What Is Genicular Nerve Ablation?
Genicular nerve ablation (GNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve chronic knee pain, especially pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). This treatment can be used as a next step when conservative care hasn’t worked, as a bridge to future surgery, or to reduce pain after knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition where cartilage — the smooth tissue that cushions your bones — breaks down over time. As cartilage wears away, inflammation and nerve irritation can cause ongoing knee pain.
During GNA, an interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance (such as X-ray or ultrasound) to locate the tiny genicular nerves around your knee. These sensory nerves send pain signals to the brain. The doctor uses precise energy (heat or cold) to create a small lesion in each nerve, disrupting its ability to transmit pain.
The goal of GNA is to block pain signals while preserving your ability to move your knee and sense temperature or touch.
Who Can Benefit from GNA?
You may be a good candidate for genicular nerve ablation if you:
- Have chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis that hasn’t improved after at least three months of medications, physical therapy, or joint injections.
- Are not ready for or not a candidate for knee replacement surgery.
- Still have knee pain after surgery (which affects up to 20% of knee replacement patients).
- Want to stay active and mobile — walking, golfing, traveling, or exercising.
- Struggle with knee pain that affects daily life or prevents restful sleep.
GNA is often a helpful next step before considering surgery. It can also improve comfort and function for people who have already had a knee replacement.
This treatment can also be paired with genicular artery embolization (GAE). These complementary procedures, both performed by interventional radiologists, target different sources of knee pain.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
- You’ll meet with your doctor to review your medical history, imaging studies, and prior treatments.
- Your physician may perform a diagnostic nerve block — a test injection that temporarily numbs the genicular nerves. If this block significantly reduces your pain, you may be scheduled for GNA.
- You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
During the Procedure
- You’ll receive local anesthesia and light sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
- Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, the physician inserts a thin probe near each genicular nerve.
- Heat or cold is applied through the probe to treat the nerve and disrupt pain transmission.
- The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
- Most patients go home the same day.
- You may feel mild soreness for a few days. This usually resolves quickly.
- Pain relief typically begins within 2 to 6 weeks and can last for 6 to 24 months.
- Most people return to light activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Benefits of Genicular Nerve Ablation
GNA is safe, effective, and has a quick recovery. Benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Most patients experience significant reduction in knee pain.
- Better Function: Many people find it easier to walk, climb stairs, and stay active.
- Long-Lasting Results: Relief typically lasts 6 to 24 months. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions or stitches are required.
- Fast Recovery: Most people resume their normal routines in a day or two.
Risks and Side Effects
GNA is generally well tolerated, but like all procedures, it carries some risks. Common temporary side effects include:
- Mild bruising or soreness at the treatment site
- Temporary numbness or tingling around the knee
- Minor swelling
Rare risks include:
- Infection or skin burns at the probe site
- Temporary weakness or changes in leg sensation
- Persistent pain that does not improve
Your care team will review these risks with you and determine whether GNA is right for your situation.
Why Choose UHealth for Genicular Nerve Ablation?
At the University of Miami Health System, you’ll be cared for by a team that specializes in image-guided, minimally invasive pain relief procedures.
- Expertise: Our interventional radiologists are leaders in pain management and help advance the field through research and innovation.
- Collaborative Care: We work closely with orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and rehabilitation specialists to design the best treatment plan for you.
- Advanced Imaging: We use state-of-the-art imaging to safely and precisely target pain-transmitting nerves.
- Patient-Focused: Our mission is to help you move better, feel better, and return to doing the things you love.
Meet Our Experts
Take the Next Step
If chronic knee pain is keeping you from living your life, genicular nerve ablation may offer safe, lasting relief.
Schedule a consultation with a UHealth interventional radiologist or pain management expert.
Medically reviewed in November 2025 by Alan A. Sag, M.D., FSIR.
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