The Range of Problematic Issues of Percutaneous Knee Denervation

Abstract

Severe pain and, as a result, limitation of function are the main disabling factors in knee osteoarthritis. In such cases, percutaneous denervation (cryo- and chemoneurolysis, radiofrequency ablation) is used as one of the methods to reduce the intensity of pain and improve the patient's quality of life. Unfortunately, the relative 6-month effectiveness of this minimally invasive manipulation varies greatly and, according to the literature, ranges from 10 to 63%. The article discusses the scope of the most obvious interrelated factors that can negatively affect the effectiveness of denervation. Thanks to the fundamental works of recent years the anatomical location of the target sensory nerves of the knee joint in relation to bone and soft tissue landmarks have become more clear. This revised anatomy can significantly increase the effectiveness of percutaneous denervation of this joint and needs to be validated in clinical trials.