Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for all procedures on nerves, muscles, tendons, fascia, and bursae of knee and/or popliteal area

Summary

This procedure involves administering anesthesia to numb the knee and/or the popliteal area (the region at the back of the knee) to allow for a variety of surgical or diagnostic interventions on the nerves, muscles, tendons, fascia, and bursae in this specific region.

Purpose

The purpose of this anesthesia procedure is to provide pain relief and enable the safe and effective performance of surgeries or other medical interventions in the knee and popliteal area. This helps to manage conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, or degenerative problems affecting the knee.

Indications

• Chronic knee pain not responsive to conservative treatment.
• Preoperative anesthesia for knee surgeries or arthroscopic procedures.
• Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involving the tendons, fascia, or bursae.
• Conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, nerve entrapment, or muscle injuries.

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Medications may need to be adjusted; specific instructions will be provided by the healthcare team.
• Pre-procedure lab tests or imaging studies, such as an MRI or X-ray, may be necessary.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned appropriately to allow access to the knee or popliteal area.
2. The skin is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.
3. The anesthesiologist uses ultrasound guidance or anatomical landmarks to locate the target nerves.
4. A local anesthetic is injected into the targeted area using a fine needle.
5. Sedation or additional anesthetic agents may be administered depending on the procedure's complexity and patient comfort needs.

Common tools include needles, syringes, ultrasound devices, and anesthetic drugs.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 30-60 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is often performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Anesthesiologist
• Nurse or medical assistant
• Surgeon or physician performing the subsequent procedure (if applicable)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Nerve injury
• Allergic reactions to the anesthetic
• Temporary or prolonged numbness or weakness in the leg

Benefits

• Effective pain relief during and after the procedure
• Enhanced comfort and reduced anxiety
• Facilitation of complex surgeries or interventions with minimal discomfort Patients generally begin to experience pain relief within minutes, lasting up to several hours post-procedure.

Recovery

• Patients will be monitored for a short period after the anesthesia.
• Instructions including rest, limited activity, and pain management will be provided.
• Some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the affected limb.
• Follow-up appointments might be needed to assess outcomes and address any issues.

Alternatives

• General anesthesia for more extensive procedures.
• Spinal or epidural anesthesia.
• Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Each alternative has its own benefits and risks, and the choice will depend on the patient's specific condition and medical history.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient might feel a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site. Post-procedure, there may be temporary numbness and tingling in the leg. Pain management options, including oral pain relievers, will be discussed to ensure patient comfort throughout recovery.