Genicular Nerve Ablation

Genicular Nerve Ablation

• Osteoarthritis: The most common reason for genicular nerve ablation, osteoarthritis invulves the wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the knee joint, leading to pain and swelling.
• Post-Surgical Pain: Chronic pain fullowing knee surgeries such as total knee replacement or arthroscopy can sometimes be alleviated with genicular ablation.
• Knee Injuries: Previous injuries to the knee, such as ligament tears or fractures, can lead to chronic pain that may benefit from this procedure.

Why do you need a Genicular Nerve Ablation?

• Chronic Knee Pain: Persistent pain in the knee that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections.
• Pain During Activities: Increased pain during weight-bearing activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
• Night Pain: Pain that disrupts sleep or worsens at night.
• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty moving the knee joint, leading to a decreased range of motion.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling around the knee joint and tenderness when pressing on specific areas.
• Stiffness: A feeling of stiffness in the knee, especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning.
• Locking or Catching: Sensation of the knee locking or catching during movement.

Impacts of a Genicular Nerve Ablation

Genicular nerve ablation can have several positive impacts, as well as some potential risks and side effects. Here’s a breakdown:

Positive Impacts:

• Pain Relief: Significant reduction in chronic knee pain, allowing patients to engage in daily activities with less discomfort.
• Improved Mobility: Enhanced range of motion and ability to perform weight-bearing activities.
• Reduced Medication Use: Decreased reliance on pain medications, including opioids, which can have adverse effects with long-term use.
• Better Sleep: Alleviation of night pain can lead to improved sleep quality
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall improvement in the quality of life due to reduced pain and increased functionality.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively quick and involves minimal recovery time compared to surgical interventions.

Potential Risks and Side Effects:

• Temporary Pain Increase: Some patients might experience increased pain immediately following the procedure.
• Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection at the needle insertion sites.
• Nerve Damage: Although rare, there is a potential for unintentional damage to surrounding nerves, which could lead to numbness or weakness.
• Inconsistent Results: Pain relief might not be uniform for all patients, and some might not experience significant benefits.

Diagnosis Of A Genicular Nerve Ablation

Medical History:

• Patient Interview: Detailed discussion about the onset, duration, and nature of the knee pain, as well as previous treatments and their outcomes.
• Medical Records: Review of past medical records, including any previous surgeries, injuries, or treatments related to the knee.

Physical Examination:

• Visual Inspection: Examination of the knee for signs of swelling, redness, or deformity.
• Palpation: Feeling the knee to identify areas of tenderness or abnormality.
• Range of Motion: Assessing the knee’s range of motion and any limitations or stiffness.
• Functional Tests: Tests to evaluate the stability and function of the knee during various movements