Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Nerve Block Compared to Standard Care for Knee Pain in the Emergency Department

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.

Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Pain in the ED