Knee Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency Ablation of Knee Joint

Genicular or Saphenous Nerve Block & Radiofrequency Ablation of Knee Joint Chronic osteoarthritis pain of the knee is often not effectively managed with prescribed medications. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation, when applied to articular nerve branches (genicular nerves), provides a therapeutic alternative for effective management of chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Although surgery is generally effective for patients with advanced disease, some older individuals with other chronic conditions may not be appropriate surgical candidates. In addition some patients do not wish to consider surgery and prefer nonsurgical options. In these patients, radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves might be a successful alternative to surgery. This procedure is based on the theory that cutting the nerve supply to a painful structure may alleviate pain and restore function.

Indications for genicular nerve blocks

• Patients with chronic knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis
• Patients with failed knee replacement
• Patients unfit for knee replacement
• Patients who want to avoid surgery