Radiofrequency of the geniculate nerves is an innovative and minimally invasive treatment used to relieve chronic knee pain, especially in patients with osteoarthritis or who have had surgeries such as knee replacement.
This procedure, offered at Clínica San Román’s Pain Treatment Unit, is based on the application of radiofrequency to temporarily deactivate the geniculate nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain from the knee to the brain.
What are the Geniculate Nerves?
Geniculate nerves are small nerves that innervate the knee joint and are responsible for transmitting sensory signals, including pain.
When wear and tear occurs in the joint, as in the case of osteoarthritis, or after surgery, these nerves can transmit chronic pain, severely affecting the patient’s mobility and quality of life.
Who Can Benefit from Geniculate Nerve Radiofrequency?
This treatment is especially indicated for patients who:
- They suffer from advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, where cartilage wear generates severe pain.
- They have had knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) but continue to experience postoperative pain.
- They have tried other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, without obtaining adequate relief.
How does Radiofrequency of the Geniculate Nerves work?
The procedure is relatively simple.
A controlled radiofrequency current is applied to the geniculate nerves in order to temporarily disable their ability to transmit pain signals.
The process has several stages:
- Image guidance: Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the physician precisely locates the geniculate nerves.
- Needle insertion: Once located, a fine needle is inserted close to the nerves.
- Radiofrequency application: Through the needle, a radiofrequency current is transmitted that generates heat, which temporarily interrupts pain signals.
This process minimizes knee pain without affecting the motor function of the leg, allowing the patient to maintain mobility.
Treatment Benefits
Unlike other approaches, geniculate nerve radiofrequency offers prolonged pain relief with rapid recovery.
Key benefits include:
- Prolonged pain relief: In most cases, patients experience significant pain reduction for several months.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Unlike surgery, it does not require large incisions, which reduces recovery times.
- Improved quality of life: Patients can resume their daily activities with greater comfort and fewer limitations.
- Medication reduction: By reducing pain, many patients can reduce or eliminate the use of pain medications, avoiding the associated side effects.
Procedure and Recovery
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Local anesthesia is applied to the knee area to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the process.
After the procedure, most patients can resume their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, although it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical exertion for the first few days.
Pain relief is usually felt within a few days, and in many cases, the effects may last for several months.
If the pain returns, the treatment may be repeated.
Is it Right for Me?
This procedure is ideal for those who have tried other treatment options, such as medications, injections or physical therapy, without obtaining the expected results.
It is also an option for those who wish to avoid more invasive surgeries or have complications after arthroplasty.
At Clínica San Román, each patient is individually evaluated to ensure that this treatment is appropriate for his or her condition and is performed in a personalized manner, maximizing results.
Conclusion
Radiofrequency treatment of the geniculate nerves is an effective and safe option for those suffering from chronic knee pain.
Thanks to this procedure, many patients have been able to improve their quality of life, reducing pain and recovering mobility.
If you experience persistent knee pain and other treatments have not been effective, we invite you to consult with the specialists at Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit to evaluate if geniculate nerve radiofrequency is the right solution for you.
