From an interview with
Dr. Thomas DiStefano
McLeod Orthopaedics Cheraw

Osteoarthritis of the knee is the leading cause of knee pain in adults. The condition results in the thinning of the covering cartilage of the knee joint, which leads to pain with walking and weight bearing. The most common treatment has traditionally been surgical joint replacement.

In the last few years, patients suffering from constant osteoarthritis knee pain have found a minimally-invasive option for relief. Radiofrequency ablation – also called RFA – can decrease pain, enhance function and improve a patient’s quality of life.

“It is a technique where you can put a probe directly to the nerve that triggers pain in a specific area,” says McLeod Orthopaedic Specialist Dr. Thomas DiStefano. “We use radio frequency to basically ablate or deaden the nerve.”

Dr. DiStefano has found patients feeling relief for an average of two years. And while the nerves eventually grow back, ablation can be repeated as many times as necessary. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the procedure.

“I saw a patient that we had treated with ablation,” says Dr. DiStefano. “She experienced pain relief for two-and-a-half years with end-stage arthritic changes in the knee, and she still is feeling only minimal discomfort. So, it has really been effective for her.”

Ablation is primarily for patients who have not experienced relief from conservative non-surgical treatments.  In addition to knee osteoarthritis, RFA can also be used to treat other joint issues:

• Chronic knee pain – Chronic knee pain can be caused by tendinitis, injury, osteoarthritis, gout, or other conditions
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Patients with pain after total or partial knee surgery
• Patients with chronic knee pain who are not surgical candidates

NONSURGICAL TREATMENTS

Before turning to surgical options, Dr. DiStefano looks at weight loss as a first course of action, in addition to over-the-counter treatments, such as Tylenol, glucosamine and vitamins.

“There’s also viscosupplementation, which are basically hyaluronic acid injections for the knees,” says Dr. DiStefano.  “For our older population, it’s a great treatment that is typically a three-shot series. It’s like a lubricant, cushion or a shock-absorber type of effect. We call it ‘WD-40 for the knees.’ What’s nice about that treatment is it lasts about six months, which provides more sustained relief than a cortisone injection.”

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE

Having pain or problems with your knee?  Talk to an orthopedic specialist who focuses on muscle and bone problems.

Find an orthopedic specialist near you.