How radiofrequency denervation treats osteoarthritis

Written in association with: Dr Andrzej Krol
Published: | Updated: 26/09/2024
Edited by: Carlota Pano

Radiofrequency denervation is a novel treatment option for people suffering from chronic pain due to osteoarthritis that can help to enhance quality of life and reduce discomfort.

 

Dr Andrzej Krol, renowned consultant in anaesthesia and pain medicine, provides an expert insight into radiofrequency denervation for osteoarthritis, including its procedure, effectiveness, and compatibility with other treatments.

 

 

What is radiofrequency denervation?

 

Radiofrequency denervation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic pain by targeting the sensory nerves that send pain signals from the joint to the brain. While radiofrequency denervation is most commonly employed for spinal pain, it has also been effectively used for joint pain, particularly in osteoarthritis cases.

 

In osteoarthritis, pain is often caused by inflammation and the breakdown of cartilage, as well as damage to the surrounding tissues. With the use of radiofrequency energy, radiofrequency denervation creates heat that disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. This process interrupts the pain pathways and alleviates the pain associated with osteoarthritis, helping people to experience improved mobility and functionality.

 

How does radiofrequency denervation work for osteoarthritis?

 

Before undergoing radiofrequency denervation, you will typically have a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, a medical history review, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

 

On the day of the procedure, local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the targeted joint. Your pain management specialist will then use fluoroscopy (a real-time imaging technique) to accurately locate the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from the affected joint.

 

Subsequently, a thin, insulated needle will be carefully inserted near the target nerve. Accurate needle placement is critical for the effectiveness of the procedure.

 

Once the needle is in position, radiofrequency energy will be delivered to the nerve through the needle tip. This energy will generate heat, creating a small lesion on the nerve that will disrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals, providing pain relief.

 

Are there any potential risks or side effects?

 

Like any medical procedure, radiofrequency denervation carries potential risks and side effects, although they are generally minimal. Potential side effects include temporary numbness, weakness, allergic reactions, or pain that persists.

 

How effective is radiofrequency denervation for osteoarthritis?

 

Radiofrequency denervation can be highly effective for managing chronic pain related to osteoarthritis. People are able to experience significant reductions in pain levels and improvements in function after undergoing the procedure, with pain relief lasting for several months to a couple of years.

 

Can radiofrequency denervation be performed for osteoarthritis alongside other treatments?

 

Yes, radiofrequency denervation can be performed alongside other treatment modalities for osteoarthritis. Treatment combinations can include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, regular exercise, or surgical options.

 

 

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Andrzej Krol, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Andrzej Krol
Pain medicine

Dr Andrzej Krol is a distinguished consultant in anaesthesia and pain medicine based in London who specialises in ultrasound-guided pain interventions and radiofrequency procedures for the management of chronic, acute and transitional pain, including cancer pain. With a multimodal approach to pain management, Dr Krol provides ultrasound diagnostics of nerve injury and radiofrequency denervation for major joint pain (shoulder, hip, knee) alongside spinal injections, pulsed-radiofrequency, minimally invasive neuromodulation modalities and peripheral nerve treatment. He is highly proficient in regional and vascular anaesthesia, and also holds a particular interest in the safety of pain interventions.

Dr Krol originally qualified from Medical School in Poland in 1991. He completed training in anaesthetics and intensive care in 1998 before going on to become a diplomate of the European Academy of Anaesthesiology in 2000. Meanwhile, Dr Krol also trained in palliative medicine and set up a palliative hospice and chronic pain service in Warsaw, where he served as regional advisor in palliative medicine for four years. He later went on to obtain the distinguished European Diploma of Pain Medicine from the The European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy. In the UK, Dr Krol accomplished a prestigious clinical pain fellowship at St George’s Hospital in 2005, where he was later appointed as a consultant.

As a prominent figure in his specialty, Dr Krol has also served in a number of senior positions throughout his leading career. Notably, he has been the President of the Interventional Section of the Polish Association for the Study of Pain and a founding member of the Polish Neuromodulation Society. He is, at present, a scientific committee member for the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia, as well as the author of more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Since 1998, Dr Krol also works as a vascular anaesthetist, supporting research and development of intra and postoperative guidelines and protocols.

Dr Krol currently sees patients privately at Spire Anthony’s Hospital and at Parkside Private Hospital. He performs more than 300 interventional pain procedures each year, with safe and effective care.

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