Pharmacological Block of Genicular Nerves in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Objective  To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of the pharmacological block of the genicular nerves as a modality in the therapeutic arsenal for knee osteoarthritis, since it is simple, safe, and minimally invasive. Methods  The pharmacological block of the genicular nerves was performed in 20 patients with grades 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis per the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. We assessed their clinical and functional outcomes one, three, and six months after the procedure. Results  Of the 20 patients undergoing the procedure, 16 (80%) presented an excellent response in the first month of outpatient follow-up, since their pain level went from 8/9 to 2/3; 2 subjects presented a partial response, and 2 others did not respond to the treatment. Conclusion  The pharmacological block of the genicular nerves is efficient in reducing pain and improving the performance of daily activities by the patients, especially up to three months after the procedure.