultsThirteen out of 38 patients were eligible for genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation. There were significant improvements from baseline to posttreatment in the numeric rating scale score, physical health domain score of SF-36, and pain and stiffness domain scores of the WOMAC. Regarding physical performance, the step test result significantly improved over the 12 weeks of follow-up. On the other hand, no significant deteriorations in the single leg stance test, isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength test, knee joint proprioception test or two-minute walking test results were observed after radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves.ConclusionsRadiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves may significantly alleviate pain and improve functional outcomes in knee osteoarthritis patients. More importantly, static balance control and quadriceps muscle strength were preserved and there was a change of proprioception in the good direction.© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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