Preoperative Genicular Radiofrequency and Functional Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage wear, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint swelling. It is highly prevalent in aging populations and is strongly associated with obesity and previous joint injury. OA affects millions of individuals worldwide, with incidence and prevalence increasing markedly with age and resulting in significant functional disability

The primary therapeutic goals in the management of knee osteoarthritis are pain reduction and improvement of joint mobility.

Total knee arthroplasty is considered one of the most effective surgical interventions for relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, residual pain and limited functional improvement remain the most frequent causes of patient dissatisfaction following TKA

Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) has emerged as an innovative treatment option for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. This technique has been shown to reduce pain and improve function, with clinical benefits often observed as early as one week after treatment. GNRFA consistently provides short-term pain relief (3 to 6 months) and, in some cases, longer-lasting benefits.

The hypothesis tested in this study is whether GNRFA performed at least two weeks preoperatively can reduce postoperative pain and improve postoperative function.