Numbing the small nerves that carry pain from the knee — a test before longer-lasting treatment.
What it is
The genicular nerves supply sensation to the knee joint capsule. Blocking them tells us whether interrupting those nerves would help, without committing to anything durable.
What we use it for
- Knee osteoarthritis where injections are no longer helping
- Persistent knee pain after joint replacement
- Patients who are not surgical candidates
What to expect
- Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, about 15 minutes.
- You keep a pain diary afterwards — that is the result of the test.
- Relief is deliberately short-lived.
- No sedation needed for most patients.
Risks
Every procedure carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction, or a temporary increase in pain. Steroid can raise blood sugar for several days, which matters if you are diabetic. Serious complications are rare, and the specific risks for your procedure and your health will be discussed before you consent to anything.
Call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
What happens if it works?
Genicular radiofrequency ablation becomes an option, which typically lasts many months.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.