Riassunto dello studio

Fifty-five patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis were randomized to receive genicular nerve blockade using classical targets (n=28) or revised targets (n=27). The primary outcome of interest was pain scores on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes of interest included the proportion of successful responders (i.e., at least 50% reduction in NRS pain score), knee function, pain medication consumption, patient perception of treatment, and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed up to 12 weeks post-intervention. Results revealed significantly lower NRS pain scores at 1 hour and 1 day post-intervention in the revised target group (p<0.05 for both). The number of positive responders at 1 hour post-intervention was significantly higher in the revised target group (p=0.028). Moreover, the Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index scores were significantly in favour of the revised group at 4 weeks post-intervention (p=0.033).