Genicular Ablation For Knee Pain

By Madhavi Chada, MD

Synergy Spine and Pain Center

. http://www.SynergySpineMD.com

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Genicular Ablation For Knee Pain

Genicular ablation is an innovative option for treating knee pain without surgery. Usually it is preceded by a diagnostic block with local anesthetic agent. If adequate pain relief is confirmed, patients may proceed for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or neurotomy.

The Genicular RFA procedure is performed with specialized RF needles which will be placed on the target, the genicular nerve branches of the knee. After confirming the placement of needles with fluoroscopic guidance, RFA will be performed where the tips of the needles will be heated to 80oC (176oF) for 90 seconds. This will disrupt the nerves which transmit pain from the joint. This procedure is performed under mild sedation with local anesthesia.

The pain relief from this procedure may last anywhere from 6-12 months.

Risks and Side Effects

There are few risks associated with genicular RFA, but they tend to be rare. The potential risks include, immediate or delayed allergic reaction to anesthetics /contrast, infection, bleeding, temporary increase in pain and transient facial flushing.