Genicular Nerve Ablation in Fort Lauderdale
Knee arthritis pain that won’t go away can make walking, sleeping, and everyday life hard. Genicular nerve ablation calms the small nerves that send pain signals from your knee. This page explains how it works, who it may help, and what to expect at the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (IROSM) in Fort Lauderdale.
The procedure is done at IROSM by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, a triple board-certified physician, and Dr. Michael Erdman, a fellowship-trained pain specialist.
What Is Genicular Nerve Ablation?
Your knee has small nerves around it called genicular nerves. When you have arthritis, these nerves carry pain signals from the knee to your brain.
Genicular nerve ablation turns down those pain signals. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, we do this in one of two ways:
- With gentle heat. This is called radiofrequency ablation.
- With a tiny amount of alcohol. This is called chemical neurolysis.
This treatment works on pain. It does not fix worn cartilage or reverse knee arthritis. Your doctor uses a live imaging screen to guide a thin needle to each nerve. You can read more about how image-guided injections work.
Who May Be a Good Fit in Fort Lauderdale?
Genicular nerve ablation at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may be an option if:
- You have knee pain from arthritis that shows up on an X-ray or MRI
- Physical therapy, pain pills, or shots have not helped enough
- You can’t have knee replacement surgery
- You want to put off knee replacement and try something else first
Genicular nerve ablation is not right for everyone. Your IROSM doctor may first try a quick numbing shot near the nerves to see if they are the source of your pain. You’ll know if you are a good fit after your visit to IROSM.
Knee Pain Treatments at IROSM Fort Lauderdale
IROSM in Fort Lauderdale offers two ways to calm the genicular nerves, a test shot, and treatments for the joint itself. Your doctor will help you choose:
Heat (Radiofrequency Ablation)
In radiofrequency ablation, a thin needle is placed next to each genicular nerve. The tip warms up and calms the nerve so it sends fewer pain signals. This is the most studied way to treat these nerves.
Alcohol (Chemical Neurolysis)
In chemical neurolysis, a very small amount of alcohol is placed on each genicular nerve through a fine needle. The alcohol calms the nerve so it sends fewer pain signals.
Test Numbing Shot
In a genicular nerve block, numbing medicine is placed near the nerves for a short time. If your pain drops, it helps your doctor plan the next step.
Treatments for the Joint Itself
Some patients also want to treat the worn knee joint. IROSM offers treatments made from your own blood and cells.
You may also want to read about PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale. If you are thinking about knee replacement, see non-surgical options to consider before knee replacement.
Good to Know Before Choosing Genicular Nerve Ablation
It is not the same as GAE
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a different procedure. It slows blood flow to the swollen lining of the knee. Genicular nerve ablation works on the nerves instead. IROSM in Fort Lauderdale offers genicular nerve ablation but does not offer GAE.
Pain can come back
Genicular nerve ablation calms the nerves but does not remove them. Nerves can slowly heal, so pain may return over time. If that happens, your doctor can talk with you about doing it again.
Insurance may not cover it
Some insurance plans do not pay for genicular nerve ablation yet. The IROSM team will tell you the cost before you book anything.
Why Choose IROSM for Genicular Nerve Ablation in Fort Lauderdale?
Two Experienced Doctors
Dr. Jorge Gonzalez trained at the well-known Andrews Institute and is board-certified in three areas. Dr. Michael Erdman is a pain specialist with extra fellowship training. Both doctors perform genicular nerve ablation, using heat or alcohol, at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale.
Imaging for Accuracy
For genicular nerve ablation at IROSM, your doctor uses ultrasound or a live X-ray screen to guide the needle to each nerve.
More Than One Option
IROSM offers genicular nerve ablation, PRP, and stem cell therapy using your own cells. That means we recommend what fits your knee, not just the one treatment we happen to offer.
Honest Advice
Not everyone is a good fit for genicular nerve ablation, and IROSM doctors will tell you. If surgery or another treatment would help you more, we will explain why and help you find the right doctor.
How to Get Started With Genicular Nerve Ablation at IROSM
The first step is a visit to IROSM in Fort Lauderdale. Your doctor will ask about your pain, look at your knee, and review any X-rays or MRI scans. Then you’ll get a clear answer about whether genicular nerve ablation or another option fits you, and what it costs. Please bring your scans and a list of the medicines you take.
What the Research Says About Genicular Nerve Ablation
- Radiofrequency (heat) ablation: In an early study, about 6 in 10 people who had heat treatment of their genicular nerves said their knee pain dropped by at least half after three months. No one in the comparison group, who had a fake procedure, said the same. Doctors who reviewed the research found the treatment to be fairly safe.
- Alcohol neurolysis: A 2026 study looked at 100 older adults with bad knee arthritis. People who had alcohol treatment of their genicular nerves had much less pain six months later than people who had a fake procedure. No serious side effects were reported.
Sources: Conger A, Gililland J, Anderson L, Pelt CE, Peters C, McCormick ZL. Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Painful Knee Osteoarthritis: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Pain Med. 2021;22(Suppl 1):S20-S23. View the review. Effect of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve neurolysis versus sham procedure on pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Pain Med. 2026;27(1):33. View the study.
Genicular Nerve Ablation in Fort Lauderdale
IROSM offers genicular nerve ablation at its Fort Lauderdale office, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, and nearby Broward County.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Live in Miami-Dade? Visit our Hialeah office. Se habla español. Learn about arthritis care in Hialeah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is genicular nerve ablation?
Is it the same as genicular artery embolization (GAE)?
What is the alcohol treatment?
Who does the treatment at IROSM?
Will my insurance pay for it?
Do I need a referral?
Find Out If Genicular Nerve Ablation Is Right for Your Knee
Two treatment options • Two experienced doctors • No referral needed
One visit to IROSM in Fort Lauderdale tells you whether genicular nerve ablation or another option fits your knee, and what it costs.
Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Last reviewed: September 2026
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results are different for each person. This treatment is not right for everyone. Only an in-person visit can tell if it fits you. We serve Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, and nearby Broward County.