Peripheral Nerve Stimulation at the Infrapatellar Saphenous Nerve for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain With Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND

Chronic knee pain associated with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant challenge in pain management, especially when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

CASE REPORT: Four patients with chronic knee pain due to Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 4 (severe) classification were selected for permanent implantation of the Freedom® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System at the infrapatellar saphenous (IPS) nerve. Pain reduction and responder rates were assessed before and after treatment. Long-term follow-up data were collected to evaluate pain relief, function, quality of life, and medication usage. All 4 patients experienced > 50% pain relief following the trial period, significantly reducing mean pain scores from baseline. Long-term follow-up revealed sustained pain reduction and functional improvement, with no reported adverse events associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

PNS targeting the IPS nerve with the Freedom PNS System demonstrates efficacy and safety in managing chronic knee pain associated with Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 4 classification.