Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of chronic knee joint pain syndrome: analysis using the VAS scale

Abstract

Introduction. Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and a leading cause of chronic pain syndrome, significantly impairing patients’ functional status and quality of life. When conservative treatment is insufficiently effective, a promising minimally invasive method is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the genicular nerves, which provides long-term pain reduction. At the same time, the effectiveness of RFA combined with a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients of different ages and sexes requires further investigation.

Aim of the study – to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation combined with a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of chronic knee joint pain by analyzing the dynamics of pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Materials and methods. A retrospective-prospective study was conducted involving 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis (29 women, 58.0%; 21 men, 42.0%; mean age 61.9±8.7 years). All patients underwent genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation followed by multidisciplinary rehabilitation support (pharmacological therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, load control, and monitoring). Pain was assessed using the VAS before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Student’s t-test, and Fisher’s test at p < 0.05.

Results. The study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity at all follow-up stages: VAS decreased from 8.29±1.02 to 5.22±0.98 after 1 month, 4.16±0.94 after 3 months, and 3.37±0.89 after 6 months, corresponding to a 59.4% reduction. The greatest effect was observed in the first month after RFA, with a sustained positive trend thereafter. Better outcomes were observed in women aged 70–75 years (from 8.26 to 2.92 points) and in men aged 65–69 years (from 7.08 to 2.03 points). Patients with an initial VAS <8 were more likely to achieve near-complete pain relief. No complications were recorded.

Conclusions. Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation combined with a multidisciplinary approach is a highly effective and safe method for treating chronic pain syndrome in knee osteoarthritis. The method provides statistically significant and long-lasting pain reduction, improves patients’ functional status, and may be recommended as an effective component of comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for patients with knee osteoarthritis.