Joint Denervation for Knee & Hip Arthritis - You've heard about it but what is it?

As medical technology advances, innovative treatments for arthritis, such as denervation, are garnering attention. But what exactly is denervation, and how does it offer relief for knee and hip arthritis sufferers? In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of denervation, its application in managing arthritis, and what it means for those seeking relief from joint pain.

What is Joint Denervation?

Denervation, in the context of arthritis treatment, involves the targeted interruption of nerve signals that transmit pain sensations from the affected joint to the brain. By disrupting these signals, denervation aims to alleviate pain and improve joint function, offering patients an alternative to medications or surgery. 

The Procedure

This procedure is usually performed in a facility such as the operating room or X-ray suite by a Pain Specialist under sedation. Using advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the pain specialist places a special needle (called a radiofrequency canula) adjacent to nerves that supply the arthritis joint. Once the needle has been placed, heat is applied across the needle tip, causing the nerve to be destroyed. This results in disruption of the pain signals.

It should be mentioned that the nerves that are destroyed during this procedure are nerves that supply on the affected joint. As such, destruction of these nerves can result in pain-relief without causing permanent weakness of the muscles supplying the hip or knee joint. 

In this procedure, special needles are place adjacent to the nerves that supply the knee joint. The heat from the needles causes disruption of the nerve signals from the knee to the brain.

Who will benefit from this procedure?

Individuals who will benefit most from joint denervation for knee and hip arthritis are those who experience persistent joint pain that significantly impacts their quality of life despite conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or joint injections. These individuals may have tried various therapies without adequate relief and are seeking alternative options to manage their pain.

​Additionally, candidates for joint denervation should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure and be willing to actively participate in their post-treatment rehabilitation to optimize results. It's crucial for potential candidates to consult with a Pain Specialist who can assess their specific condition, evaluate their suitability for denervation, and discuss the potential risks and benefits based on individual circumstances.

What to expect after the procedure?

Some soreness or discomfort at the needle insertion sites in the knee is typical and should subside naturally within a few days. Most patients can return to usual activity after one to two days. Post-procedure, the effects of knee denervation should be seen 2 to 3 weeks following the procedure.  A follow-up appointment is usually given to assess the effects of the treatment and to determine if further treatment is required. 

Dr Christopher Liu is a Pain Specialist with expertise in Joint denervation techniques. He is currently the medical director of Napier Pain Specialists which is located at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore. He has been performing this procedure for 10 years.