Radiofrequency denervation for osteoarthritic knee pain

1.1 Radiofrequency denervation for osteoarthritic knee pain may be used if standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit. Find out what standard arrangements mean on the NICE interventional procedures guidance page.

1.2 The procedure should only be done by clinicians with specific training and experience in this procedure.

1.3 For auditing the outcomes of this procedure, the main efficacy and safety outcomes identified in this guidance can be entered into NICE's interventional procedure outcomes audit tool (for use at local discretion).

Why the committee made these recommendations

There is good evidence to show that this procedure relieves pain in the short term. There are no major safety concerns, and the complications, including numbness, are well recognised.