Genicular Nerve Block For Knee Pain
Our knees are intricate and complex structures composed of many biological elements that we take for granted during our lifetime. Mobilizing us through our world supporting the weight of our body, our knees work hard from morning well into the night, every single day. Eventually, all the activities will begin to wear on our knee joints, causing pain, developing arthritis and potentially serious damage if ignored. Knee surgery is may be an option, but sometimes that may not be a smart choice due to other chronic conditions. Sometimes surgical options may not be a necessity.
Chronic knee pain can take a toll on your daily life. It keeps you from your favorite activities, saps you of your productivity, and diminishes your overall quality of life. A Genicular Nerve Block may be the answer to your pain management for chronic knee pain.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. This happens when the normal wear-and-tear of aging weakens the protective cartilage surrounding your knee. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, which means that without treatment, the osteoarthritis pain grows worse over time.
What is a Genicular Nerve Block?
A genicular nerve block is designed to diagnose and treat chronic knee pain. Typically, a genicular nerve block is an injection containing both a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid.
The injection is administered into one or more genicular nerves of the knee. There are three main articular branches of genicular nerves, called the superior medial, superior lateral, and interior medial. The genicular block injection bathes genicular nerve branches in medication, which interrupts the pain signals on their way to your brain.
What Happens During a Genicular Nerve Block Procedure?
Genicular-Nerve-Block, Advanced Pain Management Los AngelesWe can perform a genicular nerve block (also known as genicular nerve ablation) right here in our office, as an outpatient procedure. The injection itself should take only 15-20 minutes. You can leave after your procedure, but if you’ve had IV sedation, you should make arrangements for someone to drive you home. common side effects of sedation are dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
At your appointment, your doctor will cleanse and numb the injection site. Next, the injection will be administered under fluoroscopic guidance. This is a type of imaging technology that helps the doctor to accurately place the needle tip using X-ray guidance and a high-contrast dye.
How Long Does a Genicular Nerve Block Last?
After your injection, you will feel immediate short-term relief, lasting 8-24 hours. The temporary effects are intentional. Genicular nerve blocks are often used to test the effectiveness of a more intensive treatment, called genicular rhizotomy, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Diagnostic genicular nerve block (GNB) is a diagnostic procedure with local anesthetic is generally conducted before making decisions regarding RF ablation. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that can provide pain relief lasting from six months to a year.
What Conditions Does a Genicular Nerve Block Treat?
Genicular nerve blocks can help diagnose and provide relief from the following conditions:
Knee arthritis and severe osteoarthritis
Failed total or partial knee replacement surgery
Degenerative joint disease
Chronic knee pain in patients with no surgical options
Treat Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Chronic Knee Pain with Genicular Nerve Block at Nuvo Spine
At Nuvo Spine, we understand how debilitating it can be to live with chronic knee pain. Our team is dedicated to finding the most advanced, minimally-invasive, and nonsurgical procedure treatment options to help you manage your chronic pain.
Our award-winning physician is board-certified and highly skilled in diagnosing and treating pain caused by degenerative joint conditions. We offer comprehensive, compassionate care to put you on the road to recovery. Call our offices to schedule your consultation today.
