Genicular Nerve Ablation
Radiofrequency treatment for chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis or after knee replacement
Relief for knee pain without surgery
The genicular nerves carry pain signals from the knee. Genicular nerve ablation uses radiofrequency energy to interrupt those signals, and the entire procedure is performed outside the knee joint.
It can be an option for people with knee osteoarthritis who aren't candidates for knee replacement or want to delay it, and for those who still have pain after a knee replacement.
How it works
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Diagnostic block
A test injection of local anesthetic near the genicular nerves confirms that they are carrying your pain before ablation is performed.
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Radiofrequency ablation
Under X-ray guidance, radiofrequency probes are placed alongside the genicular nerves around the knee, and a controlled thermal lesion interrupts pain transmission. It typically takes about 30 minutes per knee.
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Recovery
Soreness for a few days is common. Relief generally builds over 1 to 3 weeks and often lasts 6 to 12 months or longer. Because nerves regenerate, the procedure can be repeated if pain returns.
Getting back to what you enjoy
By reducing knee pain, genicular nerve ablation can make it easier to walk, exercise, and take part in physical therapy, all of which support long-term joint health.
Is genicular nerve ablation right for you?
It may be an option if:
- You have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, or persistent pain after knee replacement
- Medications, physical therapy, or knee injections haven't provided lasting relief
- You aren't a candidate for knee replacement, or you'd like to delay it
Our physicians will review your symptoms, exam, and imaging to determine whether this treatment is a good fit for you.
Risks
Risks include temporary soreness or bruising, numbness of the skin around the knee, infection, bleeding, and the possibility that pain returns as the nerves regenerate. Your physician will review the risks with you before your procedure. Individual results vary.
Images courtesy of Stryker.