Genicular Nerve Block
What is Genicular Nerve Block?
A genicular nerve block is usually a combination of a local anaesthetic and a corticosteroid injection to diagnose and treat chronic knee pain. Our knees are complicated and complex structures made up of various biological. The strain on the knees eventually leads to wearing our knee joints, producing pain, arthritis, and potentially significant injury if not addressed. The genicular block injection injects medicine into genicular nerve branches, interrupting pain signals on their way to the brain.
What is a Genicular Nerve?
The genicular nerve is the nerve that runs through the knees and delivers pain signals to the brain. The suprapatellar, inferior medial, superior medial, inferior and lateral branches are genicular nerve branches.
When is the Genicular Nerve Block Done?
A genicular nerve block is indicated in the case of;
- Osteoarthritis
- Knee Replacement Surgery (before or after)
- Patients who are not candidates for knee replacement
- Patients who don’t want to get their knees replaced
What is Done During a Genicular Nerve Block?
After cleaning and numbing the affected site, a needle is placed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance and a high-contrast dye to assist the doctor in precisely positioning the needle tip.
After proper positioning of the needle, an injectate is injected into the affected area.
How long Does a Genicular Nerve Block Last?
You will get instant, short-term relief after your injection, which will last between 8 and 24 hours. The effects are intended to be temporary.
Genicular nerve blocks are frequently used to assess the efficiency of a more intensive treatment called genicular rhizotomy, also known as radiofrequency ablation.
The effects of the ablation do last from 6 months to a year.
What Should be done after the Nerve Block Procedure?
It is recommended to take bed rest for the next 24 hours. Physiotherapy is mandatory to increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment and alleviate the discomfort.
Are there any Side Effects of a Genicular Nerve Block?
No, there are no side effects of this procedure.
What are the Advantages of a Genicular Nerve Block?
- Instant pain relief
- No surgery
- QUICK procedure