Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage between bones that leads to joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Affecting millions of people worldwide, it’s prevalence has risen as the average age and weight of our population increases.
Chronic knee pain is a very common complaint in people suffering from Osteoarthritis. Initial treatments for knee pain often include physiotherapy, paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and sometimes opiates – each varying in their effectiveness but all providing only short-term relief, often associated with side effects.
The genicular nerve travels from the knee to the brain and is the conductor of pain from this area. Genicular nerve radiofrequency neurotomy is a cutting edge technique that can be suitable for patients who have not responded to other treatment options. It can be used to control pain in patients who are too young or too unwell for knee replacement surgery.
Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) – also called radiofrequency ablation – is a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency currents are applied through an electrode placed near the target nerve to interrupt the pain signal to the brain. This is a simple day procedure performed in hospital.
Genicular neurotomy may be suitable in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Chronic Knee Pain
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Patients unfit for knee replacement
- Patients who want to avoid a knee replacement
- Partial Knee Replacement (before or after surgery)
- Total Knee Replacement (before or after surgery)
Radiofrequency neurotomy of the genicular nerves is a safe, potential alternative to joint replacement for pain.
QPain are experts in advanced pain management techniques. If you are suffering, make an appointment to speak to one of our Pain Medicine Specialists.
