Chronic knee pain significantly impacts quality of life for thousands of Central Valley residents. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort from osteoarthritis, previous injuries, or other degenerative conditions, persistent knee pain can limit your mobility and daily activities.
At NorCal Pain Treatment Center, we understand that traditional conservative treatments—including oral medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections—often provide only temporary relief for chronic knee pain sufferers.
Introducing Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
Genicular Nerve RFA represents a significant advancement in interventional pain management. This minimally invasive procedure specifically targets the genicular nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
The treatment utilizes precisely controlled radiofrequency energy to create therapeutic lesions on these pain-transmitting nerves, effectively interrupting the pain pathway without affecting motor function or joint stability.
Clinical Efficacy and Patient Outcomes
Research demonstrates that Genicular Nerve RFA provides substantial pain reduction lasting 6-12 months in appropriately selected patients. This procedure offers several clinical advantages:
• Sustained pain relief: Studies show significant pain reduction scores lasting up to one year
• Improved functional capacity: Patients report enhanced mobility and daily activity tolerance
• Reduced pharmaceutical dependence: Decreased reliance on analgesic medications
• Minimal recovery time: Outpatient procedure with rapid return to normal activities
• Repeatable treatment: The procedure can be safely repeated when pain returns
Patient Selection Criteria
Genicular Nerve RFA is indicated for patients who:
– Experience chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis or post-traumatic conditions
– Have failed to achieve adequate relief with conservative management
– Demonstrate positive response to diagnostic genicular nerve blocks
– Seek alternatives to total knee arthroplasty
– Require functional improvement for daily activities
The Procedure
Genicular Nerve RFA is performed under fluoroscopic guidance in our outpatient facilities. Using sterile technique, specialized radiofrequency needles are precisely positioned adjacent to the target genicular nerves. Controlled thermal energy is then delivered to create therapeutic lesions.
The entire procedure typically requires less than 60 minutes, and patients return home the same day with minimal post-procedural restrictions.
Safety Profile and Recovery
Genicular Nerve RFA demonstrates an excellent safety profile when performed by experienced interventional pain specialists. Minor post-procedural soreness may occur for 2-3 days, with progressive pain improvement typically observed over the following 2-4 weeks.
Serious complications are extremely rare, and the procedure does not preclude future treatment options, including total knee replacement if eventually required.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatment, Genicular Nerve RFA may provide the relief you need to restore your quality of life.
Our board-certified interventional pain specialists at NorCal Pain Treatment Center are available for consultation at our Modesto, Turlock, and Merced locations.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and determine if Genicular Nerve RFA is appropriate for your specific condition.