Peripheral Nerve Block (Shoulder | Hip | Knee)

What is a Peripheral Nerve Block?

A diagnostic peripheral nerve block is an injection of a local anesthetic (numbing medication) to temporarily block pain information from a joint.

What are the benefits of a Peripheral Nerve Block?

A diagnostic peripheral nerve block is a diagnostic (test) procedure used to identify and relieve pain originating from a joint. When joints degenerate or are inflamed, they can send the sensation of pain information via the peripheral nerves that innervate them. Using diagnostic peripheral nerve blocks is one way to identify which, if any, of the joints are causing pain.

Common Indications:
– Shoulder pain
– Hip pain
– Knee pain

How does a Peripheral Nerve Block work?

Anesthetic (numbing medication) medicine is placed on a small sensory peripheral nerves to block the pain signals from the suspected painful joint (ie, shoulder, hip, knee joint).

How to prepare for a Peripheral Nerve Block?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a diagnostic peripheral nerve block is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

-Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, warfarin):
You will NOT need to stop them before the procedure
– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Diagnostic peripheral nerve blocks are usually performed in under 20 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

When blocking the joint(s) with numbing medication, the expectation is to get temporary relief from pain that only lasts for a day or so. Once this injection is performed, we want you to engae in physical activity to test if it was helpful. This confirms that the joint(s) is the source of pain.

If successful, then a procedure called radiofrequency ablation is likely indicated to provide longer term relief.