Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation of the knee

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Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation of the Knee

A short term alternative to surgery. If successful, benefits can last from 3 months to 12 or even 24 months. Both knees can be treated simultaneously if required. The procedure can be repeated in the future when it wears off.

How: 

A Day only procedure. Under general anaesthesia, 4 needle probes are inserted around the nerves of the knee, under Xray guidance. A thin probe is passed through the needle and radiofrequency waves heat the probe tip.  The radiofrequency waves heat and destroy an area of nerve to stop or reduce transmission of pain signals to the brain resulting in pain relief. Local anaesthetic for short term pain relief is then injected down the needle probe and band aid type dressings are applied.

Preparation:

You may be sore walking after the procedure so bring a walking stick just in case.

You can bring your own ice pack for pain relief and control of swelling, or the hospital can provide one at cost.

You don’t need to stop blood thinners prior to the procedure. 

If you have a pacemaker, please let us know, but we can still perform the procedure.

Risks:

Skin irritation, bleeding, swelling, infection, nerve damage, vascular injury, exacerbation of pain.

When will I begin to feel pain relief ?

By about 1 -2 weeks you should feel the benefits of the procedure but it can take up to 6 weeks.

Postop: 

DO NOT drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. You need someone to stay with you the first day and night following your general anaesthetic.

Patients often need pain relief for the first day or two; sometimes for a week or two. Paracetamol (Panadol, Panamax) are often sufficient.  It’s common to feel soreness, burning, pain or muscle spasms around the needle sites. Some can feel numbness. 

The needle puncture sites will be dressed with a shower proof dressing for 5-7 days, though usually by 2 days any bleeding should have ceased, unless you’re on blood thinners. Ice packs are recommended to ease pain and reduce swelling and soft tissue aches. Apply the ice pack for 20 minutes each hour as required. You can put ALL your weight on the treated knee.

You can walk around as you feel comfortable. You can resume your normal activities as comfort allows.

Return to work:

Usually within a day or two but you may still have some aches.