Cooled Radiofrequency treatment has recently become available in New Delhi, India. It is an alternative for those suffering from chronic knee pain secondary to various reasons such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and persistent pain after knee replacement. It offers a  safe, effective non surgical, minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement  for patients who are either

·         Not keen on surgery or

·         Not fit for surgery due to other medical problems or

·         Have persistent pain after knee replacement.

This procedure can also be used for sacroiliac joint pain as in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and for low back pain secondary to facet joint arthritis. It is a day care procedure performed under local anesthesia with no requirement for hospital stay or prolonged rehabilitation.

Normal activities can generally be resumed soon after the procedure with little or no recovery time. Less pain can lead to improved functionality and reduced medication requirements.

Knee joint is supplied by branches from many nerves and these are collectively addressed as genicular nerves. The initial diagnostic procedure involves local anaesthetic injections close to the nerves supplying the knee joint.

If the diagnostic procedure produces good pain relief then it is beneficial to proceed with radiofrequency treatment from  pain specialist . Radiofrequency treatment aims to reduce the pain signals being transmitted by the nerves to the brain.

This is achieved by heating up a small area of ??the nerve using the electric current produced by radio waves. The procedure involves placing needles close to these nerves under x ray or ultrasound guidance followed by heating of nerves.

Cooled differs from conventional Radiofrequency as it has water circulating through the device, needle tip and can create a larger treatment area increasing the chances of success. It can provide lasting pain relief for up to a period of 18-24 months and has a low complication rate. I trained in this procedure in Germany a few years back and I use a combination of ultrasound and x rays to improve the chances of having a successful outcome.

Consult Best Pain Specialist In Delhi, Dr. Amod Manocha.