Actively Recruiting
Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Pennsylvania · Updated on 2026-02-12
34
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating treatments for patients experiencing atraumatic knee pain without a large knee effusion visible on x-ray in the emergency department. The study aims to compare the effects of a genicular nerve block with standard pain relief methods to understand which approach better manages knee pain. This randomized controlled trial is sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania and focuses on adult patients with moderate to severe knee pain who have undergone knee x-rays in the emergency setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive an ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block using bupivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone dosed by ideal body weight. The other group will receive standard care pain relief, which may include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or opioids. There are 17 patients planned for each group, and treatments are administered in the emergency department. During the study, participants will have their pain levels measured one hour after enrollment as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include the duration of pain relief over 24 hours, changes in pain and discomfort scores one hour after treatment, and the length of stay in the emergency department. The study monitors participants closely during their emergency department visit, and total participation corresponds with their treatment and observation in this setting.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Pain in the ED
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Atraumatic knee pain
- Age greater than 17 years
- X-ray of the knee obtained in the emergency department
- Initial pain score between 5 and 10 on a numeric rating scale
You will not qualify if you...
- Fracture or dislocation on knee x-ray
- Large knee joint effusion seen on x-ray
- Allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics
- History of local anesthetic systemic toxicity
- Pregnancy
- Incarceration
- History of knee replacement on the affected knee
- Concern for septic joint
- Overlying cellulitis
- Hemodynamic instability
- Altered mental status or inability to consent for procedure
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single treatment during emergency department visit
Participants receive either an ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block or standard of care analgesia for knee pain in the emergency department.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 24 hours post-treatment
Participants are observed for pain level and analgesia duration following treatment.
1 follow-up assessment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
2
Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
3
Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
4
HUP Cedar
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19143
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
U
Umar Clinical Research Coordinator, AB
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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