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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2021; 25(06): 745-755
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735474
Review Article

Review of Extraosseous Applications of Thermal Ablation in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Large Joint Osteoarthritis

Andrew Tran
1   Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
,
David A. Reiter
2   Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, and Orthopedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
,
J. David Prologo
3   Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
,
Mircea Cristescu
3   Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
,
Felix M. Gonzalez
3   Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide, leading to significant pain, restricted range of motion, and disability. A gap exists between short- and long-term symptom-relieving therapies. Although arthroplasty is an effective treatment for symptomatic end-stage disease, most patients ultimately do not receive a joint replacement due to suboptimal surgical qualifications, comorbidities, or an aversion to surgery. The lack of additional treatment options in this setting makes opioid agonists a commonly used pharmacologic agent, contributing to the addiction epidemic that greatly afflicts our communities. Cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA) has arisen as a treatment modality in the setting of moderate to severe OA among patients refractory to conservative management, generally showing greater efficacy compared with other existing strategies. This review focuses on the benefits of CRFA and its technical feasibility as a management option among patients experiencing debilitating large joint OA with limited clinical options.

Keywords

cooled radiofrequency ablation - arthritis - hip - knee - shoulder


Publication History

Article published online:
22 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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