Background: Multiple modalities are existing for pain management in knee osteoarthritis cases. This study was conducted to compare between the efficacy of genicular nerves radiofrequency ablation versus intraarticular steroid injection in pain management in knee osteoarthritis.
Patients and methods: A total of 58 cases with knee osteoarthritis were included and they were divided into 2 equal groups; RF group who underwent radiofrequency for the genicular nerves, and IA group who underwent intraarticular steroid injection. Follow up visits were scheduled after 1week, 2 weeks, 1,2, 3, and 6 months. Both visual analogue score and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed in each visit. Furthermore, patient satisfaction was also recorded.
Results: Patient characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both VAS and total WOMAC scores were improved in both groups. However, the RF showed better scores at 2-, 3-, and 6- month visits. Satisfaction grade did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusion: Both genicular nerve RF and intraarticular steroid injection are safe and efficacious in pain management in knee osteoarthritis cases. Nevertheless, the effect is more prolonged after RF.