Genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation are minimally invasive and non-surgical medical procedures that relieve chronic knee pain. It is a 2-step procedure that includes temporary numbing of knee pain with genicular nerve blocks followed by a more long-lasting pain relief solution using radiofrequency ablation.
Genicular nerve blocks are injections containing an anesthetic. They are injected into the genicular nerves, which provide sensory innervation to the knee. The anesthetic temporarily blocks the pain signals transmitted by the genicular nerves.
The genicular nerve blocks are used as a diagnostic procedure to identify the underlying cause of knee pain. If the treatment reduces knee pain, your physician will use a more effective long-term treatment called radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves. The procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to destroy the nerve tissue endings, disrupting their ability to send pain signals to your knee.
Genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation can be the proper treatment if you suffer from chronic knee pain and your pain persists even after receiving different types of knee pain relief treatments, including surgery. The knee-related issues may include:
You can be the right candidate for the procedure if:
Considered an innovative and effective treatment for patients with chronic knee pain that has continued even after several therapies and surgeries. Genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation provide multiple benefits, including:
For most patients, genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation are safe knee pain management solutions. However, as with any medical procedure, they may include certain risks such as:
During the 1st step of the treatment, after sterilizing the injection site and numbing it with an anesthetic, your physician, with the help of a fluoroscope, inserts a cannula near the genicular nerve. The needle contains numbing medication that blocks the transmission of pain signals. This procedure is performed three times to block multiple genicular nerves.
This is the 2nd step of the treatment. Before your physician performs the procedure, you will be sedated with medication administered intravenously. The injection site is sterilized and numbed. A live X-ray guides your physician toward the correct genicular nerve where they insert the cannula. The cannula contains a microelectrode (a slender wire attached to a machine) through which an electrical current is produced using radio waves to heat the needle tip. The scorching tip of the needle cauterizes the genicular nerve endings and stops them from transmitting pain. The physician repeats the procedure for each nerve.
Apex Interventional Pain & Spine is a leading pain management center in Coppell, Carrollton, and Grapevine, TX. Founded on the principle of helping patients live a pain-free life, our team, led by Dr. Mohammad I. Khan, an experienced physician with board certifications in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management, offers a broad spectrum of pain solutions, including genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation for chronic knee pain.
Based on accurately evaluating your condition, our customized treatment plans include the best genicular radiofrequency ablation techniques. It provides our patients with the best outcomes, including prompt and long-lasting pain relief.
A few highlights of our exceptional services include:
Have you experienced failed therapies and surgeries for knee pain and are looking for genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation services near you? Contact us at Apex Interventional Pain & Spine today at Coppell, Carrollton, and Grapevine, TX to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our knee genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation services.
Things to avoid after radiofrequency ablation include driving and doing strenuous activities.
A pain specialist performs radiofrequency ablation.
It may cost around $1,900, but the rates may vary depending on several factors, including your knee condition. It is also covered by most insurances.