Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Nerve Block using Corticosteroid injection for Knee Osteoarthritis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Authors

  • D Dutta Department of Orthopedics National Academy of Medical Sciences Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • BK Baral Associate Proffesor, Department of Anaestheiology, Bir Hospital, NAMS.
  • M Amatya Department of Physiology, Nepal Medical College

Keywords:

Genicular nerve block, Knee osteoarthritis, Oxford knee score, Triamcinolone, Ultrasound guidance.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recently, several studies suggest that radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the genicular nerves is a safe and effective therapeutic procedure for intractable pain associated with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Although genicular nerve block (GNB) has been recently performed together with corticosteroid, the analgesic effects of corticosteroids for treating chronic pain remain controversial. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Ultrasound(US) guided corticosteroid injection for genicular nerve block in treatment of moderate and advanced Knee OA.

METHOD: Thirty patients of knee osteoarthritis were administered triamcinolone combined with local anaestheticgenicular nerve block under ultrasound guidance at General OT of Bir Hospital and were followed up at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Functional improvement was assessed using Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Comparisons of pre- and post-intervention mean OKS scores were done by paired t test.

RESULT: Total 30 patients (mean age 58.62±12.62 years) were studied. In the three months follow up, patients showed marked improvement in functional outcome from a mean OKS of 27 before injection to 39 at 4 weeks and remained consistent till 6month follow up.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided genicular nerve block using injection triamcinolone as a treatment modality for chronic knee osteoarthritis provides good functional outcome and pain control for up to six months .

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Published

2022-12-17

Issue

Section

Orginal Articles