Preoperative Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Replacement
Official title: GENicular Nerve Block in KNEE Arthroplasty - The GENKNEE Trial
Run by Helse Møre og Romsdal HF · NCT07589127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving a genicular nerve block before knee replacement can reduce pain after surgery and lower opioid use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Helse Møre og Romsdal HF Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Hjelset, Møre og Romsdal) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07589127 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-80 with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV) scheduled for primary total knee arthroplasty and suitable for spinal anesthesia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience pain relief from nerve blocks or who have contraindications to nerve blocks may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In adults with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty, the investigators compare a preoperative genicular nerve block to a placebo to see if early postoperative pain and recovery are improved. The trial uses randomization and blinding so neither patients nor clinicians know which treatment is given. Outcomes include pain during movement in the first 24 hours, opioid consumption, physical activity, and functional recovery. Standard surgical care and spinal anesthesia are used, with data collected through pain scores and patient questionnaires. The study is conducted at Nordmøre and Romsdal Hospital and affiliated centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less pain after knee replacement and rely less on opioids during recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Genicular nerve blocks have shown pain relief in knee conditions, but preoperative effectiveness for post-knee-replacement pain is still being tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Symptomatic knee OA grade II-IV according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system scheduled for primary total knee arthroplasty * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status grade I-III * Able to provide written informed consent * Able to undergo surgery under spinal anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 or older than 80 years * ASA physical status IV * Allergy to local anesthetics * Revision surgery * Chronic opioid use (\> 3 months) * Coagulopathy * Cognitive impairment * Inability to comply with study procedures * Patients scheduled for day care surgery.
Where it's running
-
Nordmøre and Romsdal Hospital (SNR)
Hjelset, Møre og Romsdal, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tommy Frøseth Aae, MD, PhD — Department of orthopedic surgery, Nordmøre and Romsdal Hospital, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Norway
- Study coordinator: Myrthle Slettvåg Hoel, Nurse
- Email: myrthle.slettvag.hoel@helse-mr.no
- Phone: +47 71120000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.