Randomized trial of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency and steroid injection in knee pain

Summaries 1 min 140

Font Size

Created On: 21/11/2025

This research examined the effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection (IASI) alone versus IASI + intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (IAPRF) in stage II–III osteoarthritis of the knee.

See All

Key take away

Intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency + intra-articular steroid injection boosts both pain management and daily activity performance in knee osteoarthritis.

Background

This research examined the effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection (IASI) alone versus IASI + intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (IAPRF) in stage II–III osteoarthritis of the knee.

Method

A total of 54 patients with knee pain persisting for over 3 months were assigned to either IAPRF + steroid injection (Group 1) or steroid injection alone (Group 2). With fluoroscopic assistance, needles were positioned at the midline of the tibiofemoral joint. Group 1 received IAPRF at 45 V for 360 seconds (temperature ≤42°C) followed by 8 mg dexamethasone, while Group 2 received only 8 mg dexamethasone. Pain and functional capacity were assessed via the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Result

In this randomized controlled trial, the baseline demographics, pain scores, and functional levels were comparable between groups. When compared to Group 2, Group 1 illustrated significantly lower pain at 4 and 12 weeks, and greater improvements in daily activity function at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Combining IAPRF with IASI offered superior early-to-mid-term pain relief and boosted mid-term functional outcomes in patients with stage II–III knee osteoarthritis.