Overview

Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA), also known as genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to help relieve chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Rather than treating the joint itself, GNA targets the small sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee to the brain. By interrupting these pain pathways, many patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility without surgery.

For patients who are not ready for—or are not candidates for—knee replacement surgery, GNA may provide meaningful symptom relief while allowing them to remain active.

How Genicular Nerve Ablation Works

Using image guidance:

1. Small needles are positioned near the genicular nerves surrounding the knee.
2. Precise imaging helps identify the target treatment areas.
3. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the targeted nerves.
4. The treated nerves temporarily lose their ability to transmit pain signals.

The procedure does not remove or replace the knee joint and is performed through tiny needle punctures without surgery.

Benefits of Genicular Nerve Ablation

For appropriate patients, GNA may offer:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• No surgical incision
• Outpatient procedure
• Short recovery time
• Reduction in chronic knee pain
• Improved mobility and daily function
• Delay or avoidance of knee replacement surgery for select patients
• Repeatable treatment if symptoms return

Many patients experience pain relief lasting several months or longer, although results vary from person to person.

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

• Clinical evaluation
• Review of prior imaging and treatments
• Physical examination
• Discussion of treatment goals
• Diagnostic nerve block may be recommended before proceeding

During the Procedure

• Local anesthesia with sedation when appropriate
• Image-guided placement of specialized needles
• Radiofrequency treatment of the targeted nerves
• Typical procedure time of approximately 30–60 minutes

After the Procedure

• Same-day discharge
• Mild soreness at the treatment sites for several days
• Gradual improvement in pain over the following weeks
• Follow-up evaluation to assess symptom improvement

Recovery Timeline

• Walking is encouraged shortly after treatment
• Most patients return to normal activities within several days
• Pain relief often develops over two to six weeks
• Continued exercise and physical therapy may further improve function

Who is a Good Candidate

Genicular Nerve Ablation may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
• Continue to experience pain despite conservative treatment
• Have responded well to diagnostic nerve blocks
• Wish to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
• Are not ideal surgical candidates because of age or medical conditions

A consultation and clinical evaluation are required to determine candidacy.

Clinical Considerations

Genicular nerve ablation treats pain but does not reverse arthritis or repair damaged cartilage.

Because the procedure targets pain-transmitting nerves rather than the joint itself, it is most effective for carefully selected patients whose symptoms correspond to the nerves being treated.

Treatment recommendations are based on the severity of arthritis, previous treatments, physical examination findings, and overall health.