Exploring Radiofrequency Neurotomy (RFN) For Knee Pain Relief
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Physicians may use radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) to disrupt pain signals by applying controlled heat to specific nerves around the knee joint. Many consider this approach a less invasive alternative to surgery for managing persistent knee pain, especially when more conservative treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.
This article explains how physicians perform RFN, outlines reasons for selecting it in cases of knee pain, and examines whether combining it with procedures using orthobiologic injectates, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow concentrate (BMC), may help support function and reduce discomfort.
Understanding Radiofrequency Neurotomy
RFN uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from specific sensory nerves. To perform the procedure, a physician guides a specialized probe toward the targeted nerve using imaging for accuracy. Once in position, the probe delivers radiofrequency energy that heats the surrounding tissue and creates a small lesion in the nerve.
This disruption may help reduce discomfort in the area served by the nerve.However, the results are typically temporary. Over time, the nerve may regenerate, and symptoms can return.
Knee Conditions That May Benefit from This Treatment
Physicians may recommend RFN for individuals experiencing chronic knee pain that does not improve with conservative care. They often consider this approach when imaging or diagnostic evaluations suggest that the genicular nerves—small sensory branches that supply the knee joint—may play a role in the individual’s pain. This approach may also be utilized if pain persists after knee replacement or in cases where a patient does not qualify for knee replacement due to their medical history.
Potential Outcomes Of This Procedure
As the image below illustrates, the genicular nerves carry most of the pain signals from the knee joint. Physicians may use RFN to apply controlled heat to these nerves, disrupting their ability to transmit pain. This approach may help reduce symptoms in individuals with chronic knee pain.
Researchers have studied RFN’s ability to reduce pain, but many available studies remain limited in quality. One randomized, placebo-controlled trial included only 19 participants. In that study, 59% of individuals treated with RFN reported more than 50% pain reduction at the three-month mark.
Other studies have compared RFN to corticosteroid injections. One trial reported greater symptom relief at six months in the RFN group. However, by 12 months, half of the participants had opted for surgical procedures such as total knee replacement, which made long-term comparisons difficult.
Some studies lacked blinding or received funding from industry sponsors, raising concerns about potential bias. These limitations reduce the overall strength of the evidence supporting RFN for chronic knee pain.
In contrast, researchers have conducted more robust investigations of PRP treatments for knee osteoarthritis, including over three dozen randomized controlled trials, six of which included placebo controls.
While RFN may provide short-term relief for some individuals, current evidence does not yet match the volume or quality of research available for orthobiologic options like PRP. Larger, independent trials are needed to better understand the long-term effectiveness of RFN.
Potential Risks To Consider
RFN is generally considered by physicians to be a less invasive alternative to surgery; however, the procedure is associated with potential risks. Awareness of these reported concerns may help establish appropriate expectations. Reported risks and concerns include:
- Accelerated Joint Degeneration: Disrupting the sensory nerves may increase joint stress and allow underlying damage to continue unnoticed. This could potentially accelerate joint degeneration, also known as arthritis progression, and prompt earlier consideration of a knee replacement.
- Other Procedural Risks: As with any medical procedure, other potential concerns may include the risk of infection, chronic nerve damage, vascular injury, tendon injury, and bleeding into the knee joint.
The Regenexx Approach To Support Improved Knee Function
Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network focus on addressing the underlying causes of knee pain rather than masking symptoms. Their approach emphasizes joint preservation through image-guided procedures using your body’s own healing agents.
When appropriate, bone marrow concentrate (BMC) containing stem cells or customized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) formulations may be used to target inflammation, tissue damage, or joint instability and support the body’s natural healing response.
Each treatment plan is guided by diagnostic imaging, physical exams, and, when needed, movement assessments to target the specific structures involved.
Procedures using Regenexx injectates follow established protocols and proprietary lab techniques designed to concentrate beneficial cells and growth factors. This approach may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and delay or avoid joint replacement.
Boost Knee Recovery with Focused Treatment
Targeting pain without addressing its underlying cause may provide short-term relief but can come at the expense of long-term joint health. Procedures such as RFN may reduce symptoms by interrupting nerve signals; however, available research suggests these benefits are often limited in duration and may carry risks related to joint preservation.
In contrast, image-guided procedures using orthobiologic injectates—such as customized PRP—aim to support the body’s natural healing response, reduce inflammation, and help slow the progression of arthritis.
When exploring knee pain treatment options, individuals benefit from approaches that preserve joint structure, target the root cause of discomfort, and support long-term function. The Regenexx approach prioritizes these principles, using diagnostic imaging and established treatment protocols to guide customized care and may help promote improved joint outcomes.
To talk one-on-one with one of our team members about how Regenexx may be able to help your orthopedic pain or injury, please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you within the next business day.
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