Approximately 20% of patients after knee replacement experience chronic persistent pain. Additionally, due to medical issues, some with severe degenerative knee pain cannot undergo a knee replacement. If this is the case we may be able to reduce knee pain by targeting sensory nerves associated with your knee joint. This process starts with diagnostic ultrasound guided anesthetic numbing shots to confirm a positive response. If temporary blocks provide significant relief, radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves will be advised.
The radio frequency ablation (RFA) procedure uses radio waves locally transmitted through the soft tissue adjacent to the knee to stop sensory transmission associated with the joint. Medium frequency alternating current is used to generate heat at the needle tip, carefully placed in a safe location to affect the knee joint sensory nerves without causing additional damage. Although not permanent, the results of the procedure allow for relief from knee joint pain for up to 6-12 months on average, at which time the procedure can be repeated for consistent and durable results.