Knee Denervation: Long-Term Pain Relief After Knee Replacement

Surgical knee denervation is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic knee pain that has persisted after partial or total knee replacement surgery. During the procedure, the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint are selectively targeted and cut to interrupt the pain pathways without affecting the knee's motor function.

Knee denervation surgery can provide significant relief if you suffer from chronic knee pain, particularly after a total or partial knee replacement.

Knee denervation can be especially beneficial for patients post-knee-replacement who have exhausted other conservative pain management options like physical therapy, medications, and injections and yet continue to experience debilitating and chronic knee pain that affects their daily activities and quality of life.

Our surgeons will thoroughly evaluate your knee condition during your consultation at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction. This includes a detailed medical history review, previous treatments, imaging studies, and a diagnostic nerve block test. 

Ideal Candidates of Knee Denervation Surgery:

• Have knee pain after a knee replacement surgery
• Have chronic knee pain that has persisted for at least 6 months
• Demonstrated positive response to diagnostic nerve blocks
• Failed to achieve adequate relief through conservative treatments
• Have realistic expectations about pain reduction outcomes
• Are in generally good health and can undergo surgery

Non-Ideal Candidates of Knee Denervation Surgery:

• Have acute knee injuries that haven't been thoroughly evaluated
• Have an active infection in or around the knee
• Have severe vascular disease affecting the lower extremity
• Hold unrealistic expectations about complete pain elimination
• Have medical conditions that make surgery unsafe

• Improved Mobility: Enhanced ability to move comfortably.
• Alternative to Medications: Less reliance on pain medications post-surgery.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Better ability to engage in daily activities.

The Institute is highly regarded for its innovative techniques in lower extremity injury surgeries, including knee denervation. 

During knee denervation surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure, patients receive either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation for comfort. The surgeon then makes several small incisions around the knee to access the specific sensory nerves transmitting the pain signals. 

Using specialized techniques and precise mapping of the nerve pathways, our surgeon carefully identifies and treats these nerve branches while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue and nerves that control knee movement. The small incisions are then closed with sutures, and the surgeon applies a light dressing. 

Most patients can return home the same day after a brief recovery period in the surgical center, where medical staff monitor their vital signs and comfort levels.

The Institute offers unparalleled expertise in surgical knee denervation through our world-renowned specialists, who are leaders in treating lower extremity conditions. Our cutting-edge techniques, combined with a deeply personalized approach to patient care, ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment tailored to your specific needs. 

For medical providers seeking effective solutions for their patients, the expert surgeons at The Institute specialize in nerve-targeting techniques that provide lasting pain relief without the need for additional major surgery. By referring your patients to our team, you ensure they receive personalized, evidence-based care that prioritizes mobility, function, and quality of life. 

From consultation through recovery, our team's commitment to excellence and patient-centered care sets us apart as a premier choice for knee denervation procedures.

How long does the pain relief last after surgical knee denervation?
Pain relief duration varies among patients, but most experience significant relief lasting 2-5 years. Some patients report longer-lasting results, while others may need a repeat procedure as nerves naturally regenerate over time. This duration can be influenced by factors such as the underlying condition causing the pain, overall health, and activity level.


What risks are involved with this procedure?
While surgical knee denervation is generally considered safe, there are potential risks. These include:

• Temporary numbness or altered sensation around the knee
• Post-operative swelling and bruising
• Slight risk of infection at incision sites
• Possibility of incomplete pain relief
• In rare cases, increased sensitivity or pain in the treated area
• Standard surgical risks associated with anesthesia

How soon can I return to regular activities after surgery?
Recovery after surgery generally follows this timeline: patients return home on the day of the procedure; in the first few days, light walking and basic activities are encouraged. By 1-2 weeks, individuals can return to desk work and light tasks, and by 2-3 weeks, normal walking and increased activities can resume. Most regular activities can typically be resumed by 4-6 weeks, with a gradual return to more strenuous activities by 6-8 weeks.

Will this surgery affect the movement of my knee?
Surgical knee denervation will not affect knee mobility or function. The procedure specifically targets the sensory nerves responsible for pain transmission while preserving the motor nerves that control movement. You should maintain the same range of motion you had before surgery, and in many cases, patients report improved mobility due to decreased pain.