Chronic inguinal neuralgia involving ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves is a frequent complication of surgical procedures involving a lower abdominal incision such as hernia repair, appendicitis surgery, or cesarean sections. Chronic inguinal neuralgia is a very painful condition and diagnosis can be challenging as it is an overlooked impairment. Existing specific treatments are inefficient and often fail. Radiofrequency neurolysis can be more effective and longer lasting than peripheral nerve blocks. It is a safe and effective treatment for chronic inguinal pain. Local steroid injection along with local injection of anesthetics should be used as a confirmation of ilioinguinal neuropathy before performing radiofrequency neurolysis.
Genicular RFA is indicated for a variety of conditions:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Chronic Knee Pain
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Total Knee Replacement (before or after)
- Partial Knee Replacement (before or after)
- Patients unfit for knee replacement
- Patients who want to avoid a knee replacement
In many cases surgery (TKR) may be very effective for patient with chronic osteoarthritis, however, in cases where the patient is not a good surgical candidate, for example due to age or the existence of two or more chronic conditions (comorbidities), there is another option to treat their chronic knee pain.
The Genicular Nerve Block followed by Radiofrequency Ablation (Neurotomy) provide very effective therapeutic alternatives to surgery. A Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), can be done prior to or following knee surgery and may help patients avoid the need for invasive surgery altogether. A successful genicular nerve block (Diagnostic Nerve Block) justifies genicular nerve ablation or radiofrequency ablation which is a longer lasting pain relief option. The ablation procedure works on the theory that cutting the nerve supply to the knee may alleviate pain and restore function. Diagnostic Genicular Block can be accomplished under ultrasonography and/or fluoroscopy.