Effect of Genicular Nerve Block (GNB) on Pain in Lesions of the Knee Joint: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

To explore the effect of genicular nerve block (GNB) on pain in lesions of the knee joint. Computerized searches of randomized controlled trials were conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with a search time frame until January 2024. Methodological and experimental quality was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was conducted of the pain score (as the primary outcome measure) using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17. Thirteen studies involving a total of 731 patients were ultimately included. In the comparison of GNB and non-GNB, the analysis results of analgesic effects at all visits showed [SMD=−0.51, 95% CI (−0.89, −0.14)]. Analysis of analgesic effects at a visit at 1 month showed [SMD=−0.79, 95% CI (−1.55, −0.02)]. Subgroup analysis for the control group showed [SMD=−4.07,9 5% CI (−4.10, −1.84)]. Currently, available evidence suggests that GNB may be an effective analgesic therapy and superior to other regimens in the treatment of lesions of the knee joint.