Genicular Nerve Blocks

At Tahoe Forest Sports Medicine, we perform genicular nerve blocks as a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat chronic knee pain. It involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic, with or without corticosteroid, around the small sensory nerves (called genicular nerves) that transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain.

The procedure can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and determine whether you may benefit from longer-lasting treatments such as genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoneurolysis.

Genicular nerve blocks may be appropriate for individuals experiencing chronic knee pain from conditions such as:

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Persistent pain after knee replacement surgery
• Chronic knee pain that has not improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Patients who are not candidates for surgery or wish to delay surgery
• Pain limiting walking, exercise, work, or daily activities

Your Sports Medicine physician will determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on your symptoms, physical examination, and imaging.

The genicular nerves are responsible for carrying pain signals from the knee joint but do not control muscle movement.

During the procedure:

• The skin is cleaned and sterilized.
• A local anesthetic numbs the skin.
• Using ultrasound guidance, your physician precisely places small needles near the targeted genicular nerves.
• A small amount of anesthetic, with or without corticosteroid, is injected.

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes, and you can usually return home shortly afterward.

Many patients experience temporary numbness or pain relief shortly after the injection.

Pain relief may:

• Begin within minutes to several days
• Last from several hours to several months, depending on the medications used and the underlying condition
• Help improve walking, exercise tolerance, and participation in rehabilitation

If you experience significant temporary pain relief, your physician may discuss whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoneurolysis is an appropriate next step for longer-lasting relief.

Genicular nerve blocks are generally considered safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

• Temporary soreness at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to medications
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Incomplete or temporary pain relief

Serious complications are uncommon.