Orthopedic

Treatments

Knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA) can keep you on the sidelines--stopping you from tackling projects around the house--spending time outside with the family or just enjoying your favorite physical activities. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive approach to relieving knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, you may be a good candidate for COOLIEF*.

COOLIEF* is a non-invasive, non-opioid treatment that targets the nerves in the knee that send pain signals to the brain. You may start feeling better--and moving more freely--within one to two weeks after the procedure. Relief from pain can last up to 12 months.

During COOLIEF*, your orthopedic provider will insert a needle into three to four nerves around your knee. The needle delivers a radiofrequency current (high heat) to burn the nerve. This stops the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain.
The procedure uses radiofrequency ablation, a proven treatment for many conditions. COOLIEF*, however, is slightly different because it uses water to help cool the needle. This helps the needle from becoming too hot, which in turn allows providers to target larger areas of the knee and provide more relief to patients. 

During your first appointment with a COOLIEF* provider, your doctor will insert a numbing injection into the nerves around the knee. This diagnostic injection allows your doctor to pinpoint the nerves causing you pain and ensures you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

After the diagnostic appointment, you’ll come back for the actual procedure. You’ll receive local anesthesia to help numb the sites receiving the injection. Then, your doctor will inject the probe into three to four sites (one at a time) around the knee.

The procedure takes roughly 45 minutes from the time you arrive in the procedure room. You may experience mild pain at the injection sites for a few days which can be controlled with over-the-counter medication. No pain medicine, like opioids, is needed.

You’ll be able to return home the same day as the procedure. Click here for more information.

An orthopedic provider who offers COOLIEF* can help decide if it’s right for you. You may be a good candidate if:

• Knee pain caused by OA impacts your quality of life
• Conservative therapies (physical therapy, NSAIDs) aren’t relieving your pain
• You aren’t ready for surgery

Two of Emory Healthcare’s orthopedic providers, Robert Bowers, DO, PhD and Casey Wagner, MD, offer COOLIEF* at the Orthopaedic & Spine Center. They can help you decide if the treatment is right for you.