Knee osteoarthritis (Knee OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in the world, affecting at least 250 million people globally.[ref]Hunter D.J., Bierma-Zeinstra S.
Knee osteoarthritis (Knee OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in the world, affecting at least 250 million people globally.. Itβs prevalence continues to rise, affecting between 10% and 15% of men and women over the age of 60. and is the #2 musculoskeletal disorder in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in elderly population following back pain. Normal knee (left) and knee arthritis (right). Note the joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis and osteophyte formation on the right image. Treatment for knee osteoarthritis generally begins with non-surgical management consisting of some combination of analgesic medications, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and emphasis on weight loss.
When these treatments fail to control symptoms, physicians will often begin initiating injections including corticosteroids, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and other regenerative therapies. If these do not work, then the patient will often need to consider a total knee arthroplasty. Anatomy of the adductor canal (click to enlarge) The adductor canal block (ACB) is an ultrasound guided procedure that targets the saphenous nerve within the adductor canal to provide analgesia in that distribution.
The adductor canal is a cone-shaped anatomic pathway in the distal two thirds of the medial thigh. It extends from the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus and is about 10 cm in length (range 8 to 15). It contains the femoral artery, femoral vein and saphenous nerve.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to adductor canal block for knee osteoarthritis, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
Connect with a doctor, physical therapist, or imaging center near you.
Find a Provider Near You β