BackTable / MSK / Podcast / Episode #71

Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques & Data

with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos

Dr. John Smirniotopoulos, an interventional radiologist at Georgetown/MedStar Washington Hospital Center, discusses the intricacies of genicular nerve ablation (GNA) for pain management in patients with osteoarthritis and post-surgical knee pain. He delves into the history and evolution of GNA, outlines the neurovascular anatomy, and explains his specific rationale for targeting various nerves for ablation.

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Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques & Data with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos on the BackTable MSK Podcast

Ep 71 Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques & Data with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos

00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, March 11). Ep. 71 – Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques & Data [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

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Podcast Contributors

Dr. Venkatesh Krishnasamy

Dr. Venkatesh Krishnasamy is an interventional radiologist at University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. John Smirniotopoulos

Dr. John Smirniotopoulos is an assistant professor of clinical radiology in the IR department at MedStar Georgetown University and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in DC.

Synopsis

Dr. Smirniotopoulos also compares GNA with other procedures such as corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and genicular artery embolization (GAE). He emphasizes the importance of managing patient expectations, the role of physical therapy, and explores different modalities of GNA, including the use of cryoablation versus radiofrequency technology. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of expert insights for evaluating knee pain and performing effective GNA.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
03:13 - Understanding Genicular Nerve Anatomy
12:06 - Tailoring GNA Treatment to Each Patient
22:39 - Comparing Ablation Devices and Methods
28:06 - GNA in Surgical and Post-Traumatic Patients
33:19 - Patient-Centered Decision Making
38:50 - Evaluating Functional Outcomes
43:39 - Comparing Treatment Modalities
49:34 - Post-Procedure Counseling and Expectations
58:40 - Future Directions in GNA Research

Resources

Safety and efficacy comparison of three- vs four-needle technique in the management of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee using cooled radiofrequency ablation (Wong, et al 2021):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32968824/

The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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