Knee Pain Background

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Patna

CLINICAL OVERVIEW

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis (Cartilage Wear)

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by the progressive wear and breakdown of shock-absorbing articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, joint space narrowing, and painful bone spurs (Osteophytes).

Sensory pain signals from the arthritic knee joint capsule and periosteum are transmitted to the central nervous system through a network of specialized sensory nerves called the Genicular Nerves (Superior Medial, Superior Lateral, and Inferior Medial Genicular Nerves).

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) uses precision thermal neurolysis under live ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance to deactivate these sensory pain-transmitting nerves. This "turns off" knee arthritis pain for 12 to 24 months—enabling patients to walk freely, climb stairs, and avoid major open Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery.

Knee Osteoarthritis, Articular Cartilage Wear and Genicular Sensory Nerves
Knee Cartilage Wear
Joint Space Loss, Bone Spurs & Genicular Nerve Innervation
STAGING & PROGRESSION

Kellgren-Lawrence Stages of Knee OA

Accurate radiological grading helps determine whether regenerative PRP, viscosupplementation, or Genicular RFA is the optimal pathway.

STAGE 1

Doubtful / Early OA

Minute osteophyte bone spurs with minimal joint space narrowing. Occasional stiffness after long walks.

Best Intervention: Physiotherapy & Ergonomics
STAGE 2

Mild Osteoarthritis

Definite osteophytes with preserved joint space. Pain when climbing stairs or squatting.

Best Intervention: Autologous PRP Biotherapy
STAGE 3

Moderate Osteoarthritis

Moderate joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and crepitus (grating sound) on movement.

Best Intervention: Genicular RFA + Viscosupplementation
STAGE 4

Severe / Bone-on-Bone

Severe joint space obliteration, large bone spurs, and varus/valgus knee deformity.

Best Intervention: Cooled Genicular RFA (Avoids TKR)
CLINICAL TESTING

Our 4-Step Diagnostic Protocol for Knee Pain

Comprehensive evaluation to precisely map joint wear and verify genicular nerve pain origin.

1

Joint Line Palpation

Clinical assessment of medial vs lateral joint line tenderness, patellofemoral tracking, and range of motion.

2

Weight-Bearing X-Rays

Standing AP, lateral, and skyline views to quantify true joint space narrowing under functional load.

3

High-Resolution Ultrasound

Dynamic ultrasound to detect knee joint effusion, synovial thickening, Baker's cyst, and meniscus extrusion.

4

Genicular Diagnostic Block

Gold Standard: Image-guided test block of 3 genicular nerves. >70% relief confirms RFA success.

SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES

Non-Surgical Interventions for Knee Osteoarthritis

State-of-the-art daycare procedures performed under live fluoroscopic C-Arm and ultrasound guidance by Dr. Shrutika Bhagat in Patna.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
12-24 Mos Relief

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency (RFA)

Thermal neurolysis precisely targeted at the Superior Medial, Superior Lateral, and Inferior Medial genicular nerves, blocking pain transmission for 1 to 2 years while leaving leg motor function 100% intact.

  • Walk comfortably and climb stairs pain-free
  • Daycare procedure under local anesthesia
Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP for Knee OA
Biologic Repair

Autologous Knee PRP Biotherapy

High-concentration autologous growth factors injected under ultrasound into the joint space to slow cartilage degradation, suppress inflammatory cytokines, and stimulate synovial healing.

  • 100% natural, patient's own healing cells
  • Protects and nourishes remaining cartilage
Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation
Joint Lubrication

Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation

Ultrasound-guided delivery of high-molecular-weight cross-linked hyaluronic acid to restore lubricating synovial fluid, reduce joint friction, and cushion impact during walking.

  • Eliminates joint crepitus & grinding
  • Provides 6 to 12 months of smooth mobility
Diagnostic Genicular Nerve Blocks
Diagnostic Test

Genicular Nerve Diagnostic Block

A quick, painless test block using local anesthetic to temporarily numb the genicular nerves, verifying immediate pain relief before proceeding to long-term RFA.

  • Confirms candidacy for radiofrequency
  • Performed in 10 minutes in daycare
Ultrasound Guided Pes Anserine Bursa Injection
Bursa & Tendon

Pes Anserine Bursa Hydrodissection

Ultrasound-guided targeted injection to relieve co-existing pes anserine bursitis, patellar tendinitis, and medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain around the arthritic knee.

  • Calms inner knee burning & night ache
  • Pinpoint dynamic ultrasound accuracy
Quadriceps Biomechanical Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation

Biomechanical Knee Rehabilitation

Targeted vastus medialis oblique (VMO) strengthening, unloader knee bracing, and gait correction to reduce joint compression force during walking.

  • Builds dynamic muscular knee support
  • Prevents joint misalignment progression
TREATMENT COMPARISON

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) vs. Daycare Genicular RFA

Why Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation is the leading non-surgical alternative for knee osteoarthritis.

Clinical Feature Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery Daycare Genicular Nerve RFA
Anesthesia Required Spinal / General Anesthesia (High cardiac/diabetic risk) Local Anesthesia only (Safe for 75+ age group)
Incision & Bone Cutting Large 6 – 8 inch incision with heavy bone resection Zero incisions (Pinhole needle puncture)
Artificial Metal Implants Artificial metal and polyethylene knee prostheses 100% natural joint preservation (Zero metal implants)
Post-Operative Recovery 8 to 12 weeks of painful intensive physical therapy Immediate walking; resume routine in 24–48 hours
Hospital Stay 4 to 7 days hospital admission Daycare: Discharged in 2 to 3 hours
Dr. Shrutika Bhagat - Interventional Pain & Spine Endoscopy Specialist in Patna
Fellowship-Trained Spine Specialist

Dr. Shrutika Bhagat

MBBS, MD, FIRA, FIAPM | Interventional Pain & Spine Endoscopy

Dr. Shrutika Bhagat brings super-specialized training in full-endoscopic spine surgery and image-guided interventional pain management, having successfully treated thousands of patients with severe back pain, disc prolapse, sciatica, nerve compression, and joint arthritis in Patna.

FAQS

Knee Osteoarthritis FAQs

Clinical answers regarding Genicular RFA, avoiding knee replacement surgery, PRP therapy, and recovery timeline.

Yes. Genicular Nerve RFA is proven to provide 12 to 24 months of substantial pain relief and improved joint function for patients with moderate to severe knee arthritis. It is ideal for patients who want to avoid surgery, those who are too young for joint replacement, or elderly individuals with high surgical/cardiac risks.
No. The 3 genicular nerves targeted during the procedure are purely sensory nerves that transmit pain from the joint capsule. The motor nerves that power your thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) are located far away and remain completely untouched. You can walk immediately after the procedure.
PRP contains concentrated platelets harvested from your own blood, rich in growth factors (TGF-beta, PDGF, VEGF). Injected into the knee under ultrasound, PRP halts active cartilage breakdown, reduces chronic synovial inflammation, and stimulates biological healing of damaged joint tissues.
Yes. Up to 15% of patients continue to experience chronic pain after Total Knee Replacement surgery (persistent post-surgical knee pain). Genicular RFA safely targets residual peri-articular nerve sensitization, providing excellent pain relief without further revision surgery.
Because Genicular RFA is a pinhole daycare procedure performed under local anesthesia, patients walk out of the clinic within 2 hours. Most patients resume their normal routine activities, walking, and light work within 24 to 48 hours.
Please bring your recent standing Knee X-rays (AP and Lateral views), Knee MRI films (if available), and past prescription history for an immediate clinical evaluation with Dr. Shrutika Bhagat.
CTA Background Pattern
CTA Background
BEGIN YOUR RECOVERY TODAY

Don't Let Chronic Pain Control Your Life.

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