Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Infra patellar saphenous Nerve Block
1746871318
An infrapatellar saphenous nerve block is a procedure designed to diagnose and relieve knee pain, particularly after injuries or surgeries like ACL repairs or meniscus operations. This sensory nerve sends pain signals from the skin below the kneecap and the front knee joint. When irritated or injured, it can cause chronic pain. During knee surgeries, this nerve may suffer damage, leading to mild sensory changes or neuropathic pain, requiring treatments like nerve blocks, medications, or more advanced options in severe cases.
The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, possibly with an anti-inflammatory steroid, near the nerve. This injection blocks pain signals to the brain, providing relief. The technique uses a needle guided by ultrasound for accuracy and safety, with minimal risks such as infection, bleeding, or temporary numbness. Relief is usually immediate, lasting several hours to weeks, depending on treatment goals. If pain recurs, treatments like repeat nerve blocks, cryoneuroablation, or radiofrequency ablation may offer longer-lasting relief. Continuing physical therapy can aid in recovery and restore knee function.
Overall, the goal is to diagnose and manage knee pain non-surgically, allowing you to return to daily activities more comfortably.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with this nerve block?
The procedure carries minimal risks, which could include infection or bleeding at the injection site, temporary numbness, or altered sensation in the knee area. These risks are low due to the relatively superficial placement of the injection.
How is the infrapatellar saphenous nerve block performed?
The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, near the infrapatellar saphenous nerve using a needle guided by ultrasound. This technique blocks pain signals to the brain, potentially providing immediate pain relief.
What are the alternatives if the infrapatellar saphenous nerve block does not provide enough pain relief?
If pain persists, other options may include cryoneuroablation, which involves freezing the nerve to provide longer relief, pulsed radiofrequency ablation to modulate nerve activity, or continued physical therapy to aid recovery and improve knee function.
What conditions and symptoms can this procedure help with?
This nerve block is particularly useful for managing chronic anterior knee pain, especially after surgical interventions or trauma. It can also address neuropathic pain caused by infrapatellar saphenous nerve injuries and may help in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
What is an infrapatellar saphenous nerve block?
An infrapatellar saphenous nerve block is a procedure used to diagnose and alleviate knee pain, especially following surgeries like ACL repairs or meniscus operations. It targets the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve, which transmits pain signals from the area below the kneecap and front of the knee joint.