ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the application of Radiofrequency (RF) treatment of sensory nerves supplying to the shoulder, knee, and hip joint. Radiofrequency (RF) lesioning is a minimally invasive method of pain relief. Based on the temperature generated at the needle tip, delivery of energy in pulses and the size of the lesion, it is further divided into conventional radiofrequency (CRF), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA). RF of sensory branches of the knee joint can be an alternative treatment modality for the patients who are not surgical candidates to undergo knee replacement and patients with persistent chronic pain following knee replacement. Anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy guidance is used to advance the RF needles to meet the bony end points. Choi et al. evaluated the effect of traditional RFA in a randomised, double-blinded and sham-controlled trial. Ikeuchi et al. and Vas et al. applied PRF neurotomy for genicular nerves.
