Chronic Knee Pain Beyond the Genicular Nerves: The Role of Distal Sensory Branches of the Nerve to Vastus Medialis
This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of adding ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the distal superficial and deep sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis to conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Adult patients aged 45-80 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months despite conservative treatment will be included. Patients will be followed according to routine clinical practice. Two cohorts will be evaluated: patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency alone and patients treated with conventional genicular nerve radiofrequency plus pulsed radiofrequency of the distal sensory branches of the nerve to vastus medialis. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional status will be evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Assessments will be performed before the procedure, at 1 month, and at 3 months after treatment. Adverse events recorded in patient files will also be evaluated.
• Age between 45 and 80 years Clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV knee osteoarthritis Chronic knee pain lasting at least 3 months Insufficient response to conservative treatments such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, or exercise programs Baseline Visual Analog Scale pain score ≥5 No coagulation disorder or active infection that would contraindicate the procedure Written informed consent provided by the participant