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OP16 Long-term follow-up of the effect of conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation application to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerve on pain and functional capacity in patients with chronic hip pain

rapm · 2025-09-10 · canonical JSON source

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Background and Aims The objective of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) applied to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves in reducing pain and improving functional capacity in patients with chronic hip pain.Methods Following ethics committee approval and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. This retrospective analysis was conducted using long-term follow-up data from patients previously included in two prospective doctoral theses at the Department of Algology. A total of 68 patients underwent conventional RFT under fluoroscopic and ultrasonographic guidance. Pain levels were assessed using the Verbal Pain Scale (VPS), and functional status was evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at 12-month follow-up.Results Thirty-five patients were included in the final analysis (10 underwent surgery, 6 were deceased, and others were lost to follow-up). Comparison of pre-procedural and 12-month post-procedural WOMAC and VPS scores revealed statistically significant reductions across all parameters (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in all WOMAC subdomains, including pain, stiffness, and physical function (p < 0.001).Conclusions Conventional RFT applied to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves appears to be an effective and durable treatment option for managing chronic hip pain. It may offer a valuable alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or who prefer to postpone hip arthroplasty.