Genicular radiofrequency ablation | Interventional Spine
Genicular radiofrequency ablation
Explore alternatives to living with knee pain
Genicular RFA is an option for treating knee pain without surgery. By selectively applying radiofrequency waves to the nerves surrounding the knee, your doctor can help relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
The entire procedure is performed outside the knee joint and may be used for patients that have failed conservative and surgical treatments or are not candidates for surgery.1
If you are not a candidate for a total knee replacement or are still experiencing pain after knee surgery, radiofrequency ablation may be a treatment option.
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Potential risks of the procedure
The risk of complications from RFA is very low. On occasion, permanent nerve damage or pain can occur. In some people, their original pain may get worse. Other complications, including infection and bleeding at the needle insertion site, are uncommon.5
Please consult with your doctor for the full list of possible side effects related to the genicular RFA procedure.
*Up to 6 months
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide what course of treatment is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatment is right for you. Any medical procedure carries certain risks and your doctor will explain all possible complications and/or side effects. Not all patients will experience the same results.
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- Kidd V et al. Genicular radiofrequency ablation for painful knee arthritis: The why and the how. JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques. 2019; 9(1):1-7.
- Iannaccone F et al. A review of long-term pain relief after genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation in chronic knee osteoarthritis. Pain Physician. 2017; 20(3):E437-E444.
- El-Hakeim E et al. Fluoroscopic guided radiofrequency of genicular nerves for pain alleviation in chronic knee osteoarthritis: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Pain Physician. 2018; 21(2):169-177.
- Konya Z et al. Results of genicular nerve ablation by radiofrequency in osteoarthritis-related chronic refractory knee pain. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences. 2020; 50(1):86-95.
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): What it is & procedure. Retrieved on July 8, 2025 from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
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