Genicular Nerve Research Articles

Genicular nerve block in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clinical trial.

This study highlights the effect of a genicular nerve block (GNB) on pain, function, and inflammation outcome measures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) knees. A total of sixty-four patients diagnosed with RA using ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria with unilateral persistent knee arthritis were recruited to the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1 received GNB and group 2 received intra-articular triamcinolone. Both groups were examined by the SOLAR scoring system, visual analog scale (VAS), and Lysholm score at 0, 2, and 12weeks. A semi-quantitative score was used to assess the tenderness and swelling at the same intervals. Function and inflammation improved significantly in group 2 at a 2-week interval as compared to group 1, whereas pain improved in both groups with non-significant differences. After 12weeks, group 1 showed significant improvement as compared with group 2 for the three outcome measures. Neither the disease activity nor the current medication was related to the GNB effect. Disease duration was negatively related to GNB-induced improvement. GNB is a new promising local therapy for RA to control pain, improve function, and alleviate inflammation of the knee joint. Although it has a relatively short-term effect, yet it has outperformed the steroid effect. Key Points • Knee monoarthritis treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is always challenging • GNB has been approved for the treatment of pain in knee osteoarthritis • GNB in this study was able to control active knee arthritis and this effect persisted longer thane intra-articular steroid injection.

Comparison of cooled and conventional radiofrequency applications for the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain

Background and Aims:Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint disease that affects the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues. It has been determined that osteoarthritis-induced knee pain is the most common cause of physical disability in the elderly.Material and Methods:In this study, the genicular nerve RF treatments of patients with osteoarthritic knee pain conducted at the Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital in the algology clinic of the Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Department between January 2016 and December 2016 were retrospectively examined. The preoperative and postoperative 2nd, 6th, and 12th week visual analog scale (VAS) and Turkish validated Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were recorded. In addition, any complications after the treatment and side effects (bleeding, neurological damage, infection, etc.) were recorded in the file.Results:When the data of the patients were evaluated statistically, the preoperative VAS and WOMAC scores were found significantly decreased compared with the postoperative 2nd week, 6th week, and 12th week scores in patients who applied both conventional radiofrequency (RF) and cooled RF. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques.Conclusion:We found that both cooled and conventional RF techniques in genicular nerve ablation are similarly effective in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis-induced knee pain and improving patients’ physical functions. The complication rates are very low and there was no superiority to each other.

Radiofrequency Denervation of Genicular Nerves for Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A retrospective Observational Study

Background: Knee joint osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder resulting in pain and disability. The treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain includes the use of oral analgesics, oral glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, intra-articular steroid, and viscous supplementation, but with limited efficacy. Aim of the work: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves for control of the pain of knee joint osteoarthritis. Material and methods: This study included patients with knee pain of Kellgren Lawrence grade 3 and 4 osteoarthritis who underwent radiofrequency neurotomy of the knee joint from July 2015 to July 2018. The 68 joints of 60 patients were evaluated for knee pain VAS score [0–10 mm], oxford knee score [12–60] and development of any adverse effect at pre and post-procedure at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: The mean± SD values of Visual analog scale [VAS] [0–10] for knee joint pain were 7.93±1.21, 3.38±1.59, 4.10±2.30, 4.90±1.88, and 5.80±1.71 at pre-procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-procedure. The mean ± SD values for Oxford Knee Score [OKS] [12–60] were 40.87±7.66, 23.90±5.60, 25.93±5.48, 27.93 ± 5.48, and 31.43±5.62 at pre-procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-procedure. One-way repeated measures of ANOVA test showed a significant decrease in VAS and OKS scores between pre and post-procedure at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months [p <0.001]. Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves provides significant pain relief and functional improvement in advanced knee joint osteoarthritis patients for a duration of one year.

Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy of TENS vs Ultrasound-guided Genicular Nerve Block in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy of TENS vs Ultrasound-guided Genicular Nerve Block in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Evaluating predictors of pain reduction after genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for chronic knee pain.

Aim: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerves can treat refractory chronic knee pain. This study evaluated association between patient and procedural characteristics and pain improvement after genicular nerve RFA. Materials & methods: A retrospective chart review. Data were extracted from patients who underwent thermal or cooled RFA of the knee. Results: A total of124 patients were included. 81% of patients reported ≥75% pain relief after diagnostic nerve blocks. 35% reported ≥50% pain reduction from the RFA. Predictors of improved pain outcomes included higher baseline pain, no depression and thermal (vs cooled) RFA. Conclusion: Identifying patients who may benefit the most from genicular RFA is still not clear. Pain reduction differences between patients with and without depression and RFA type deserves further exploration.

Pain relief following genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation: does knee compartment matter?

Aim: To investigate the effect of knee osteoarthritis (OA) compartment location on pain relief following genicular radiofrequency ablation. Materials & methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 62 patients. Visual analog scalescores at 3 and 6months postprocedure were compared with baseline and between compartment groups. Results: Pain significantly improved for all patients at 3 and 6months (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). Medial compartment OA was a significant predictor of improvement at 3months (p=0.042). Patellofemoral compartment OA was a significant predictor for a higher visual analog scale at 3months (p=0.018). Conclusion: Compartmental location of knee OA impacts pain relief following genicular radiofrequency ablation. Future protocols could target nerves based on which compartments are more affected on imaging.

The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopically Guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for painful knee osteoarthritis. Primary outcome measure was improvement in pain after 6 mos. Secondary outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Two reviewers independently assessed publications before October 10, 2020. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system were used. One hundred ninety-nine publications were screened, and nine were included. Six-month success rates for 50% or greater pain relief after radiofrequency ablation ranged from 49% to 74%. When compared with intra-articular steroid injection, the probability of success was 4.5 times higher for radiofrequency ablation (relative risk = 4.58 [95% confidence interval = 2.61-8.04]). When radiofrequency ablation was compared with hyaluronic acid injection, the probability of treatment success was 1.8 times higher (relative risk = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.38-2.57). The group mean Oxford Knee Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores improved in participants receiving genicular radiofrequency ablation compared with intra-articular steroid injection and hyaluronic acid injection. According to Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, there is moderate-quality evidence that fluoroscopically guided genicular radiofrequency ablation is effective for reducing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis at minimum of 6 mos. Further research is likely to have an important impact on the current understanding of the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

Ultrasound-guided genicular nerves block: an analgesic alternative to local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: A noninferiority, matched cohort study.

Standard analgesic strategies for total knee arthroplasty employ local infiltration analgesia. Blockade and radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves are effective treatments for patients with chronic pain because of knee osteoarthritis. To test the noninferiority of the analgesic effect of genicular nerves block in comparison with local infiltration analgesia after 24 h of total knee arthroplasty. Prospective cohort study. Perioperative setting. Thirty-five patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were prospectively included in the study and compared with 35 patients in a retrospective cohort. Genicular nerve blocks in the prospective cohort were compared with local infiltration analgesia in the retrospective cohort. The pain numeric rating scale and the cumulative opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents during the first 24 h. We conducted propensity score-matched analyses of patients using acute postoperative pain-related risk covariates. After one-to-one propensity score matching, 21 patients were included in the local infiltration analgesia group and 21 in the genicular nerve block group. The median difference in numeric rating score at rest at 24 h was -0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.99 to 0.5, P = 0.012] on the unmatched cohort and -1.9 (95% CI, -2 to 0, P = 0.002) on the matched cohort (meeting the noninferiority criteria, Δ=1). The median difference in cumulative opioid consumption was 2.5 mg (95% CI, -13.5 to 2.5, P < 0.001) for the unmatched cohort and 4.99 mg (95% CI, -11.5 to 2.5, P < 0.001) on the matched group (meeting the noninferiority criteria, Δ = 21 mg). Local infiltration analgesia and genicular nerve block are comparable in terms of analgesic results. Therefore, genicular nerves block is an alternative to local infiltration analgesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04024319.

Effectiveness of Combined Treatment Using Physical Exercise and Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerves in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Radiofrequency (RF) is a mini-invasive neuromodulation intervention that is commonly used in chronic pain conditions including general musculoskeletal pain related to several diseases, including knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, to date, few studies investigated synergistic therapeutic approaches combining RF with rehabilitative physical exercise protocols in KOA patients. This prospective cohort study aimed at assessing the short-term effects on pain in KOA patients of a multimodal intervention consisting of ultrasound (US)-guided RF geniculate ablation and concomitant rehabilitative physical exercise. We included grade III KOA patients with knee pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, NPRS &gt;4) not responsive to conventional treatments. They underwent a combined intervention including US-guided RF geniculate ablation and a 2-week physical exercise program. At the baseline (T0) and 1 month after (T1) we assessed: NPRS, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS), quality of life, exercise adherence, and safety. All the 47 KOA patients enrolled (68.8 ± 13.7 years old) showed a reduction of pain (NPRS: 7.48 ± 1.74; 3.63 ± 1.68; p &lt; 0.001). In addition, there was a significant improvement (p &lt; 0.05) also in the other functioning and HRQoL outcomes. Adherence to the exercise program was over 80% in more than half (28) of the patients. No major adverse events were reported. These findings suggested that US-guided RF ablation of genicular nerves combined with rehabilitative exercise therapy might be considered a safe and effective approach in the complex management of KOA patients.

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INTRA-ARTICULAR CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION AND GENICULAR NERVE BLOCK UNDER ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE IN PAIN CONTROL OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Recently, genicular nerve block (GNB) was introduced as a new technique to relieve knee pain in chronic knee osteoarthritis patients. While intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACSI) used to be a traditional treatment option to relieve knee osteoarthritis related pains. Both techniques have been used. However, whether one is superior to the other remains controversial.Aim of work: This study aims to investigatethe efficacy of ultrasound-guided GNB and IACSI in the management of knee osteoarthritis-related pains and to determine which technique carried better results.Methods:Forty patients with chronic knee osteo-arthritis were randomly treated with either genicular nerve block (GNB) (n = 20) or intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACSI) (n = 20). Clinical response was assessed using Visual analog scale (VAS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks post procedure. Results: The VAS score and OKS score were significantly low in the GNB group and IACSI group at 2, and 4 weeks after the procedure (P < 0.001 for all), then returned near baseline at 8 weeks. When the two groups were compared according to changes in VAS and OKS from baseline at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, GNB group showed significant alleviation of pain (P < 0.001 for 2 and 4 weeks and < 0.006 for 8 weeks) and improvement in function (P < 0.001 for 2, 4 and 8 weeks) compared to IACSI group.

120 Genicular Nerve Radio-Frequency Ablation in The Treatment of Anterior Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of The Knee Joint: Systematic Review

Abstract Anterior knee pain is one of the main symptoms in osteoarthritis, resulting from the rich sensory innervation of its capsule. Pain control can be difficult to achieve, with non-responders to conservative and medical therapy often requiring a total knee replacement. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel technique that could be beneficial in managing anterior knee pain by targeting the genicular nerves around the knee; however, its routine use is not included in current guidelines. A literature search identified fifty-two results, which underwent screening using a study protocol and the final literature sources, of varying levels of evidence, underwent critical appraisal and analysis. The primary outcome included the significant improvement of pain scores from baseline, against their respective control treatments. The ten studies included in the final analysis consisted of seven comparative studies and three non-comparative studies. Literature showed significant improvement in their mean pain scores, all meeting the primary outcome measure. Most studies also showed significant improvement from the control treatments used. Current literature shows evidence that genicular nerve RFA is an effective and safe treatment modality in the management of anterior knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis. However, the literature available is limited and further comparative studies are required.

TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF GENICULAR NERVE BLOCK AND INJECTION OF HYLAN G-F 20 VERSUS GENICULAR NERVE BLOCK ONLY FOR IMPROVING PAIN AND FUNCTION OF GRADE-II AND GRADE-III OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee joint is a degenerative joint disease; heterogeneous and progressive in nature. Clinically presented with stiffness, swelling and pain which leads to a decrease in the quality of life. The presence of chronic knee pain has been found to be a strong predictor of future disability and dependency in older adults. Usually managed conservatively but if conservative treatment fails, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is traditionally considered. This is associated with multiple perioperative morbidities. On the contrary, many patients are not suitable for surgical procedure and some do not want to go for surgical intervention. As many patients are not surgical candidates due to co-morbidities or unwillingness; other treatment options available are being sought for. The genicular nerve block (GNB) reduces pain and improves patient functions by blocking pain transmission of the sensory nerves. Combining this genicular nerve block with viscosupplementation (Injection Hylan G-F 20) appears to play a role and can be tried in patients suffering in grade II and grade III (radiological grading) osteo arthritis. There is paucity of information so as to compare the efcacy of genicular nerve block and injection of Hylan G-F 20 versus genicular nerve block only. Material And Methods: This Parallel group open label randomized controlled trial was done between July, 2018 to December, 2019 (Eighteen months). Patients with knee pain in grade II and III, OA knee attending the PMR OPD in IPGME&amp;R, Kolkata in the specied tenure was considered for the study. The selected patients were allotted by random table. All the procedures were performed by single person. A total number of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis of grade II and III, who did not respond with conservative management were included. Combined therapy of intra-articular injection of Hylan G-F 20 and genicular nerve block in Group 1 (Genicular Nerve Block and Injection Hylan G-F 20) and Genicular Nerve Block only in Group 2, performed to 30 patients in each arm. The three branches of the genicular nerve [superior lateral (SL), superior medial (SM), and inferior medial (IM) genicular nerves] were selected. Patients were evaluated initially (0 week) and at the 4th and 12th week followed up after intervention using VAS and WOMAC scale. Ultrasound guided genicular nerve block conducted under strict asepsis after proper dressing and draping with the visualization of genicular nerves (upper medial, upper lateral and lower medial quadrant) by musculoskeletal probe of Ultrasound machine (SAMSUNG/ Model PT60A/Musculoskeletal probe 12MHz). Injection Hylan G-F 20 (6 ml) intra-articular injection was given under strict asepsis. Results: 47% patients in group 1 and 67% patients in group 2 were in between 60-69 years. There is female preponderance in both the groups. WOMAC-pain score for dual intervention at 4th week was statistically signicantly lower compared to WOMAC-pain score obtained at any time of observation and any type of intervention. WOMAC- stiffness score for dual intervention at 4th week was statistically signicantly lower compared to WOMAC- stiffness score obtained at any time of observation. WOMAC SCORE: The changes in each intervention group at 0-week, 4th week and 12th week were statistically signicant. Statistically signicant difference of two groups were lost during 4th and 12th weeks observation. VAS: During 4th and 12th weeks observation, statistically signicantly different VAS score was observed among the two interventions; Genicular nerve block with injection consistently had a lower VAS score. This nding imply that Genicular nerve block alone did reduce the pain; however, reduction was greater in case of Genicular nerve block with Injection Hylan G-F 20 in both 4th and 12th week of observation. Conclusion: Genicular Nerve Block with injection HYLAN GF 20 (Combined Therapy Group) and Genicular Nerve Block alone are effective method of pain reduction in osteoarthritis knee. Combined Therapy doesn't have an added advantage as per WOMAC Score. But Combined therapy has a denite advantage over Genicular Nerve Block alone as per VAS Score.

Clinical Outcome of Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Knee Pain Osteoarthritis: An Initial Experience from Nepal.

Cooled Radiofrequency ablation is a newer technique for management of chronic knee pain in osteoarthritis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with chronic osteoarthritis in terms of pain scores for first six months of cooled radiofrequency ablation using ultrasound guidance. A cross-sectional study with retrospective review of database was evaluated to analyze the change in the Numerical Rating Scale from baseline scores at 1 day, 1 month and 6 months after the Cooled Radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves around knee in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Median age was 71 years [ 61-73 years (IQR: 25-75)] with more female preponderance. Numerical Rating Scale (Mean ± S.D.) was significantly less at 1 day (1.87 ± 1.22), 1 month (3.03 ± 0.99) and 6 months (3.37 ± 1.098) from baseline values (6.77 ± 1.00). No soreness and numbness were noted. Cooled Radiofrequency using Ultrasound guidance for management of knee pain in chronic osteoarthritis is promising and reduces Numerical Rating Score significantly from baseline at 1 month and 6 months respectively.

Management of Refractory Pain After Total Joint Replacement.

Chronic pain after total joint replacement (TJA), specifically total knee replacement (TKA), is becoming more of a burden on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system as the number of joint replacements performed increases year after year. The management of this type of pain is critical, and therefore, understanding the various modalities physicians can use to help patients with refractory pain after TJA is essential. The modalities by which chronic pain can be successfully managed include genicular nerve radioablation therapy (GN-RFA), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation (PSFS). Meta-analyses and case reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of these treatment options in improving pain and functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain after TKA. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the current literature investigating the different ways that refractory pain is managed after TJA, with the goal being to provide treatment recommendations for providers treating these patients.

Preoperative use of the modified radiofrequency neuroablation of the genicular and cutaneous nerves of the knee joint for alleviating postoperative pain after arthroplasty

The aim of the study. To improve the effectiveness of pain syndrome management in the postoperative period in patients after knee arthroplasty with radiofrequency neuroablation (RFNA). Materials and methods. A prospective, open, randomized study on the treatment result analysis of 93 patients with knee joint osteoarthritis of the III–IV stage was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 44) and the comparison group (n = 49). The study group patients underwent arthroplasty of one knee and RFNA of the genicular and cutaneous nerves in the preoperative period. The comparison group patients underwent only knee arthroplasty. Assessment of pain intensity, functional status and quality of life of patients was performed using the VAS, WOMAC, KOOS questionnaires before treatment, 1.5, 3 and 6 months after surgery, taking into account the overall quality of life according to the SF-36 questionnaire and the possibility of developing neuropathic pain component according to the PainDetect questionnaire. Results. The result analysis obtained with the VAS showed pain reduction in both groups in 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in the study group – 2 (2; 2) points, in the comparison group – 3 (2; 3) points. The results assessed with the WOMAC questionnaire showed greater improvement in treatment outcomes among patients who underwent knee arthroplasty in combination with RFNA – 32 (28; 34) points after 6 months. In the comparison group, there was also an improvement in functional status on examination in 1.5 months after surgery, but with less effective reduction of pain and physical recovery, which was seen on the examination in 6 months – 33.0 (28.5; 37.0) points. The analysis using the KOOS questionnaire showed a positive increase in postoperative indicators in both groups of patients, and it was 41.88 (37.20; 44.79) points in the comparison group and 47.67 (40.63; 50.51) points in the study group during a 6-month follow-up after arthroplasty. The SF-36 result analysis in 6 months after surgical treatment showed nearly identical restore of the psychological component of health in both patient groups – 56.63 (55.83; 59.03) points in the comparison group and 58.96 (54.24, 60.35) points – in the study group. The study group demonstrated better restoration of the physical component of health. The neuropathic component of pain was not detected among the examined groups of patients using the PainDetect questionnaire. Conclusions. RFNA of the genicular nerves and additional ablation of cutaneous nerves reduces the intensity of pain in the postoperative period after knee replacement and allows patients more quickly and easier restore functional activity and improve quality of life.

Comparison of efficacy between the genicular nerve block and the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block for total knee replacement surgery: A prospective randomized controlled study.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block and genicular nerve block on postoperative pain scores, the need for rescue analgesics, range of motion (ROM), walking distance, and perioperative monitorization variables in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III patients were enrolled in this study and then were randomly assigned into three groups: the IPACK block group (17 female, 3 male; mean age=67.5±1.4 years), genicular nerve block (16 female, 4 male; mean age=68±1.76 years), and the control group (13 female, 7 male; mean age=63±1.67years). All the patients underwent TKR under spinal anesthesia. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, mobility, pre- and intra-operative monitorization of systolic and diastolic holding area, non-invasive blood pressure, heart rate, and SPO 2 were compared between the groups. Patients in the IPACK and genicular block groups had a significantly lower visual analogous scale (VAS) at postoperative 4 hours (p<0.01), 8h (p<0.01), 12h (p<0.01), and 24h (p<0.05). VAS score was significantly lower in the genicular block group at the postoperative 4h (5.5±0.55) and 8h (5.0±0.53) in the mobile state compared to the IPACK (8.0±0.47 and 8.0±0.43, respectively) and the control group (9.5±0.20; 10±0.28, respectively) (p< 0.01). The use of patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) devices and button push count for analgesics demand were significantly lower in the genicular block group on the immediate postoperative period (p<0.01 at the postoperative 0 to 4 h). The total consumption of morphine equivalents on the postoperative day 0 was significantly lower in the genicular block group (p<0.01, and p<0.001 for IPACK and control groups, respectively). The degree of flexion was significantly higher in the genicular block group at the postoperative 12h compared to the IPACK and the control group (p<0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the genicular block group compared to the IPACK and the control group (p<0.05 for both variables). IPACK and genicular blocks both are effective in improving patient comfort during and after TKR surgery and reducing the potential need for systemic analgesic and opioids. The genicular block seems to be a promising technique that can offer improved pain management in the immediate and early postoperative period without adverse effects on systemic and motor variables.

A Comparison of Genicular Nerve Blockade With Corticosteroids Using Either Classical Anatomical Targets vs Revised Targets for Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Compare the effectiveness of genicular nerve blockade (GNB) using classical anatomical targets (CT) versus revised targets (RT) in patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Pain medicine center of a teaching hospital. We randomly assigned 55 patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain to receive a GNB (using a fluid mixture of 2 mL: lidocaine 1% + 20 mg triamcinolone) with either classical targets (CT-group, n = 28) or revised targets (RT-group, n = 27). Numeric rating pain scale (NRS), Oxford knee score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index score (WOMAC), Quantitative analgesic questionnaire (QAQ) and global perceived effects were assessed at baseline, and at 1-hour, 24-hours, 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-intervention. The RT-group showed greater reduction in NRS mean score at 1-hour post-intervention (2.4 ± 2.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.0-.8] vs [1.6-3.2], P < .001). The proportion of patients achieving more than 50% knee pain reduction was higher in the RT-group at each follow up interval, yet these differences were statistically significant only at 1-hour post intervention (82.1% [95% CI = 63.1-93.9] vs 100% [95% CI = 97.2-100] P = .02). Both protocols resulted in significant pain reduction and joint function improvement up to 12 weeks post-intervention. The revised technique allowed more pain relief as well as greater proportion of successful responders at 1-hour post intervention. The large volume injected during therapeutic GNB could have compensated the lack of precision of the classical anatomical targets, mitigating differences in outcomes between both techniques.

Revisiting the Genicular Nerve Block: An Up-to-Date Guide Utilizing Ultrasound Guidance and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation – Anatomy Description and Technique Standardization

Over the last decade, several authors have reported that percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be used to assist in verifying the position of the procedure needle tip in relation to nerve structures, and that the combined technique using both ultrasound (US) guidance and PNS may serve as a reliable method for confirmation of the correct position of the procedure needle tip. It has also been reported that, when combined with US guidance, PNS may increase the success rate of pain management interventions. The aim of this technical report was to standardize an effective and easy to learn illustrated step-by-step technical approach to nerve identification during US-guided genicular nerve blocks, using percutaneous PNS as a verification instrument for procedure needle tip location. This technical protocol was developed based on the results of the authors' most recent cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. The technique was developed and tested by 4 different interventionists with different levels of expertise in US-guided procedures. The cadaveric study of the knee joint capsule innervation was performed at the laboratory of the Division of Anatomy of one institution. The technical protocol using US and PNS was later developed at the medical simulation center of a different institution. A team of anatomists from a division of anatomy of one institution performed the cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. A team of physicians then developed the step-by-step approach to this technical protocol at the medical simulation center of a different institution. Finally, the illustrated step-by-step approach was tested by 4 different interventionists with different levels of expertise in US-guided procedures (1 beginner-level user; 1 intermediate-level user; 2 expert-level users), using a portable percutaneous PNS and 2 different US transducers at 2 different institutions. This technical protocol was successfully developed based on the results of the cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. Additionally, it was later successfully tested by interventionists with various levels of expertise utilizing different US equipment at separate institutions. By combining US and nerve stimulation, this protocol requires the availability of both US equipment and necessary equipment for nerve stimulation that must all be made available in the sterile field. Another potential disadvantage is that nerve stimulation controls and the US image screen are generally located on 2 separate display panels, which could cause difficulty with visualization and simultaneous calibration for 2 individual devices. Our illustrated step-by-step technical protocol can be effectively and safely utilized as a reliable method of training, by which physicians with little to moderate US experience can improve their skills in accurately identifying the genicular nerves while performing US-guided examinations with the intent of executing a peripheral nerve block.

Clinical and technical factors associated with knee radiofrequency ablation outcomes: a multicenter analysis

BackgroundThere has been a surge in interest in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the genicular nerves over the past decade, with wide variability in selection, technique and outcomes. The aim of...

Efficacy of Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Intra-Articular Platelet Rich Plasma in Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Chronic knee osteoarthritis is a common problem with increasing of the aging population. Pulsed radiofrequency and intraarticular platelet rich plasma injection are well evidenced beneficial modalities for pain alleviation in such groups of patients. The primary goal in this study was to compare the 2 modalities regarding pain alleviation evaluated by visual analog scale. The secondary goal focused upon the change of the Index of Severity for Osteoarthritis of the Knee by Lequesne. Single-blind randomized interventional clinical trial. University hospitals. Two hundred patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis were equally and randomly distributed into 2 groups. Group PRF received pulsed radiofrequency, whereas the group PRP received intraarticular platelet-rich plasma. The visual analog scale and index of severity of osteoarthritis were evaluated before intervention, after one week (for visual analog scale only), then after 3, 6, and 12 months. Visual analog scale was significantly lower in the PRF group compared to the PRP group at 6 and 12 months with P-values of 0.01 and 0.04, respectively. Regarding to the postinterventional index of severity of osteoarthritis, it was significantly lower in the PRF group than the PRP group with P-values of 0.001 at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Physical and analgesic therapy were not included in data collection, and there was no control group. Pulsed radiofrequency of the genicular nerves can be considered superior to knee intraarticular platelet-rich plasma injection for sustained pain relief and the lower severity index in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.