Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Radiofrequency
Many people suffer from knee pain that never leaves them, whether day or night. This pain makes climbing stairs or even standing for a short period of time exhausting and painful. Over time, knee osteoarthritis becomes a real burden that prevents the patient from living a normal life, with growing concerns about surgery and its complications.
However, today surgery is no longer the only option. The modern and effective technique of radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis has emerged as a solution that restores comfort and mobility without pain or fear.
Dr. Amr El-Sakka, a faculty member of the Interventional Radiology Department at the Faculty of Medicine and a member of the prominent European and Arab societies specializing in interventional radiology (CIRSE, PAIRS), offers the latest methods for treating knee osteoarthritis with radiofrequency, which involves disrupting the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain from the knee to the brain using precise and safe energy, without any surgical intervention or general anesthesia.
Thanks to this advanced technique, patients can now eliminate chronic pain and regain their ability to move easily and safely, returning to a more comfortable and better quality of life in a very short time. Keep reading for more details about radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Radiofrequency
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and difficulty in movement among adults and the elderly, and the symptoms often worsen over time, causing difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or even standing for long periods. While many patients fear surgeries or joint replacement, interventional radiology has provided a modern and effective solution known as radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
This treatment relies on disrupting the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain from the knee joint to the brain, without any surgical intervention. The procedure targets the genicular nerves, which are responsible for the sensation of pain in the joint. This is done by using a very fine needle, guided by imaging to deliver safe thermal energy to these nerves, effectively reducing pain and improving mobility and quality of life.
Scientifically, this procedure is known as Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (GNRFA), and studies have shown that it provides pain relief in over 60% to 70% of patients, with effects lasting from 6 months to a year. The procedure can be repeated as needed.
Steps of Radiofrequency Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis with Dr. Amr El-Sakka
This precise procedure is performed in the interventional radiology unit under the supervision of Dr. Amr El-Sakka, using the latest imaging devices. It involves the following steps:
The doctor performs a thorough clinical examination and simple tests to determine the severity of osteoarthritis.
A diagnostic test called a Diagnostic Block is done, where a local anesthetic is injected around the genicular nerves. If the patient notices significant improvement in pain (50% or more) within 24 hours, they are eligible for radiofrequency treatment.
The skin is locally anesthetized, and the patient is placed in a comfortable position with the knee slightly bent (about 30 degrees).
Imaging devices (Fluoroscopy or Ultrasound) are used to precisely locate the target nerves.
The doctor then inserts a very fine needle to the points where the sensory nerves supplying the knee pass (three main areas: the upper lateral outer nerve, the upper lateral inner nerve, and the lower lateral inner nerve).
Radiofrequency waves are transmitted through the needle to generate gentle heat (about 70 to 80°C for one minute), which disrupts the nerves responsible for pain without affecting knee movement.
Post-Procedure Care
The needle is removed, and the site is closed with a small medical adhesive.
The patient can leave the clinic the same day and walk normally.
Pain relief starts gradually over the next few days, and the full result is seen after one to two weeks.
The procedure is safe and quick, performed without general anesthesia or hospitalization, providing long-lasting knee pain relief and noticeable improvement in mobility.
Advantages of Radiofrequency Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Radiofrequency treatment represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis due to its effective results and high safety compared to traditional methods:
No Surgery or General Anesthesia: The procedure is done with a fine needle and local anesthesia, without any incisions or stitches.
Rapid Pain Relief: Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain within days, helping them return to daily activities quickly.
Long-Lasting Results: The patient enjoys relief lasting from 6 to 12 months, and the procedure can be safely repeated if the pain returns.
Suitable for the Elderly and Those Who Cannot Undergo Surgery: Safe for patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, who may not be suitable for general anesthesia or surgery.
Preserves the Natural Joint: The procedure does not affect the internal components of the knee but alleviates pain without harming tissues or muscles.
Why Choose Dr. Amr El-Sakka for Radiofrequency Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis?
With Dr. Amr El-Sakka, you are in the hands of an expert who combines scientific knowledge and precision in the field of interventional radiology and non-surgical treatments. He is a consultant in diagnostic and interventional radiology and catheter-based non-surgical treatments, and a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University, making him one of the leading specialists in this field.
Dr. Amr El-Sakka has extensive experience in treating chronic pain using radiofrequency and relies on advanced equipment that allows for precise targeting of nerves without any damage to the joint or surrounding tissues. He also ensures follow-up care to monitor pain improvement and the restoration of normal movement. With Dr. Amr El-Sakka, you will find an effective, safe, and precise treatment for knee osteoarthritis, without surgery.
Thanks to radiofrequency treatment for knee osteoarthritis, you can now eliminate pain and restore your mobility easily and safely, without general anesthesia or hospitalization.
Book your appointment now with Dr. Amr El-Sakka, one of the leading specialists in interventional radiology and non-surgical treatments in Egypt, and prepare for a more comfortable and pain-free life.
- He holds a PhD in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology from the Faculty of Medicine - Al-Azhar University.
- Faculty member of Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Al-Azhar University Hospitals
- Member of the Egyptian Society of Interventional Radiology (EgSIR)
