Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve is a minimally invasive treatment for knee pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee that can significantly reduce pain, especially in adults over 50 years of age, according to new research to be presented at the Scientific Meeting Annual of the Society of Interventional Radiology in Phoenix . This is the first time that a study has examined patient demographics, prior surgical history, and other clinical characteristics that may predict the level of pain reduction after treatment.
"We know that this treatment has clear benefits in reducing pain and improving patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living," said Kaitlin Carrato, MD, chief resident in interventional radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. "But now that we know it is particularly useful for people over 50, it may mean that people with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, would benefit more from this treatment than patients suffering from acute pain, such as an injury." .
Interventional radiologists perform image-guided radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve to place probe needles next to nerves in the knee that can send pain signals to the brain. The probes generate radio waves, creating a ball of heat to mitigate or destroy pain nerve endings. These nerves do not control muscles or affect balance, making the procedure safe. Plus, patients leave with Band-Aids, not stitches. Treatment has been shown in other studies to last approximately six months to two years.
The study examined pain reduction in 36 patients using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Pain Scale (WOMAC). The researchers evaluated whether levels of pain reduction were influenced by demographic and clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index, history of previous surgery, and history of fibromyalgia.
Before treatment, patients had a mean baseline VAS of 8.58 and a mean baseline WOMAC of 66.6. After treatment, all study participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain. The mean VAS of 8.58 decreased to 5.02, while the mean WOMAC score decreased from 66.6 to 41. The greatest increase in function and decrease in pain were recorded in patients aged 50 years or older compared to the youngest participants.
“About one in four adults in the U.S. has knee pain,” said John B. Smirniotopoulos, MD, interventional radiologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. “This treatment can offer many of these people the opportunity to enjoy daily activities and regain a better quality of life by reducing the pain they experience daily.”
Researchers are currently conducting long-term studies on this treatment that delve into what other factors might predict how well the treatment will work. The same treatment is also performed with the shoulder, hip, and sacroiliac joints, where the spine connects to the pelvis.
