BACKGROUND: Chronic knee pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenging condition that can persist despite various treatment modalities. Treatment with a peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) with a separate implanted receiver is an effective approach for managing this type of pain.

CASE REPORT: Seven patients with chronic knee pain following TKA underwent a 7-day trial with the Freedom® PNS System, followed by permanent implantation. All 7 patients reported > 50% pain relief during the trial phase, with a significant reduction in mean Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) scores from 9.5 pre-implant to 1.3 post trial (86%, P < 0.001). Long-term follow-up showed sustained pain relief, with VRS scores decreasing to 2.9 at one month, 3.5 at three months, and 4 at twelve months. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: PNS targeting the infrapatellar saphenous nerve with the Freedom PNS System demonstrates efficacy and safety in managing chronic knee pain after TKA.

KEYWORDS: Peripheral nerve stimulation, chronic knee pain, infrapatellar saphenous nerve, total knee arthroplasty