Genicular nerve ablation is a radiofrequency-based technique used to manage chronic knee pain, most commonly associated with knee osteoarthritis or persistent pain following knee surgery. As interest in nonsurgical knee care options has grown, particularly for patients who are not ideal candidates for joint replacement or who wish to delay surgery, genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation has become a more widely discussed tool in the pain management field.
What Are the Genicular Nerves?
The genicular nerves are a group of small sensory nerves that surround the knee joint and transmit pain signals from the joint capsule and surrounding structures to the spinal cord and brain. Several of these nerves, most commonly the superolateral, superomedial, and inferomedial genicular nerves, are typically targeted during the ablation procedure, since they collectively supply a large portion of the sensory input from the knee joint.
How Is Genicular Nerve Ablation Performed?
Similar to facet joint radiofrequency ablation used in the spine, genicular nerve ablation uses imaging guidance, typically fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to precisely position a needle electrode near each target nerve. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to create a controlled zone of heat that interrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, and multiple nerves around the knee are commonly treated within a single session.
Who Might Be Considered for This Procedure?
Genicular nerve ablation is most often considered for patients with knee osteoarthritis pain who have not achieved adequate relief from more conservative measures, such as physical therapy, oral medications, or intra-articular injections, and for patients experiencing persistent pain after knee replacement surgery when other causes have been evaluated. It is generally framed as a nonsurgical knee care option that may reduce pain and improve function for a period of time, rather than an alternative that addresses the underlying structural joint disease. As with facet ablation, many programs use a diagnostic nerve block first to help predict which patients are more likely to respond to the definitive ablation procedure.
What Can Patients Expect in Terms of Duration and Recurrence?
Because genicular nerve ablation interrupts nerve signaling rather than altering the joint itself, the treated nerves can regenerate over time, and pain relief is not expected to be permanent. Reported duration of benefit varies among patients and studies, and repeat ablation is a recognized option once relief diminishes and the nerve has had time to regenerate. As with any pain intervention, individual response varies, and no outcome can be guaranteed for a specific patient.
An INVAMED System Used in Genicular Nerve Ablation
INVAMED manufactures the Peta Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) System, which is used in nerve ablation procedures including genicular nerve treatment for knee pain. A qualified physician, often a pain management specialist, determines whether genicular nerve ablation is an appropriate option based on the underlying cause of knee pain, prior treatment history, and diagnostic block response. Availability and indications vary by country, and clinicians should refer to the official Instructions for Use for complete information.
Is a diagnostic block needed before genicular nerve ablation?
Many treatment protocols include a diagnostic genicular nerve block beforehand to help identify patients more likely to respond to the definitive ablation procedure. A physician determines the specific pre-procedure workup based on individual clinical circumstances.
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.