Genicular Nerve Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation
Genicular nerve blocks and ablation offer a powerful treatment pathway for chronic knee pain — particularly in patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not yet ready for (or are not candidates for) knee replacement surgery.
What Are the Genicular Nerves?
The genicular nerves are a series of small sensory branches that innervate the knee joint capsule and periarticular structures. By targeting these nerves, pain signals from the arthritic or damaged knee can be interrupted without affecting muscle strength or mobility.
Genicular Nerve Blocks (Diagnostic)
Before ablation, diagnostic genicular nerve blocks confirm that the targeted nerves are responsible for a patient's knee pain. Local anesthetic is injected at each genicular nerve location (typically the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves) under fluoroscopic guidance. If a patient's knee pain significantly decreases after the block, they are a strong candidate for genicular radiofrequency ablation.
Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation
After confirmation with positive nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to disable the genicular nerves — providing pain relief that typically lasts 9–18 months. Unlike joint injections (which reduce inflammation temporarily), RFA addresses the pain signaling pathway itself.
Key advantages:
- No steroids, no joint manipulation
- Outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- 9–18 months of relief from a single procedure
- Can be repeated when nerves regenerate
- Does not preclude future knee replacement
Results
Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews confirm genicular nerve RFA as an effective treatment for chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, with significant functional improvement and durable pain reduction compared to sham procedures.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
- Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis (mild to severe)
- Failed joint injections, physical therapy, or medications
- Not yet ready for or not a candidate for knee replacement surgery
- Positive response to diagnostic genicular nerve blocks
Contact Us
If you have been told your only option is knee replacement, genicular nerve ablation may offer meaningful relief in the meantime — or potentially indefinitely. Call 516-492-3100 to discuss.