RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In patients with knee pain due to gonarthrosis, we have treatments that are not free of side effects. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of radiofrequency (pulsed and conventional) on the saphenous nerve at the subsartorial level and the genicular nerves of the knee, by ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. G1 (RDF1): subjects subjected to radiofrequency, G2 (PLCB): subjects subjected to placebo. A decrease ≥30% of the pain was considered clinically relevant, according to numerical rating scale and in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, global patient impression questionnaire (PGIC) and health status questionnaire (SF-12) in the evaluation at month, three months and six months after the completion of the technique. RESULTS: 28 patients (G1: 12, G2: 16), 72% women, age: 75.2±9.1 years, body mass index: 29.9±4.64. The analysis did not show a pain reduction, neither statistically significant, not clinically relevant, at one month, three, or six months with respect to the start of treatment, in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire and numerical rating scale (rest, movement). Regarding PGIC and the SF-12 questionnaire, there were no statistically significant differences between G1 and G2 either before or after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of two radiofrequency techniques, does not cause a reduction in the intensity of the knee pain, at month, three, or at six months after its completion. It is necessary to change the radiofrequency technique and include more variables to continue with the efficacy study.