Genicular Nerve RFA Background

Genicular Nerve RFA in Patna

CLINICAL OVERVIEW

Turn Off Knee Pain Signals Without Knee Replacement

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a cutting-edge, non-surgical interventional procedure designed to provide long-term pain relief for patients suffering from moderate to severe Knee Osteoarthritis.

The knee joint is innervated by several sensory branches known as genicular nerves (Superior Medial, Superior Lateral, and Inferior Medial Genicular Nerves). These purely sensory nerves transmit pain messages from worn-out cartilage, meniscus tears, and bone-on-bone friction directly to the brain.

Under live C-Arm Fluoroscopic X-Ray guidance, Dr. Shrutika Bhagat places micro-cannulas against the bony epicondyles of the femur and tibia. After confirming 100% motor safety with electronic nerve testing, controlled radiofrequency heat energy (80°C) is applied to deactivate the sensory pain fibers—yielding 12 to 24 months of sustained pain relief, enabling patients to walk, climb stairs, and live active lives without major surgery.

12 to 24 Months Sustained Pain Relief
Purely Sensory Nerves (Zero Leg Weakness)
Ideal for Surgery-Unfit or Reluctant Patients
30-Minute Daycare Walk-In Walk-Out Procedure
Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation in Patna
Targeted Neurotomy
C-Arm Fluoroscopic Genicular Nerve Ablation
PATIENT SELECTION & INDICATIONS

Who is a Candidate for Genicular Nerve RFA?

Ideal for individuals suffering from chronic knee arthritis where conservative pills or standard injections have stopped working.

Moderate-to-Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 2, 3, or 4 knee arthritis with severe daily pain during walking, standing, and stair climbing.

Medically Unfit for Knee Surgery

Elderly patients with high cardiac risk, uncontrolled diabetes, severe obesity, or blood-thinner use who cannot undergo major surgery.

Persistent Pain After Knee Replacement

Up to 20% of patients have unexplained chronic anterior knee pain after Total Knee Replacement (TKR), successfully silenced via RFA.

Patients Wanting to Avoid Total Knee Replacement

Individuals who wish to preserve their native biological knee joint and avoid metallic artificial implants, hospitalization, and long rehab.

Temporary Relief from Steroid Injections

Patients whose pain returns 3 to 4 weeks after simple knee injections, seeking a lasting 12 to 24-month solution.

Positive Diagnostic Genicular Block

Patients who experienced ≥70% temporary pain relief following a preliminary local anesthetic diagnostic test block.

HEAD-TO-HEAD EVIDENCE

Genicular Nerve RFA vs. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Clinical Parameter Genicular Nerve RFA (Dr. Shrutika) Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)
Invasiveness 3 Pinhole needle punctures (Zero stitches) 150–200 mm open surgical incision, cutting bone
Implants & Metal None (Preserves 100% natural joint biology) Cobalt-Chromium / Titanium artificial joint & bone cement
Anesthesia Targeted Local Anesthesia (Awake & safe) Spinal / Epidural or General Anesthesia
Hospitalization Daycare: Walk in 30 mins, home same day 4 to 7 days hospital stay
Recovery Period Immediate walking; full recovery in 24–48 hours 3 to 6 months intensive physiotherapy
SURGICAL WORKFLOW

How Genicular Nerve RFA is Performed

01

Diagnostic Test Block

A small drop of local anesthetic numbs the genicular nerves. If knee pain reduces by >70% for a few hours, RFA is indicated.

02

Sterile C-Arm Positioning

The patient lies comfortably with the knee supported. The high-resolution C-Arm fluoroscope is aligned with the knee joint line.

03

Micro-Cannula Placement

Three fine RF cannulas are navigated precisely to the junction of the femoral shaft/epicondyle and medial tibial epicondyle.

04

Sensory & Motor Safety Testing

Electronic stimulation confirms the probe is on the sensory nerve and far away from any leg motor nerves, ensuring 100% safety.

05

Targeted Thermal Neurotomy

Controlled radiofrequency energy deactivates the sensory nerve fibers for 90 seconds per site under local numbing.

06

Band-Aid & Immediate Walking

Cannulas are removed and Band-Aids applied. The patient stands up, walks comfortably, and returns home within 1 hour.

SPECIALIZED MODALITIES

Genicular Nerve Modalities in Patna

THERMAL

Continuous Thermal RFA

Standard 80°C thermal lesioning that coagulates sensory genicular fibers for 12 to 24 months of relief.

COOLED

Cooled RFA (Coolief)

Creates larger spherical lesions to capture anatomically variable genicular nerve paths for enhanced longevity.

PULSED

Pulsed Genicular RFA

Non-thermal electromagnetic neuromodulation for mild osteoarthritis or post-arthroscopic knee pain.

HYBRID

RFA + PRP Combination

Combines genicular nerve RFA for immediate pain shutdown with intra-articular PRP for biological cartilage repair.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions on Genicular Nerve RFA

The genicular nerves are purely sensory nerves that transmit pain from the worn knee joint to the brain. By delivering controlled radiofrequency heat energy to these specific nerve pathways under live C-Arm guidance, the pain signals are safely interrupted, stopping chronic knee pain for 12 to 24 months.
No. The genicular nerves are purely sensory and do not control any muscle movement. Before applying RF heat, Dr. Shrutika Bhagat performs electronic motor testing to ensure 100% motor safety. You will retain full leg strength and normal walking stability.
Pain relief typically lasts between 12 to 24 months. Over time, microscopic sensory nerve endings may slowly regenerate; if pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated with equal effectiveness.
Yes. Genicular RFA is especially beneficial for patients with Grade 4 osteoarthritis who are elderly, have medical comorbidities (heart conditions, diabetes), or do not want to undergo major artificial knee replacement surgery.
Genicular RFA is a daycare procedure taking approximately 30 minutes. Patients walk immediately after the procedure and return home on the exact same day. Normal daily routines can be resumed within 24 to 48 hours.
Please bring recent weight-bearing standing X-rays (AP & Lateral views) of both knees, any previous MRI reports, details of past injections, and your current medications for an evaluation with Dr. Shrutika Bhagat.

Why Choose Dr. Shrutika for Genicular Nerve RFA in Patna

  • Avoid Invasive Knee Surgery: Ideal for elderly patients unfit for surgery, patients with severe arthritis, or persistent pain following knee replacement.
  • Targeted 3-Nerve Sensory Ablation: Selectively desensitizes the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular pain nerves.
  • Dual Fluoroscopy & Sonography Guided: Combines C-arm bone landmarks with high-resolution ultrasound for zero vascular risk.
  • Walk Home Same Day: No hospital admission, no surgical cuts, no blood loss; patients walk comfortably immediately after treatment.
  • Long-Lasting 1–2 Year Knee Relief: Provides durable pain control allowing elderly patients to stand, climb stairs, and walk without agony.
  • Pioneering Knee Pain Care in Bihar: Extensive experience in modern non-surgical knee joint denervation with proven patient satisfaction.
Dr. Shrutika Bhagat - Spine Endoscopy & Pain Specialist
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