LUCKNOW, Sept. 6 -- Patients with severe knee osteoarthritis who are unwilling or medically unfit to undergo knee replacement surgery can now opt for a minimally invasive pain-management procedure at SGPGIMS, which has introduced Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (Cooled RFA) at its Apex Trauma Centre. The procedure targets the nerves that transmit signals from the knee. Guided by imaging, controlled radiofrequency energy is delivered to these nerves to reduce pain and potentially improve mobility without major surgery. The department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at the Apex Trauma Centre has introduced the new service. Doctors said the procedure could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients, those medically unsuitable for surgery and those who wish to postpone knee replacement. The institute cited the case of a 64-year-old Lucknow woman, who had suffered from severe knee pain for several years. She had difficulty climbing stairs and walking even short distances and had been advised to undergo knee replacement. After evaluation at SGPGIMS, she underwent Cooled RFA and later reported significant pain relief, along with improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities. Unlike knee replacement, Cooled RFA does not involve removing or replacing the joint. The minimally invasive, image-guided procedure can enable patients to resume routine activities relatively quickly. Doctors, however, stressed that its suitability depends on individual clinical evaluation and that it provides pain relief rather than treating the underlying osteoarthritis. The technology is also used to manage selected chronic pain conditions affecting the lower back, sacroiliac joint, shoulder and hip. It may also be used for certain cancer-related pain conditions when conventional treatments fail to provide adequate relief. Dr Siddharth Rai, additional professor, PMR, SGPGIMS, said many patients with severe knee pain remain hesitant about surgery, and Cooled RFA offers an alternative for pain management. Professor Arun Srivastava, professor and chief, Apex Trauma Centre, said the facility would further strengthen the institute's comprehensive approach to chronic pain management. Director Padmashri Professor Radha Krishna Dhiman, congratulating the PMR team, said the introduction of Cooled RFA was in line with SGPGIMS's focus on patient-centred, technology-enabled and minimally invasive care....