radiofrequency ablation for knee pain

A local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin. A small needle will then be inserted near the genicular nerves Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, will  be used to position the needles. Once the needle is properly placed, the nerve will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Radiofrequency energy will then be used to disrupt the genicular nerves. 

Most patients are able to walk around immediately after the procedure, but you should still bring a driver to take you home after the procedure is completed if you have been sedated. As the anesthetic wears off, you may feel sore and have pain in the treated area. It can  take one to two weeks for the ablated nerves to stop sending pain signals to your brain. 

Pain relief may last from 6 months to more than a year. It is possible the nerve will regrow and start the cycle of pain again. If the nerve does regrow, it is usually 6-12 months after the procedure. Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have had a successful trial nerve block first. The procedure can be done up to two times per year. 

As with any procedure involving a needle, there is a rare chance of infection, bleeding, allergic reaction and nerve damage. Complications are extremely rare. Talk with your provider if you have specific questions about the risk of your procedure.