The genicular nerves are branches of sensory nerves that innervate the knee. Genicular Nerve blocks are performed as a diagnostic test to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for radiofrequency ablation. This procedure is not designed to provide any long-term pain relief, it is purely a diagnostic test. A local anesthetic is injected, targeting 4 of the genicular nerves associated with the knee joint to temporarily block the pain signal from this joint to the brain. If the appropriate level of temporary pain relief is achieved from this procedure, radiofrequency ablation can be pursued for long-term pain relief.
It is important to note that two successful genicular nerve blocks are required prior to radiofrequency ablation.
This type of injection is only a diagnostic test and will not provide long-term relief. Typically patients will experience 1-8 hours of relief with this type of test.
Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You may be instructed to change into a gown for your procedure.
You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the recommended pain management treatment.
Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be asked to lay down on the exam table on your back, exposing your knee. The targeted area will be cleaned and sterilized. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, fluoroscopy will be used in real-time to guide the injection. Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray imaging. The Radiologist will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area, followed by a small amount of freezing to the 4 genicular nerves.
Following your injection, you will be directed to our recovery area for a brief observation period. One of our Nurses will review the post-procedure care with you, and then you will be free to leave the clinic.
With a successful injection, pain relief can last 1-8 hours. It is important to note that this is a diagnostic test only to determine candidacy for a Radiofrequency Ablation of the knee. The ablation is a procedure that is designed to provide 9-12 months of pain relief but this testing must be done before this procedure.
This procedure is performed using a sterile technique, very rare complications include allergic reactions, infection, and bleeding.
Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally.
You are encouraged to perform your normal daily activities after this injection.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please
contact us. We look forward to supporting your journey to better health.
Dr. Clerk is a radiologist and fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with a wide array of experience in both interventional pain management and diagnostic imaging. In addition to providing expert patient care, Dr. Clerk places utmost importance on building a compassionate practice that recognizes patients as people, not numbers.
When you choose Beam, you can be confident that Dr. Clerk will stay with you throughout your care journey and help you make smart decisions about your pain and imaging needs.
Université de Sherbrooke
Medical School
Université de Sherbrooke
Residency | Diagnostic Radiology
Harvard Medical School
Fellowship | Neuroradiology
The Spine Fracture Institute
Fellowship | Interventional Pain Management