Objective:To document the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block (GNB) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A total of 92 KOA patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group with 46 in each. Those in both groups were treated conventionally, including with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, ultrasound, laser irradiation and manipulation therapy. The observation group additionally underwent ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block treatment, once a week for 2 weeks. Pain scoring on a visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to evaluate everyone before and after the treatment, and then 8 weeks later.Results:In the observation group the average VAS rating [(3.54±2.00) at week 2 and (4.13±2.04) at week 8] and the average WOMAC subscale and total scores [(36.91±16.91) at week 8] had improved significantly right after the experiment and 8 weeks later. But in the control group this was true only right after the treatment. The observation group also demonstrated superior improvements in 6MWT distance at week 2 [(434.22±125.19)m] and week 8 [(446.35±126.45)m] compared to both its own baseline and the control group.Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block is a rapid, precise, effective, and long-lasting intervention for alleviating pain, improving knee function and enhancing walking endurance in KOA patients.

Objective:To document the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block (GNB) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A total of 92 KOA patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group with 46 in each. Those in both groups were treated conventionally, including with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, ultrasound, laser irradiation and manipulation therapy. The observation group additionally underwent ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block treatment, once a week for 2 weeks. Pain scoring on a visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to evaluate everyone before and after the treatment, and then 8 weeks later.Results:In the observation group the average VAS rating [(3.54±2.00) at week 2 and (4.13±2.04) at week 8] and the average WOMAC subscale and total scores [(36.91±16.91) at week 8] had improved significantly right after the experiment and 8 weeks later. But in the control group this was true only right after the treatment. The observation group also demonstrated superior improvements in 6MWT distance at week 2 [(434.22±125.19)m] and week 8 [(446.35±126.45)m] compared to both its own baseline and the control group.Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block is a rapid, precise, effective, and long-lasting intervention for alleviating pain, improving knee function and enhancing walking endurance in KOA patients.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy, advantages and shortcomings of micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in treatment of uncomplicated ureteral calculi.Methods Clinical data were collected from 126 patients with a failure treatment of history by ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) and RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) in treatment of upper ureteral calculi (< 3.0 cm) from June 2015 to May 2016. Antegrade percutaneous access was obtained by B-type ultrasound guidance. Micro-PCNL was done using YAG laser fiber or pneumatic through the ureteroscope (F4.5~F6.5、F6.0~F7.5, 315 mm) to disintegrate the stones. The calculi clearance rate, operation time, operative hemorrhage, length of hospital stay and complications of the patients were analyzed after operation.ResultsThe calculi clearance rate was 88.9%, the operation time was 15~75 min, the operative hemorrhage was 15~35 ml, the length of hospital stay was 5~10 d. Only one patient need the second stage surgery because of intraoperative hemorrhage affected the surgical ifeld. No patients occurred massive hemorrhage, pneumothorax, bowel and other complications such as organ damage.Conclusion Micro-PCNL had a good clinical curative effect and security in treatment of uncomplicated ureteral calculi, which was worthy of promoting clinically.