2.  In his practice, Dr. Brian Klagges uses new outpatient
procedures to reduce pain. Board certified in
anesthesiology and pain medicine, Dr. Brian Klagges is
skilled in genicular nerve ablation, a technique that uses
radio waves to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis, knee
replacement surgery, or degenerative joint disease.
The procedure is done in two parts. First, a diagnostic
nerve block determines the need for genicular nerve
ablation; tiny needles are inserted so as to release an
anesthetic to stop sensations from three nerves in the
knee. If this reduces or eliminates pain for several hours,
the doctor performs the nerve ablation. If the amount of
pain is unaffected, he or she will examine other treatment
options.

3.  Assuming that knee pain is lessened, small
needles are placed in the same spot as before.
After testing to make sure the procedure will
affect only the nerves in the knee (and not the
legs), radio waves will be used to treat those
nerves. The waves heat up the immediate area
and reduce the level of pain signals.
Benefits of this method as opposed to knee
replacement surgery include less expense, a
low chance of infection, and the use of a local
anesthetic. Relief using this procedure can last
from six to 12 months to several years.