Knee Genicular Nerve Block
Genicular Nerve Block and Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Knee Pain
Genicular nerve procedures target sensory nerve branches around the knee. A diagnostic genicular nerve block may provide temporary relief and information about whether these nerves contribute to a patient’s pain. It is not intended to repair cartilage or correct osteoarthritis.
Genicular radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has evidence supporting use in selected patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis and selected patients with persistent pain after total knee arthroplasty when other appropriate treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Selection and Expectations
A diagnostic block may be used before RFA, but block protocols and thresholds vary and should not be stated as a universal rule. RFA is palliative: it modulates pain transmission and does not structurally change the knee joint. Benefit varies and the sensory nerves can recover over time.
Risks
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, neuritis or temporary pain flare, numbness or dysesthesia, vascular injury, injury to nearby structures, and failure to improve symptoms.
Clinical Evidence, Limitations & Patient Selection
Consensus guidance supports genicular RFA for selected chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis and refractory pain after total knee arthroplasty. The treatment is palliative rather than structurally restorative.
Important limitation: Diagnostic block methods vary; one block protocol should not be presented as universally required.
Every procedure has potential risks, and individual benefit cannot be guaranteed. Recommendations at Solutions in Pain are based on the diagnosis, examination, relevant imaging, prior treatment, medical history, medications, patient goals, current evidence, and applicable payer requirements.
Selected Evidence & Guidelines
Patient-education content updated September 2026. This information does not replace an individualized medical evaluation or informed-consent discussion.