GENICULAR NERVE BLOCK

If you suffer from severe pain caused by joint pain, please don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Does Genicular Mean?

The word “genicular” refers to the arteries and nerves that both feed into the knee joint. This bundle of nerves send and receives pain signals in the knee, and lies at the source of the sometimes unbearable pain felt by patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee.

What Is A Genicular Nerve Block?

A genicular nerve block is a medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic or a combination of local anesthetics and corticosteroids near the genicular nerves. The genicular nerves are sensory nerves that supply the knee joint, and they play a role in transmitting pain signals from the knee to the brain.

Genicular nerve blocks are performed as a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for individuals with chronic knee pain that is not adequately managed by conservative treatments. The procedure aims to provide temporary pain relief and help identify the source of pain originating from the knee joint.

During the genicular nerve block procedure, the healthcare provider typically uses fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging) to precisely locate the genicular nerves and guide the needle into the appropriate position. Once the needle is correctly placed, a local anesthetic or a combination of local anesthetics and corticosteroids is injected around the genicular nerves to block the transmission of pain signals.

The effects of a genicular nerve block can vary among individuals. Some people may experience immediate pain relief, while others may have a delayed response or only partial relief. The duration of pain relief also varies, but it can last from hours to weeks.

In addition to diagnostic purposes, genicular nerve blocks can serve as a therapeutic option for individuals with chronic knee pain. By providing temporary pain relief, genicular nerve blocks can help determine if the genicular nerves are the primary source of pain. If the block is successful in providing significant pain relief, it may indicate that a more definitive treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), could be considered. RFA involves using radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy the genicular nerves, providing longer-lasting pain relief.

It’s important to note that genicular nerve blocks are typically performed by healthcare professionals with expertise in interventional pain management or anesthesiology. The procedure carries certain risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and allergic reactions to the medications used. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives of the procedure with your healthcare provider and follow their guidance.

Overall, genicular nerve blocks can be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in managing chronic knee pain, providing temporary relief and guiding further treatment options for individuals with knee joint-related pain.

If you would like to speak to one of our orthopedic specialists, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.