title: Effects of intra-articular application of pulsed radiofrequency on pain, functioning and quality of life in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The number of studies and evidences is inadequate especially with regard to the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application in non-spinal indications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRF on pain, functioning and quality of life in patients with advanced knee OA.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 21 patients with complaints of knee pain. Intra-articular PRF was applied for 10 minutes at 42◦C. Pain severity was assessed using the 10 cm standard visual analogue scale (VAS). Outcome measures also included a 20-meter walk test, a 6-minute walk test, WOMAC, Lequesne index, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). All measurements were assessed before treatment and 4 and 12 weeks after the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant improvement was found in VAS scores at rest and after walking, subscores of SF36-pain and SF36-social functioning, and Lequesne score at week four (p < 0.05). This improvement was maintained for the scores of VAS-walking at week 12 (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is possible to state that intra-articular PRF application is effective and safe for the pain treatment of patients with advanced knee OA. Therefore, we think that PRF application will be included in chronic pain treatment guidelines in the future with the increase in the number of future studies.
authors: Can
authors: C
authors: Eyigor
authors: Sibel
authors: S
authors: Eyigor
authors: Sedef
authors: S
authors: Akdeniz
authors: Meltem
authors: M
authors: Uyar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D061208:Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*