Meenakshi Radiology

Phone: +91 82485 90535
Address: Near New Bus stand, Tanjore

Genicular Nerve Block (Under USG Guidance)

  • Meenakshi Radiology
  • Specialities
  • Genicular Nerve Block (Under USG Guidance)

    • We welcome 

    Our first batch of DNB Radiology students in Meenakshi hospital, Tanjore

    Minimally Invasive • Targeted Pain Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis

    What is it?

    Genicular nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure in which local anesthetic (with or without steroid) is injected around the genicular nerves supplying the knee joint to reduce pain.

    Diagram Labels

    • Superior medial genicular nerve
    • Superior lateral genicular nerve
    • Inferior medial genicular nerve

    Indications

    • Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis (mild to severe)
    • Pain not relieved by medications / physiotherapy
    • Patients unfit for surgery or wishing to delay knee replacement
    • Diagnostic block before radiofrequency ablation
    • Elderly patients / high surgical risk

    Procedure Technique: Step by Step (USG Guided)

    GNB

    01.Patient Positioning

    1

    Patient in supine position with knee slightly flexed (15–20°) and supported.

    Jan

    02.Ultrasound Scan

    2

    High-frequency linear probe placed on the medial aspect of the distal femur to identify anatomic landmarks.

    Jan

    03-Needle Insertion

    3

    22G or 25G needle inserted in-plane under USG guidance.

    Jan

    04.Target: Superior Medial Genicular Nerve

    4

    Needle advanced to the periosteum at the junction of the medial femoral condyle and shaft. After negative aspiration, inject 1–2 ml of local anaesthetic.

    Jan

    05.Target: Superior Lateral Genicular Nerve

    5

    Probe moved laterally to the lateral femoral condyle. Needle placed at the same anatomic point. Inject 1–2 ml after aspiration.

    Jan

    06.Target: Inferior Medial Genicular Nerve

    6

    Probe moved medially to the tibia. Needle placed at the junction of the tibial metaphysis and shaft. Inject 1–2 ml.

    Jan

    07. Post Procedure

    7

    Observe patient for 15–30 min. Assess pain relief.

    Jan

    Contraindications

    • Local infection at puncture site
    • Allergy to local anesthetic
    • Severe coagulopathy (INR > 1.5, Platelets < 50,000/µL)
    • Uncontrolled diabetes
    • Pregnancy (relative)
    • Patient refusal

    ADVANTAGES

    Minimally invasive & safe

    Targeted pain relief

    Improves quality of life & function

    Can be repeated if required

    Useful diagnostic tool before radiofrequency ablation

    Day care procedure with quick recovery

    Potential Complications

    • Pain or soreness at injection site
    • Bleeding / hematoma (rare)
    • Infection (very rare)
    • Allergic reaction
    • Temporary weakness / numbness (rare)

    Key Points

    • Use high frequency linear probe (10–15 MHz)
    • Always identify bone and advance needle in-plane
    • Aspirate before injection
    • Accurate placement ensures better outcomes

    Important Advice

    • The procedures are safe, effective and minimally Appropriate patient selection and image guidance e key to success. sivQption for managing chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.