120 Genicular Nerve Radio-Frequency Ablation in The Treatment of Anterior Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of The Knee Joint: Systematic Review

Abstract

Anterior knee pain is one of the main symptoms in osteoarthritis, resulting from the rich sensory innervation of its capsule. Pain control can be difficult to achieve, with non-responders to conservative and medical therapy often requiring a total knee replacement. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel technique that could be beneficial in managing anterior knee pain by targeting the genicular nerves around the knee; however, its routine use is not included in current guidelines. A literature search identified fifty-two results, which underwent screening using a study protocol and the final literature sources, of varying levels of evidence, underwent critical appraisal and analysis. The primary outcome included the significant improvement of pain scores from baseline, against their respective control treatments. The ten studies included in the final analysis consisted of seven comparative studies and three non-comparative studies. Literature showed significant improvement in their mean pain scores, all meeting the primary outcome measure. Most studies also showed significant improvement from the control treatments used. Current literature shows evidence that genicular nerve RFA is an effective and safe treatment modality in the management of anterior knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis. However, the literature available is limited and further comparative studies are required.