{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerves for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Protocol for Patient Selection and Case Series.
{Author}: Reddy RD;McCormick ZL;Marshall B;Mattie R;Walega DR;
{Journal}: Anesth Pain Med
{Volume}: 6
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: Dec 2016
暂无{DOI}: 10.5812/aapm.39696
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA) is common in the aging and the obese population. Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves has been introduced as a potential surgery-sparing treatment for chronic knee pain from OA, yet only two outcome studies have been published and optimal patient selection for this procedure has not been established.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>We describe a standardized protocol for selecting patients for cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) of the genicular nerves, as well as the clinical outcomes of four patients ages 63-65 years.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The threshold for selection based on diagnostic genicular nerve block was ≥ 80% pain reduction. Following successful block, C-RFA of the genicular nerves was performed. Outcomes included pain, function, analgesic medication use, opioid use, and progression to total knee arthroplasty at a minimum of 6 month follow up.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>C-RFA of the genicular nerves after using the described selection protocol resulted in > 90% pain reduction, improved function and avoidance of surgery at 6 months in all four cases. All opioid and analgesic medication use decreased or was unchanged in all cases. No serious adverse events occurred.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The accompanying case series suggests that this protocol is deserving of randomized, prospective study.