A Preliminary Observational Case Series of Combined Genicular Nerve Block and iPACK for Total Knee Arthroplasty

TL;DR

This case series shows that combining genicular nerve block with iPACK provides effective pain relief after knee surgery without weakening leg muscles.

Contribution

A novel four-nerve genicular block combined with iPACK is proposed for improved post-TKA analgesia with motor preservation.

Findings

Pain scores remained below 3/10 in all patients for up to 72 hours.

Three patients required no rescue analgesia, and all achieved early mobilization without quadriceps weakness.

Knee range of motion exceeded 90° in all cases with no adverse events.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe postoperative pain that can impair early mobilization and prolong recovery. While adductor canal block combined with iPACK is commonly recommended, this strategy may provide incomplete articular coverage and occasionally compromise quadriceps function. Genicular nerve block (GNB) selectively targets the sensory innervation of the knee, and when combined with iPACK may achieve near-complete joint analgesia while preserving motor function. This case series aimed to evaluate the magnitude and duration of analgesia and functional recovery provided by a four-nerve GNB combined with iPACK. Methods: Five patients undergoing unilateral TKA under spinal anesthesia received ultrasound-guided blocks of the superolateral, superomedial, inferomedial genicular nerves and the nerve to vastus intermedius, together with an iPACK block. Ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine was used. The primary outcome (pain intensity) [Numeric Rating Scale, NRS] and secondary outcomes (time to first rescue analgesia, opioid consumption, range of motion, and complications) were recorded up to 72 h postoperatively within a standardized multimodal analgesic protocol. Results: Pain scores at rest and on movement remained consistently below 3/10 in all patients. Three patients required no rescue analgesia, while two required a single dose at 36–40 h. Knee range of motion exceeded 90° in all cases, and early mobilization was achieved without quadriceps weakness. No neurological or systemic adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Four-nerve genicular block combined with iPACK, enhanced with perineural adjuncts, provided prolonged, opioid-sparing analgesia with preserved motor function after TKA. This joint-selective, motor-sparing strategy warrants further evaluation in randomized trials.

Figures