Is saphenous nerve radio frequency an effective treatment for advanced gonarthrosis in elders with cardiac comorbidity?

BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) used for knee pain originating from osteoarthritis is one of these methods.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knee functional status and pain palliation following the application of pulse radiofrequency in patients with cardiac comorbid disease who were diagnosed with advanced stage osteoarthritis.

METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with high surgical risk having cardiac comorbidities with grade 3-4 gonarthrosis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification were retrospectively analyzed. PRF was applied to the saphenous nerve of each patient. Visual Analog Scale for knee pain evaluation both at rest and on movement and the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale for function evaluation were used. The patient status was evaluated before the procedure and at the first and sixth months after the procedure.

RESULTS: The mean age was 68.8 years (range, 53-82 years). Both the rest and movement post-procedural Visual Analog Scale scores at first and sixth months were significantly lower than pre-procedural values (p< 0.001). A statistically significant improvement was also determined when pre- and one and six months post-procedural Lysholm scores were compared (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: PRF is a safe and function sparing minimally invasive pain palliation method for knee osteoarthritis in elders with cardiac comorbidity.