Pharmacological Block of Genicular Nerves in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Fonseca Bruno Paulo Marques da, Nakama Gilberto Yoshinobu, Marques Guilherme Loterio, Araujo Guilherme Ferrari de, Soares Fernanda Martinho, Canto Alan Motta do
Primary Institution: Hospital e Maternidade Metropolitano, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
Hypothesis
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.
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.
Supporting Evidence
- 80% of patients showed excellent response in pain reduction after one month.
- Pain levels decreased from 8/9 to 2/3 in the first month.
- 40% of patients maintained low pain levels at three months with additional therapy.
Takeaway
Doctors can help people with bad knee pain by giving them a special shot that makes the pain go away, helping them move better.
Methodology
The pharmacological block of the genicular nerves was performed in 20 patients with grades 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis, and their clinical and functional outcomes were assessed one, three, and six months after the procedure.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and the subjective nature of pain assessment.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with knee pain due to other causes and had a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 49 to 92 years, predominantly female (75%), with moderate-to-advanced knee osteoarthritis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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