Genicularnerve Ablation (RF NEUROTOMY)

For chronic knee pain, RFA targets the genicular nerves, which transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. Disrupting these nerve pathways can provide long-term pain relief without the need for surgery.

To determine if you are a good candidate for RFA, a diagnostic block must first be performed. A positive diagnostic block is confirmed when the patient experiences 80 to 100 percent pain relief for 8 to 12 hours following an anesthetic injection.

What is RFA?

Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that uses a special needle to heat and desensitize nerves that transmit pain signals. This results in long-lasting pain relief, between nine to 12 months in 90% of patients. To know if you’re a good candidate for an RFA, a diagnostic block must first be performed using a local anesthetic to identify the pain generator. Positive diagnostic blocks show 80 to 100 percent relief of pain for the first eight to 12 hours.

RFA is a treatment option for neck pain, low back pain, sacral/hip/buttock pain, knee pain, and occipital neuralgia.

This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. It eases pain that isn't helped by medications or physical therapy.

This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your lower back. It eases pain that isn't helped by medications or physical therapy.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

• If you choose sedation, avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before treatment and arrange for someone to drive you home.
• You may need to pause certain medications (such as blood thinners) several days before your procedure.

During the Procedure

• The injection site is sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia.
• Using image guidance, the doctor inserts a radiofrequency needle into the targeted nerve.
• Radiofrequency energy heats the nerve, disrupting its ability to send pain signals.
• The needle is then removed, and a small bandage is applied.

Recovery and Expected Results

• Most patients walk out of the procedure room within minutes.
• Some soreness at the injection site is normal and temporary.
• Pain relief typically lasts 9 to 12 months, after which the procedure can be repeated as needed.

Why does an RFA last nine to 12 months?

RFA uses heat to desensitize the nerve while leaving the outer nerve structure intact. Over time, the proteins inside the nerve degrade, preventing it from transmitting pain signals.

As the nerve regenerates over the course of 12 months, pain may gradually return, and the RFA procedure can be safely repeated for continued relief.

Is RFA Covered by Insurance?

Yes, RFA is a covered procedure under all major insurance plans, including Medicare.

If you are suffering from chronic pain and looking for a long-term solution, schedule a consultation at OPS Surgery Center to determine if Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you.

What Are the Risks of Radiofrequency Ablation?

RFA is a safe and effective procedure with a low complication rate (1–2%). However, potential risks include:

• Bleeding or infection at the injection site
• Temporary nerve irritation or injury
• Neuroma formation (abnormal nerve regrowth)

At OPS Surgery Center, RFA is performed in a sterile operating room using image-guided precision by board-certified pain specialists, minimizing these risks and ensuring the highest standard of care.

If you are struggling with chronic pain and looking for a minimally invasive solution, schedule a consultation at OPS Surgery Center today.