Long-term effects of pulsed radiofrequency application in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

AimKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most important reason for knee pain in middle- and advanced- aged patients. In the treatment of OA, pulsed radio-frequency (PRF) has been used as an alternative treatment modality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate long-term results of PFR on the clinical and functional states of the patients with knee OA who received intra-articular PFR injections.MethodWe retrospectively scanned the medical files of 7 patients whose knee pain persisted for at least one year but whose pain could not be controlled with various conservative treatment methods between March 2016 and August 2016 and who required intra-articular PFR application. Pain was evaluated using a VAS scale and the function of the knee joint with the WOMAC index. The study data were evaluated as early as the first month and at the sixth month in the long-term.ResultsMean VAS scores of the patients at the time of presentation and at 1 and 6 months after termination of the treatment were 8±0.81, 1.71±0.75, and 1.86±0.69 points, respectively. Mean WOMAC scores before and at 1 and 6 months after termination of the treatment were 69.5±4.92, 41.57±8.05, and 40.86±7.08 points, respectively.ConclusionWe think that PRF can be successfully used in the treatment of knee pain, while decreasing analgesic use and its side effects.

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