Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pulsed RF application in the genicular nerve on pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and its side effects. Methods: This study was conducted between February 2018 and June 2018. Patients who were previously administered diagnostic blocks were evaluated a day later; a drop of at least 50% in numeric pain scores was considered a positive response, and these patients were included in the Pulsed RF neurotomy procedures. Radiofrequency (RF) cannula was advanced towards targeted nerves under the guidance of fluoroscopy. RF lesions were created by applying Pulsed RF treatment to the three genicular nerves three times with five minutes intervals at 42 °C using NT1000 RF Generator. Following the Pulsed RF application, 2 mL 0.5% bupivacaine was injected into each genicular nerve as an anesthetic agent. VAS, pain DETECT scores, WOMAC scores were evaluated preoperative baseline and postprocedure weeks 1, 4, and 12. Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score was evaluated postprocedure weeks 12. Results: This study included 20 patients who were administered genicular nerve Pulsed RF. The mean age was 55.2±3.24 years, and F/M ratio was 12/8. Compared to the pre-procedure period, patients' pain and function evaluation, WOMAC and VAS values decreased by approximately 50% at the end of the 12th week. No side effect was observed in any patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Pulsed RF neurotomy of the genicular nerves is an efficient and safe treatment method for patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is one of the most common lesions of the upper extremity. The level of evidence from studies on LET treatment protocols is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on pain, grip strength, and functionality in patients diagnosed with LET. METHODS: Forty-five patients with LET aged 30–55 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: MWM, MET, and control group. The control group received a 4-week home exercise program. In addition to the home exercise program in the MWM group, 12 sessions of MWM and 12 sessions of MET were performed in the MET group. Participants’ pain, grip strength, and functionality were assessed before and after the study. RESULTS: After the treatment period, greater improvement in pain, grip strength, finger strength, and functionality were observed in the MWM and MET groups than in the control group (p< 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was found between the MWM and MET groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that MWM and MET, used in addition to home exercises, can be used to relieve pain and increase grip strength, finger strength, and functionality.
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