Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation in elderly patient with advance knee degeneration: a successful report in Terengganu

• Main Authors: Mohd Faeiz, Pauzi, Siti Norazlina, Juhari, Erham, Mat Hassan
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RD Surgery
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1780/1/FH03-FP-20-44135.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1780/2/FH03-FP-20-43632.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1780/

Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) has been increasingly used in elderly patients with chronic knee pain who failed other medical or surgical intervention. Here we reported a case of elderly patient who received a GNRFA with excellent pain relief and functional outcome of quality of life. A 72-year-old male diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis since 10 years ago presented with recurrent bilateral knee pain. Orthopaedic recommended pain management and activity modification and was selected as a candidate for total knee replacement. However patient not keen for surgery. The first GNRFA was performed on March 2019 which provided 10 months of complete pain relief. Second GNRFA was performed on January 2020 which provided immediate 80% pain relief. Patient stopped taking NSAIDS since the first ablation and did not have any sensory or motor deficit related to the radiofrequency ablation. He also satisfied with the quality of life and returned to normal routine activities. This case illustrated that genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation offer a valuable treatment option for population who not keen for surgery or candidate with high cardiac risk who not suitable for surgery. Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation provide effective analgesia and free oral medication and this is one modality to achieve for opioid free.