A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in elderly patients. The randomized controlled trial involved 120 patients over 50 years old suffering from chronic knee pain for more than six months. Participants were treated with either RFA or knee nerve blocks. Pain outcomes were measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RFA targeted specific genicular nerve branches, with procedures performed at 70ºC for 120 seconds.
The results showed significant improvements in NRS pain scores, WOMAC pain, and physical function in the RFA group compared to the control group, with benefits sustained over six months. Patients in the RFA group also required fewer analgesic medications. However, WOMAC stiffness scores did not differ between groups, and the severity of arthritis was negatively correlated with treatment outcomes. Overall, ultrasound-guided RFA was found to be a safe, minimally invasive, and effective procedure for reducing pain and improving function in elderly patients with moderate to severe KOA.
Reference: Ma Y, Chen YS, Liu B, et al. Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Osteoarthritis Knee Pain in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Physician. 2024 Mar;27(3):121-128. PMID: 38506679.
