Are Genicular Nerve Blocks the Answer to Your Knee Pain?

Genicular nerve blocks, an advanced treatment for knee osteoarthritis, offer significant pain relief by targeting specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain. This safe, ultrasound-guided procedure, typically done in an office setting, has been found effective in clinical trials, showing greater improvements in pain and function compared to placebo. Comparisons with physical therapy and cortisone injections reveal that while all treatments reduce pain, genicular nerve blocks provide superior long-term physical benefits. Systematic reviews confirm the procedure's effectiveness and safety, with no adverse effects reported. Genicular nerve blocks, especially useful for those unable to undergo surgery or unresponsive to conventional treatments, can enable patients to engage in exercise therapy, a key component in managing osteoarthritis. While not a cure-all, they are recommended as an adjunct treatment, with insurance coverage varying by plan. This treatment is particularly advantageous for patients seeking to delay surgery or seeking alternative pain management strategies.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36369...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35165...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31828...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35793...
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► ABOUT ME
Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.
Twitter: @JeffreyPengMD; / jeffreypengmd
Website: www.jeffreypengmd.com/
► Disclaimer
My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[@gooseghazi]

BROTHER! Your vids and opinions are fantastic! Excellent work my man!

[@grandmapurple55purple82]

Thank you for this video

[@jrennickemd]

Great video! Nicely explained the nuance behind the choice of a nerve block. Well done.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Thx!

[@kc0isw]

Does far infrared heating pad help to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee

[@Luis-vs6mi]

Dr. Peng, any suggestions as to where to obtain education for ultrasound guided injections for this modality? Any input greatly appreciated- Luis, NP

[@gooseghazi]

check PUBMED - and also GOOGLE-IMAGE and GOOGLE VIDEO - you will find US guided technique articles (:

[@romaricogalvez1024]

How about radio frequency ablation for genicular nerve blocks?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

The goal of RFA is to destroy the nerves completely. Some evidence to suggest it works. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35033150/

[@grandmapurple55purple82]

My doctor just said he is gonna see if my coverage will approve this

[@jundunar]

Dude's a used car salesman oversimplifying and over-hyping his product without providing full disclosure as the risks and possible failures of the procedure.