Radiofrequency denervation or nonoperative treatment for osteoarthritic knee pain: what is more effective?

Background. Knee arthritis and associated chronic pain is a very common problem. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerves in knee arthritis managament was introduced recently but rigorous studies are lacking.Objective. To compare the effi acy of RFA of genicular nerves and nonoperative treatment in patients with symptomatic knee arthritis.Methods. Th s prospective controlled study included 65 patients with symptomatic knee arthritis and associated knee pain. Thermal RFA of genicular nerves was used in 31 patients under the fluoroscopy guidance (RFA group); complex outpatient conservative treatment was performed in 34 patients (CT group). We compared Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, functional state of knee joint according to WOMAC scale, Global Perceived Effect of treatment, complications throughout 6 months.Results. 6 months after treatment, the pain intensity was signifi antly lower in the RFA group compared to the CT group: 3 [2; 4] vs. 5 [5; 6], respectively (p