Abstract No. : ABS3055 : Comparative evaluation of radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerve and genicular nerve block in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common form of chronic arthritis. There is a mixture of degradative and reparative processes in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone, associated with osteophyte formation and low grade inflammation. METHODS: Patients were divided in two groups of 30 each. In group-I (n=30), patients received fluoroscope guided radiofrequency(RF) ablation of genicular nerve using RF electrode to a temperature of 60°C for 120 seconds. In Group-II (n=30), patients received fluoroscope guided genicular nerve block using 9ml drug solution comprising of 8ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 1ml of methylprednisolone (40mg). Pain was assessed using numerical rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: NRS scores were clinically less in group I as compared to group II. There was clinically better patient satisfaction in group I as compared to group II. When Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index was compared in between the two groups, it was statistically comparable at all time intervals throughout the study period (p>0.05 CONCLUSION: Fluoroscope guided radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerve and genicular nerve block with local anaesthetic and steroid are safe and effective techniques for management of symptomatic osteoarthritis of knee. However, fluoroscope guided radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerve is better than fluoroscope guided genicular nerve block in terms of improvement in pain score, physical status and patient satisfaction.