Osteoarthritis of knee is a common problem which affects most adults.
Initial treatment includes physiotherapy and oral analgesics. In more advanced situations major surgery such as total knee replacement may be indicated. Despite long experience with total knee replacement this procedure still does not help in about 20-25% of patients.
Currently the additional option is available - genicular nerve blocks. Genicular nerves are small nerves which supply the knee capsule and transmit pain from the knee. They are not responsible for knee or leg movement.
Diagnostic genicular nerves of knee blocks (3 or 4 injections) with local anaesthetic investigate their role in pain transmission. If the diagnostic block is positive - patient qualifies for more permanent nerve ablation e.g. using radiofrequency techniques.