Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Radiofrequency Synovial Knee Fistula: Case Report

A A Pract. 2023 Nov 20;17(11):e01731. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001731. eCollection 2023 Nov 1.

Abstract

Recently, denervation therapies have drawn attention as a promising treatment, and cooled radiofrequency has been proposed as the best option to capture most of the genicular nerves. We present a rare case of synovial knee fistula after radiofrequency and its management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature. The treatment included immobilization and chemoprophylaxis. One week later, the fistula was closed, and 14 months later, the procedure was repeated without complications. Genicular radiofrequency ablation is an emerging technique, and providers should be aware of the reported complications to counsel patients and manage potential risks appropriately.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Awareness
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / innervation
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / complications
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / surgery
  • Pain Management / methods
  • Radiofrequency Ablation* / adverse effects