Effect of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation applied to the femoral nerve on pain and range of motion in patients with anterior knee pain: A case study

Abstract

Introduction Anterior knee pain (AKP) is one of the most frequent reasons for physical therapy consultations, remaining a difficult treatment challenge for professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention using ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (US-guided PNM) applied to the femoral nerve on pain and knee flexion range of motion (ROM), in patients with unilateral chronic anterior knee pain.

Methods Eight patients received a single intervention of NMP-e on the femoral nerve of the symptomatic knee. The level of pain and ROM were measured before, immediately after and 24 hours after the intervention.

Results A decrease in pain and an increase of ROM were observed after the intervention and at 24 hours. For pain values, a medium effect size was observed (ES = 0.63 ± 0.43) after the intervention, and a large effect size (ES = 1.73 ± 0.44) was found at 24h. Concerning ROM, the effect size was large at both moments (ES = − 1.30 ± 1.14; −1.76 ± 0.80, respectively).

Conclusion A single intervention of US-guided PNM on the femoral nerve produces a decrease of pain and increases the ROM, which is greater 24h after the stimulation.

Level of Evidence Level II-3.

Keywords

anterior knee pain - femoral nerve - percutaneous neuromodulation - ultrasound

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