Study Summary

81 patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block with local anesthetic alone, genicular nerve block with local anesthetic plus corticosteroid, or placebo injection. The primary outcomes of interest were pain severity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessed with algometry. Secondary outcomes included disability and physical function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the 40-meter fast-paced walk test. All participants additionally completed a standardized home exercise program. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month following treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both genicular nerve block groups demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain, WOMAC scores, and walking performance compared with placebo, while no additional benefit was observed with corticosteroid use. These findings suggest that ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block using local anesthetic alone is an effective short-term treatment option for improving pain and function in early-stage KOA.