Eficacia y seguridad del bloqueo del nervio safeno guiado por ultrasonido en pacientes con dolor crónico de rodilla

Abstract

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis is a common cause for consultation around the world. Many patients with mild symptoms respond to conservative treatment, while others require interventional therapy including peripheral nerve blocks. ObjectiveTo establish the clinical efficacy and safety of interventional management with ultrasound-guided saphenous nerve block in patients with chronic keen pain. Materials and methodsDescriptive, retrospective trial in chronic keen pain patients who underwent ultrasound-guided interventional therapy at the pain clinic in the country, between September 2011 and June 2012, to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of the procedure. Data were obtained from all patients prior to the procedure, and then at two days, one month and three months later. The pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale. Results25 saphenous nerve blocks were performed. 68% of the patients experienced pain relief within two days. 56% and 40% exhibited relief one and three months after the procedure, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the baseline visual analog scale and the follow-up evaluation. Patients with a history of fibromyalgia, neuropathic characteristics and previous knee surgery exhibited variable analgesic responses to the procedure. ConclusionsInterventionist chronic knee pain management with ultrasound-guided saphenous nerve block was an effective and safe approach for these patients.