Abstract:Objective: To investigate the treatment effects of genicular extracorporeal shock wave on the knee osteoarthritis pain. Methods: Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritic pain were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (groupB ) and control group (groupA ). Group B received genicular extracorporeal shock wave. Group A received pain spot injection. Visual analogue scale (VAS), western ontario and mcMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) questionnaire score, and potential adverse effects were measured before, 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after treatment.Results: WOMAC decreased 1 week after surgery in both groups, and it was significantly lower than that of group A 6 weeks after treatment (P<0.01). VAS in both group A and were significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01, or P<0.05). Compared with group A, VAS in group B were significantly reduced 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05). No significant adverse effects were observed in each group. Conclusion: Genicular extracorporeal shock wave can reduce the pain and improve the function of the knee greatly. It might be a promising method for elderly knee osteoarthritis pain.