A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to quieten the small sensory nerves carrying pain from an arthritic knee or a worn facet joint — under local anaesthetic, same-day, no general anaesthesia. Offered where assessment finds it suitable, at our clinic in Singapore.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targets the small sensory nerves that carry pain from a joint — for example the genicular nerves around the knee, or the medial branch nerves that supply the lumbar facet joints. A thin, insulated needle electrode is placed next to the nerve under ultrasound or X-ray guidance. Radiofrequency current then heats the electrode tip for a short period, creating a small, controlled lesion that interrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain.
RFA does not treat the underlying arthritis or disc wear, and it is not a first-line treatment. It is considered when pain has persisted despite rehabilitation, medication and, where appropriate, injection therapy, and when a diagnostic nerve block has shown that the targeted nerves are indeed the source of the pain.
Sensory nerves regenerate over time, so relief is temporary — commonly several months to around a year in published series, with wide individual variation. The procedure can be repeated if it helped. It sits alongside our injection options and chronic pain programme rather than replacing them.
Persistent knee OA pain where injections have given only short-lived relief, or for patients who are not candidates for, or wish to defer, knee replacement. Genicular nerve RFA has been studied in randomised trials against sham procedures and steroid injection, with pain reduction lasting several months reported in a proportion of patients.
Chronic low back pain arising from the facet joints, confirmed by a positive diagnostic medial branch block. Medial branch RFA is the longest-established application of the technique.
Persistent pain from the sacroiliac joint confirmed on diagnostic block. The evidence base here is smaller than for facet joint RFA, and the clinician will discuss this with you.
Active infection, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication that cannot be paused, pregnancy where X-ray guidance is needed, and some implanted electrical devices — all screened at assessment. RFA is also not appropriate where a diagnostic block has not relieved the pain.
Relief is partial rather than complete for most people, and temporary, because sensory nerves regrow. If the first procedure helps, it can be repeated. It is most useful as a way to open a window for rehabilitation and activity.
No referral required — walk in during opening hours or book online.
RFA is a useful option for the knee or back that keeps hurting after everything else has been done properly. The key to a good result is patient selection: we only offer it after a diagnostic block has shown the targeted nerves are the problem, and we are candid when the evidence for a particular joint is thinner.
It is not a cure and it is not a shortcut. The arthritis is still there, so the exercise programme and weight management still matter. We would rather tell you it is not the right procedure for you than perform one that is unlikely to help.
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure or warmth rather than sharp pain. Soreness at the needle sites for a few days afterwards is common. Tell the doctor during the procedure if anything is uncomfortable.
It varies. Published series commonly report several months to around a year, because the treated sensory nerves regrow. Some people get less, and a minority no meaningful benefit. If the first procedure helps, it can be repeated.
No. Inflexion Clinic is a private GP clinic in Katong, so you can book directly. You will first have an assessment and a diagnostic nerve block; RFA is only offered if the block relieves your pain.
Book online, use the enquiry form, or walk in during opening hours.