Intra-Articular hyaluronic acid injection versus RF ablation of genicular nerve for knee osteoarthritis pain: A randomized, open-label, clinical study

Abstract

Background: Chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases of advanced age. Available therapies have insufficient evidence and adverse effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection reduces knee pain in certain patients only for short duration. Radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of genicular nerve branches has been tried recently. Comparison of these two modalities is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare pain relief and daily activities by visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores between intra-articular HA injection and RF neurotomy of genicular nerves. Materials and Methods: Patients were treated with intra-articular HA injection and RF neurotomy of genicular nerves 12 in each group (n = 12). Pain relief and day-to-day activity were compared. Results: There was statistically significant difference and lower VAS and WOMAC scores in the RF group compared to HA group after treatment. Conclusion: As compared to intra-articular HA injection, RF neurotomy of genicular nerves appears to be a promising and more effective therapeutic procedure for patients with chronic knee OA.

Keywords

• Genicular nerve
• knee pain
• radiofrequency