Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve Versus Intra-articular Botox Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis-related Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study

Elsayed Elemam, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Samah Elkenany Gouda, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Abdelrahman Mamdouh Elnaggar, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Ibrahim Abdelbaser, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Ahmed Refaat Abourezk, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptFollow

Corresponding Author

Ahmed Refaat Abourezk

Subject Area

Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is accompanied by considerable pain and impairment. Chronic knee OA pain and functional loss can be effectively managed with this minimally invasive method. Methods Sixty patients with persistent knee OA were evenly allocated in a random manner to receive either bipolar radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve (BRF) or intraarticular Botox injection. Results There was a significant decrease in the visual analog score (VAS) in the BRF group compared with the baseline score at the 4, 12, and 24-week follow-ups; however, the score significantly dropped in the Botox group only at the 4 and 12-week follow-ups (P < 0.001). The median (IQR) visual analog scale (VAS) score was considerably lower in the BRF group 4 [3-4] than in the Botox group 7 [7-8] at 24 weeks, “P < 0.001.” There were no significant changes between the groups in terms of the WOMAC score at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups; however, the score was considerably lower in the BRF group, 20 [19.7-22], than in the Botox group, 39.5 [35-41], after 24 weeks, “P < 0.001.” We did not record the incidence of any procedure-related problems; however, the time needed to complete the bilateral procedure was significantly longer in the BRF group, “P < 0.001.” Conclusions The impact of BRF may persist longer than that of Botox injection but takes more time to conduct, resulting in more pain during and after the treatment.

Recommended Citation

Elemam, Elsayed; Gouda, Samah Elkenany; Elnaggar, Abdelrahman Mamdouh; Abdelbaser, Ibrahim; and Abourezk, Ahmed Refaat (2025) "Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve Versus Intra-articular Botox Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis-related Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 54 : Iss. 3 , Article 8.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1456