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Genicular Nerve Ablation
This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the genicular nerves — the small sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
What is a Genicular Nerve Ablation?
For patients with chronic knee pain who aren't ready for or haven't had success with knee replacement surgery, genicular nerve ablation offers a powerful, minimally invasive alternative. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the genicular nerves — the small sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. By silencing these pain pathways, genicular nerve ablation can dramatically reduce knee pain and improve mobility, often providing relief that lasts a year or more. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, this procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance with meticulous precision.
What To Expect
The procedure is performed at Park Plaza Surgical Specialists and takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Here's what to expect:
✔️ You'll receive IV sedation for comfort while remaining stable on the procedure table.
✔️ The skin around the knee is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
✔️ Dr. Brewer uses fluoroscopy to guide specialized radiofrequency needles to each of the target genicular nerve locations around the knee.
✔️ Sensory and motor testing confirms accurate needle placement.
✔️ Radiofrequency energy is applied to each nerve in turn, creating a small, controlled lesion that interrupts pain transmission.
✔️ The procedure is performed on 3–5 target nerves around the knee for comprehensive coverage.
Results and Recovery
Some soreness around the knee is normal for the first 1–3 weeks following the procedure as the area heals. Many patients begin to notice meaningful pain reduction within 2–4 weeks, with full benefit felt by 4–6 weeks. Most patients can resume light walking and daily activities within a few days. Strenuous exercise or high-impact activity should be avoided for 2–4 weeks. Because the nerves can regenerate over time, the effects typically last 9–18 months, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Genicular nerve ablation is an excellent option for:
✔️ Patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis who haven't responded to physical therapy, injections, or medications
✔️ Individuals who are not surgical candidates or who wish to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
✔️ Patients who experienced significant but temporary pain relief from a prior genicular nerve block (diagnostic block)
✔️ Those with persistent knee pain following total or partial knee replacement
✔️ Patients whose knee pain limits mobility, sleep, or quality of life
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Frequently Asked Questions
The strongest indicator is a positive response to a diagnostic genicular nerve block. If that test injection gave you meaningful relief, you're likely an excellent candidate for ablation. Dr. Brewer will review your imaging and history to confirm.
Yes, over time the targeted nerves can regenerate, and some degree of pain may return — typically after 9–18 months. The procedure can be safely repeated for continued relief, and many patients have excellent long-term outcomes with periodic treatments.
No. Genicular nerve ablation does not alter the joint structure — it simply interrupts the nerve signals that transmit pain. It's a non-surgical, outpatient procedure with a much shorter recovery time. It's designed to manage pain, not repair structural damage to the joint.
Genicular nerve ablation is most effective for intra-articular (within the joint) pain. If your knee pain stems from surrounding muscles, tendons, or bursae, other treatments may be more appropriate. A thorough evaluation with Dr. Brewer will determine the right approach.
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