A genicular nerve block is a technique for providing relief to individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. A genicular nerve block consists of a minimally invasive procedure targeting the genicular nerves which transmit pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. By blocking these nerves, patients experience significant reduction or elimination of knee pain, thereby improving their functional capacity and quality of life 1.
The genicular nerves are a network of sensory nerves that innervate the knee joint, transmitting pain signals in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and failed knee surgeries. Traditional methods of managing knee pain, such as medication, physical therapy, and surgery, may not always provide satisfactory outcomes or may come with risks and limitations. Genicular nerve block offers an alternative approach, particularly for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or are not candidates for surgical intervention 2,3.
The procedure consists of the precise placement of local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid near the genicular nerves under fluoroscopic guidance. Fluoroscopy allows the physician to visualize the exact location of the nerves and ensure accurate delivery of the medication. By numbing or interrupting the transmission of pain signals, a genicular nerve block provides immediate pain relief and can result, too, in longer-lasting effects compared to oral medications or injections targeting other structures in the knee joint 4.
A key advantage of a genicular nerve block is its minimally invasive nature. When administered to relieve chronic pain, a genicular nerve block can be carried out on an outpatient basis and requires less than an hour to complete. Patients can return home shortly following the procedure and resume their normal activities with minimal downtime. In addition, the risk of complications is low, making it a safe option for many patients.
A genicular nerve block can serve as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic intervention. By temporarily blocking the genicular nerves, pain specialists can assess whether the patient’s knee pain is originating from these nerves or from other sources.
A large number of published peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials have revealed the efficacy of genicular nerve block in reducing knee pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with various knee conditions. As a result, genicular nerve block has become an integral component of comprehensive pain management strategies for individuals with chronic knee pain 5,6.
A genicular nerve block is clearly a very valuable tool in the management of chronic knee pain, offering effective relief with minimal risk and downtime. By targeting the genicular nerves, this procedure addresses the underlying source of pain and can significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from knee conditions.
References
1. Dunworth, S. & Gadsden, J. How I do it: genicular nerve blocks for acute pain. ASRA News 47, (2022). doi: 10.52211/asra050122.018
2. Genicular Nerve Blocks – NYSORA. Available at: https://www.nysora.com/nysora-com-genicular-nerve-blocks/. (Accessed: 21st February 2024)
3. Peripheral Nerve Blocks – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459210/. (Accessed: 21st February 2024)
4. Genicular Nerve Blockade – Pain Matrix. Available at: https://www.painmatrix.com.au/our-procedures/genicular-nerve-blockade. (Accessed: 21st February 2024)
5. Cankurtaran, D. et al. Comparing the effectiveness of ultrasound guided versus blind genicular nerve block on pain, muscle strength with isokinetic device, physical function and quality of life in chronic knee osteoarthritis: A prospective randomized controlled study. Korean J. Pain (2020). doi:10.3344/kjp.2020.33.3.258
6. Genicular Nerve Block: What It Is, Procedure & Side Effects. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24823-genicular-nerve-block. (Accessed: 21st February 2024)