Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

研究概要

Nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 802 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized to undergo treatment with either radiofrequency ablation (n=404) or a control (n=398). Outcomes of interest included pain scores, the Lequesne index, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), range of motion, and incidence of adverse events. Pooled results demonstrated that pain and WOMAC scores were significantly improved in the RFA group vs control at 4, 12, and 24 weeks follow-up (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, Lequesne index scores was also significantly in favour of the RFA group vs control (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed for incidence of adverse events (i.e., swelling, reddening of skin) between the 2 groups (p>0.05).