Authors' objectives: To assess the safety, effectiveness, cost effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy of genicular nerve in the treatment of osteoarthritis of both knees.

Authors' recommendations: Three full text articles on radiofrequency neurotomy which met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. There was limited retrievable good level of evidence to support the use of radiofrequency neurotomy of genicular nerve in the treatment of OA of the knees. The evidences demonstrated that radiofrequency neurotomy of genicular nerve appeared to be effective in a subset of elderly patient with chronic OA of the knee pain not responding to conservative treatments who had positive response to diagnostic block. There was significant pain reduction, functional improvement and treatment satisfaction observed in these groups of patients compared to the control groups. This procedure also appeared safe. Only minor post-procedure adverse event of prolonged hypoesthesia and subcutaneuous bleeding at insertion site were reported. There was no evidence retrieved on its cost effectiveness.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/190

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment (MaHTAS)