The Korean Journal of Pain

The Korean Pain Society (대한통증학회)
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Comparison of ultrasound guided pulsed radiofrequency of genicular nerve with local anesthetic and steroid block for management of osteoarthritis knee pain

  • Ghai, Babita (Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) ;
  • Kumar, Muthu (Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) ;
  • Makkar, Jeetinder Kaur (Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) ;
  • Goni, Vijay (Department of Orthopedics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research)
  • Received : 2021.05.18
  • Accepted : 2021.12.07
  • Published : 2022.04.01
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Abstract

Background: To compare ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the genicular nerve with the genicular nerve block using local anesthetic and steroid for management of osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain. Methods: Thirty patients with OA knee were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided PRF of the genicular nerve (PRF group) or nerve block with bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate (local anesthetic steroid [LAS] group). Verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were measured at pre-procedure and 1-, 4-, and 12-weeks post-procedure. Results: VNRS scores decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in both the groups at 12 weeks and other follow up times compared to baseline. Seventy-three percent of patients in the PRF group and 66% in the LAS group achieved effective pain relief (≥ 50% pain reduction) at 12 weeks (P > 0.999). There was also a statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement in WOMAC scores in both groups at all follow up times. However, there was no intergroup difference in VNRS (P = 0.893) and WOMAC scores (P = 0.983). No complications were reported. Conclusions: Both ultrasound-guided PRF of the genicular nerve and blocks of genicular nerve with local anesthetic and a steroid provided comparable pain relief without any complications. However, PRF of the genicular nerve is a procedure that takes much more time and equipment than the genicular nerve block.

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References

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