Effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Saphenous Nerve in the Management of Knee Arthroplasty Pain

Approximately 40% of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty develop acute to moderate post operative pain. Furthermore 20-30% develop chronic post operative pain. The objective of this work is to study the effectiveness and safety of pulsed radiofrequency of the saphenous nerve realized during the pre-operative period of total knee arthroplasty. The study design is a randomized, blinded clinical trial. Patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty are divided into two groups. The first group procedure consists in pre-operative pulsed radiofrequency under ultrasound guidance of the saphenous nerve and standard postoperative pain management by the pain clinic. The second group receives only the standard postoperative pain management by the pain clinic. Patient follow ups are performed 3 times (after 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months) within a period of 6 months, evaluating pain severity using the VAS.