Objective To compare the efficacy of fluoroscopy as an auxiliary method in genicular nerve block (GNB) with block guidance by anatomical parameters, without imaging aid, in reducing pain. Methods A total of 23 patients underwent fluoroscopy-guided or anatomical parameter-based GNBs. We applied the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at 6 time points (preblock, and after 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days, 28 days, and 90 days). Results The mean age of the sample was of 64.5 ± 4.8 years, and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), of 31.4 ± 6.1 Kg/m 2 ; 16 subjects (69.6%) were women. The WOMAC pain subscale showed a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) in pain in both groups at all time points. This reduction was greater after 1 hour in both groups, with rates if 64.3% and 64.6% in the fluoroscopy and anatomical parameters groups respectively, with no significant difference. At the end of 90 days, the pain reduction rates were of 35.7% and 44.6% in the fluoroscopy and anatomical parameter groups respectively. The VAS also showed a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) in pain in both groups at all times. The reduction was more significant after 1 hour: 78.0% in the fluoroscopy group and 82.2% in the anatomical parameter group, with no significant difference. At the end of 90 days, the pain reduction was of in the fluoroscopy group 36.5% and of 24.6% in the anatomical parameters group. Conclusion The GNBs guided by fluoroscopy or by anatomical parameters alone were equally effective in terms of magnitude and duration of pain relief.
Keywords: fluoroscopy; nerve block; osteoarthritis, knee; pain; visual analog pain scale.
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