Genicular Nerve Ablation

  • Genicular Neurotomy (aka ablation) is a brand new, innovative option for treating knee pain without surgery.
  • The genicular nerves are the nerves that provide sensation and pain into the knee joint.
  • There are typically 3 branches targeted with genicular nerve block – the superior medial, the superior lateral, and the interior medial genicular nerves
  • The procedure uses a breakthrough technology called Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to stun the painful nerves and prevent the signals from reaching the brain
  • RFA harnesses the energy of radio waves to treat pain at the source, without the need for incisions of any kind
  • With RFA there is no need for steroid or cortisone injections, making it ideal for patients with high blood pressure and Diabetes

This procedure is used for a variety of conditions including:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Chronic Knee Pain
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Total Knee Replacement (before or after)
  • Partial Knee Replacement (before or after)
  • Patients unfit for knee replacement
  • Patients who want to avoid a knee replacement

Genicular Nerve Ablation (Genicular Neurotomy)

  • Inexpensive and covered by most insurance
  • Performed in your doctor’s office
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Can be done with only local anesthetic
  • Minimal risk of infection
  • No need for blood thinners
  • Virtually non-existent recovery period
  • In many cases, can go back to work the same day
  • Little to no postoperative pain, typically controlled with NSAIDs
  • Can return to normal activities in a matter of days

VS

Traditional Joint Replacement

  • Can be extremely expensive even with good insurance
  • Performed in hospital
  • Inpatient admission
  • Required general anesthesia and regional anesthesia
  • Risk of post-surgical or nosocomial infection
  • Requires 4 weeks of blood thinners (anticoagulation)
  • Long postoperative recovery period requiring inpatient rehab
  • Can be weeks to months before returning to work
  • Significant postoperative pain
  • Can be months before returning to normal activities

This Information was found on the following website:

http://ainsworthinstitute.com/genicular-neurotomy/