Radiofrequency ablation therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The objective of the study is to systematically analyze the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to assess the methodological quality of the published studies. Methods: By searching the PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases, we retrieved and collected relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 26, 2023. Results: We included 13 RCTs, involving a total of 865 patients. Compared with the control group, the RFA group had significantly reduced pain scores at 1-2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post-treatment, with standardized mean differences of -1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.99--0.49; p = 0.001; I2 2 = 91%), -0.76 (95% CI: -1.27--0.26; p = 0.003; I2 2 = 76%), -1.70 (95% CI: -2.56--0.83; p = 0.0001; I2 2 = 94%), and -2.26 (95% CI: -3.49--1.04; p = 0.0003; I2 2 = 95%). Conclusions: RFA, as an adjunctive treatment modality, demonstrates potential in the treatment of patients with KOA. This method may become a primary treatment strategy for these patients.