Minimally Invasive Treatments for Knee Arthritis Injections and Percutaneous Denervation Explained

Knee arthritis causes pain and stiffness that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. The good news - having knee arthritis does not automatically mean you need a knee replacement surgery. The ideal treatment depends on your age, severity of your arthritis, medical condition and your functional status.

In this post, we explore commonly performed minimally invasive interventions for knee arthritis - namely injections (steroid and platelet-rich plasma or PRP) and percutaneous denervation techniques (also known as Genicular Nerve Ablation or Knee Coolief)

Knee Arthritis is common in patients above the age of 45 years old.

Understanding Knee Arthritis and Its Challenges

Osteoarthritis of the knee results from cartilage breakdown, causing bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms worsen with activity and improve with rest but in the advanced stages, one's knee pain can become persistent. Traditional treatments include pain medications, physical therapy, and eventually knee replacement surgery. However, surgery may not be advisable for all patients due to age (too young or too old), severity of knee arthritis (not severe enough), health conditions, or personal preference.

Minimally invasive treatments aim to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and delay or avoid surgery. These treatments are often performed in outpatient settings with quick recovery.

Injection Treatments for Knee Arthritis

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the knee joint. Steroids are very potent anti-inflammatory medications which can provide one with fast pain relief, often within days, and can last several weeks to months. Steroid injections are largely used for managing arthritis flare-ups.

• Benefits: Quick pain relief, reduces swelling, improves mobility temporarily.

• Limitations: Effects are temporary; repeated injections may weaken cartilage or cause side effects.

• Cost considerations: Steroid injections are usually affordable (starting at $350). The exact cost depends on the setting, medications used and whether imaging was required.

  
  

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelets contain growth factors that can help to promote healing. In this procedure, blood is drawn from a patient and a platelet concentrate is obtained from centrifuging the blood. This platelet concentrate is then injected in the knee joint.

• Benefits: Stimulates tissue repair, longer-lasting relief than steroids in some cases, fewer side effects.

• Limitations: Results vary; may take weeks to notice improvement; more expensive than steroid injections.

  
  

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint. Injecting it can improve joint movement and reduce pain.

• Duration: Many wonder how long does hyaluronic acid knee injection last Singapore. Typically, effects last 6 to 12 months.

• Cost: Knee gel injection cost Singapore price depends on the brand and clinic.

• Effectiveness: Often used for mild to moderate arthritis and may be combined with other treatments.

  
  

Percutaneous Denervation Techniques for Knee Pain

What is Genicular Nerve Ablation?

The genicular nerves are a plexus of nerves that supply the knee joint. It carries pain signals from the knee joint into the spine, and into the brain eventually. Since these nerves supply only the knee joint (not the skin or the muscles), they can be safely ablated.

In genicular nerve ablation (also known as knee joint denervation), your pain specialist will place needles at various targets around the knee joint corresponding to the location of the genicular nerves. These nerves are then ablated using thermal energy. This results in a reduction in pain signals reaching the brain, and therefore, reduce pain sensation.

• Procedure: Performed under sedation, guided by imaging to target specific genicular nerves. This is usually done as a day procedure in a hospital or day surgery unit.

• Benefits: Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, pain relief lasting 12 months or longer.

• Suitability: Ideal for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis who are not candidates for surgery or want to delay it.

  
  

Coolief Technology

Coolief is a brand of cooled radiofrequency ablation used for genicular nerve ablation. It uses a cooling system to create larger lesions, improving nerve targeting and pain relief.

• Effectiveness: Studies show significant pain reduction and improved function.

• Availability:Genicular nerva ablation is offered at most pain specialist clinics in Singapore.

• Costs: Based on the MOH fee benchmark, the procedure cost of joint denervation ranges from $3500 to 5600. Additional fees are application depending on facility chosen and the type of consumables used.

  
  

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hyaluronic acid knee injection last Singapore?

Typically, the effects last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the product and individual response.

What is the difference between PRP vs hyaluronic acid injection for knee arthritis Singapore?

PRP uses the patient’s own platelets to promote healing and may provide longer-lasting relief. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint and is mainly for symptom relief. PRP tends to be more costly.

Is genicular nerve ablation for knee osteoarthritis Singapore safe?

Yes, it is a minimally invasive procedure with a good safety profile when performed by experienced pain specialists.

What is the cost of knee nerve radiofrequency ablation private clinic Singapore?

The procedure cost varies widely but generally range from SGD 3,500 to SGD 5,600 depending on the clinic and technology used.

Are there alternatives to knee replacement surgery for elderly Singapore patients?

Yes, injections and percutaneous denervation are effective alternatives that can delay or avoi d surgery.

How often can I get steroid injections?

Doctors usually recommend limiting steroid injections to 3-4 times per year to avoid joint damage.

Taking the Next Step

If knee arthritis pain limits your daily life, exploring minimally invasive treatments can offer relief without surgery. Discuss options like steroid or PRP injections and genicular nerve ablation with a knee pain specialist in Singapore. Understanding the benefits, costs, and expected outcomes helps you make informed decisions tailored to your needs.

Dr Christopher Liu is a pain specialist with an interest in Musculoskeletal pain. He offers ultrasound guided joint injections and genicular nerve ablation with patients with persistent joint pain. If you are considering treatment for your knee pain, make an appointment to see us today.

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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.