Overview of Innervation of Knee Joint

Abstract

Image-guided diagnostic block and radiofrequency ablation of the knee joint to manage pain require detailed understanding of joint innervation in relation to soft tissue and bony landmarks. In this article, the origin, course, and relationship to anatomic landmarks of articular nerves supplying the knee joint are discussed. The innervation pattern of the anterior and posterior aspects of the knee joint capsule is relatively consistent, with some variation in supply by the saphenous, anterior division of obturator, and common fibular nerves. To improve nerve capture rates for diagnostic block and radiofrequency ablation, multiple target sites could be beneficial.

Keywords: Anatomy; Denervation; Innervation; Knee joint.