Genicular

Genicular is an anatomical term that describes structures related to the knee joint. It is most commonly encountered in reference to the genicular arteries, a network that surrounds and nourishes the knee, and to genicular nerves that provide articular innervation.

The principal arteries are the superior medial genicular, superior lateral genicular, middle genicular, inferior medial genicular, and inferior lateral genicular arteries. These vessels arise primarily from the popliteal artery and form a periarticular anastomosis that supplies the joint capsule, synovial membrane, cruciate and collateral ligaments, and articular cartilage. The middle genicular artery typically enters the joint through the intercondylar notch to supply internal structures such as the cruciate ligaments.

Genicular nerves are articular branches that accompany these arteries, derived from the tibial, common fibular (peroneal), and obturator nerves. They provide sensory innervation to the knee joint and are targets for pain management; genicular nerve blocks or ablations are used in osteoarthritis and refractory knee pain, commonly addressing the four main nerves: superior medial, superior lateral, inferior medial, and inferior lateral genicular nerves, with the middle genicular nerve sometimes included.

The term genicular is used in radiology, anatomy, and clinical contexts to denote knee-related structures. The word itself derives from the Latin root relating to the knee.