Description
This presentation by Dr. Raja Reddy addresses the management of knee osteoarthritis, with a focus on nonsurgical options for patients not eligible for arthroplasty. Dr. Reddy expresses gratitude to organizing committee members, highlighting their professionalism and leading into a discussion about the importance of understanding sensory innervation in joint pain management.
The objectives outlined include exploring nonsurgical treatments like radiofrequency ablation, which can provide relief in patients with advanced osteoarthritis who experience persistent pain despite surgical interventions like total knee arthroplasty. Detailed discussions on various treatment options, ranging from physical therapy to advanced methods such as platelet-rich plasma injections, are presented, with a call to compare their effectiveness and safety.
Dr. Reddy delves into the specifics of radiofrequency ablation, elucidating the technique of targeting sensory nerves and avoiding motor nerve involvement to safely deliver heat that disrupts nociceptive signaling. The presentation showcases evidence from randomized controlled trials that suggest radiofrequency ablation may yield superior outcomes in terms of pain relief and function compared to traditional treatments like intra-articular steroids or viscosupplementation.
The latter part of the presentation discusses the innervation of hip joints and the application of radiofrequency techniques there as well. This addresses the challenges and outcomes of various nerve targets in both knee and hip joint procedures. Dr. Reddy emphasizes that while radiofrequency treatments present promising pain management alternatives, the safety profile remains vital.
The future of pain management in osteoarthritis is hinted to include advancements such as topical cannabinoids and peripheral implants designed for effective pain control. The session concludes with an encouraging note on the evolving landscape of osteoarthritis treatment.