Genicular Nerve Ablation for Chronic Knee Pain
Genicular nerve ablation (GNA) is radiofrequency treatment of the small genicular nerves that carry pain from an arthritic knee — without opening the joint. If injections are fading, request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this option is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Genicular nerve ablation for chronic knee pain
GNA is image-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation. It quiets pain nerves — not lost cartilage. It is one option among knee and joint treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine, and not the same as artery-based GAE.
Not a new knee
Not open surgery. Not the same as genicular artery embolization, which treats inflamed vessels instead of pain nerves.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The nerves
Knee pain relief without surgery when signaling drives the ache
Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis — aching, night pain, stiffness after injections no longer helping — is the usual GNA consult. A diagnostic genicular nerve block is sometimes used first. Bone-on-bone on an X-ray does not decide the visit by itself.
The ablation
Radiofrequency along the genicular sensory nerves
Needles are placed with imaging. Radiofrequency energy is applied so those nerves stop relaying the pain signal. Most visits use light sedation. If inflamed lining is the main story, GAE may be the better tool.
Candidacy
A consult if injections no longer help
People ask about GNA when they want radiofrequency ablation of the knee, cannot have surgery, or still hurt after injections. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Chronic knee pain that limits walking, sleep, or daily tasks
- Injections that help only briefly or no longer help
- Interest in a nerve-based option instead of an immediate new joint
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not decided from an X-ray alone
GNA is not for every film. Infection, a mechanical lock, or pain from another structure can point elsewhere.
A hot swollen knee with fever, or inability to bear weight after injury, needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your GNA visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and imaging. A block may be planned first. See Locations.
The day of treatment
A few hours from check-in through recovery. Image-guided needles. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
If relief comes, it can last many months. Nerves may recover. No duration is promised here.
Afterward
Recovery after genicular nerve ablation
Needle-site soreness can occur. This is not knee-replacement recovery. If GNA is not the right match, options include conservative care, GAE, or surgical evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
GNA is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
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Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
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Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
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Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
GNA questions we hear at consult
Can GNA help with chronic knee pain?
It is used for osteoarthritis pain carried by genicular nerves. Results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Candidacy is confirmed at consult.
Is genicular nerve ablation an outpatient procedure?
Yes. GNA is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.
Is GNA the same as GAE?
No. GNA is nerve-based radiofrequency. GAE is artery-based treatment of inflamed lining.
How long does radiofrequency ablation of the knee last?
Benefit can last many months. Nerves may recover; repeat GNA is sometimes discussed. Duration is not guaranteed.