100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and knee pain is the second most common cause of chronic pain.
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation is a solution.
What is genicular radiofrequency ablation?
Typical therapies people try to help manage their pain include over the counter medications, physical therapy, and then injections in their knees. When these therapies either don’t help much, or just don’t offer pain relief for long enough, patients typically find themselves having to learn to just deal with the daily pain, stop being physically active to avoid the pain, or go on to have a knee replacement.
With radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a small needle is placed into the desired area, and the needle heats up to burn or ‘zap’ a tiny problem spot. This therapy has been used to help people suffering from chronic back pain for many years.
Why you’d need genicular radiofrequency ablation?
This procedure is ideal for patients with osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, and degenerative joint disease. Additionally, Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation can be performed before or after total or partial knee replacement, on patients unfit for knee replacement, or to resolve pain in patients who prefer to not have a knee replacement.
What are the risks involved?
There is some risk of an allergic reaction to anesthetics and/or contrast. As with most surgical procedures, hinfection, bleeding, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain that should subside within a few weeks.
Conditions to let us know about
Let your doctor know if you have osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain or degenerative joint disease.
Insurance coverage
Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation is covered by most insurance providers.
Preparing for the procedure
You will need to stop any blood thinners for a designated amount of time (depending on the blood thinner) prior to the procedure, as advised by your doctor. Do not eat anything four hours prior to the procedure (clear liquids are ok). You will need to have a ride home after the procedure.
Recovering from the procedure
After the procedure, patients remain ambulatory and often return to work the next day. A few days of localized soreness//aching is expected following the procedure. Usually the typical final results are realized within one week.