Examining the feasibility of radiofrequency treatment for chronic knee pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

Recently, investigators began using radiofrequency to manage knee osteoarthritis pain in patients at high risk who cannot undergo surgical intervention. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the use of radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves to alleviate chronic knee pain after total knee replacement. A single case is presented here in which genicular nerve ablation successfully improved pain and restored function. We believe that these preliminary results could be used in the development of future prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the use of radiofrequency ablation to treat persistent knee pain after total knee replacement.