Purpose: Evaluate the reliability of the early functional recovery and postoperative pain control using adductor canal block (ACB) compared with that using femoral nerve block (FNB) in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Patients and Methods: A total of 80 patients scheduled for TKR were randomly and blindly distributed into two groups (40 patients each). Group A received ACB and group F received FNB. The early quadriceps strength, range of motion and pain control were assessed after surgery during the first 48[Formula: see text]h. Results: Patients in group F had significantly less quadriceps power postoperatively than those in group A. There were no significant differences between the two studied groups as regard ambulation, range of motion and pain estimation. Conclusion: Since both blocks have comparable analgesic effect and opioid consumption rates, the increased quadriceps muscle strength and ability to ambulate on the first postoperative day is the driving factor in selecting the ACB. With the findings discussed in our study and in literature, an ACB is a viable option in place of a FNB in patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty. Additional large participant randomized controlled studies should be conducted to further discover the benefits of an ACB in patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty.
Do patients care about higher flexion in total knee arthroplasty? A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial
