Reduction of leakage from insertion site during continuous femoral nerve block with catheter-through-needle versus catheter-over-needle technique for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Background Continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) is a common procedure used for postoperative analgesia in total knee arthroplasty. Continuous nerve block using a conventional needle (catheter-through-needle/CTN) is complicated by leakage of the anesthetic from the catheter insertion site. A different type of needle (catheter-over-needle/ CON) is now available, which is believed to reduce leakage as the diameter of the catheter is larger than that of the needle. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of leakage from the catheter insertion site during CFNB while using CTN and CON for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods This prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled study included 60 patients who were scheduled for TKA at our facility between May 2016 and November 2017. Patients were randomly allocated to the CTN or CON groups. All patients in both groups received CFNB and sciatic nerve block for postoperative analgesia. The administration of 0.16% levobupivacaine mixed with 6 mg of indigo carmine (a dye added to easily identify leakage) was started at 6 ml/h at the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of leakage from the catheter insertion site. We further investigated the degree of leakage, the incidence of catheter migration, pain scores using the numerical rating scale at 48 h postoperatively, and the number of days until the operated knee could be flexed 120 degrees postoperatively in both groups. Results The CON group had a significantly lower incidence and degree of leakage from the catheter insertion site. There were no significant differences in other measurement outcomes. Conclusions Use of CON reduces the incidence of leakage from the catheter insertion site during CFNB in the use of postoperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. Future research is needed to determine additional benefits of using CON related to decreased leakage. Trial registration The study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000021537), prospectively registered on 18 March 2016.

The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block Versus Adductor Canal Block on the Quality of early Recovery after Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty, a retrospective Study

Background Multimodal pain analgesia strategies are common in perioperative management of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although the role of adductor canal blocks (ACB) versus femoral nerve block on early postoperative recovery for revision knee surgery is not investigated. Aim The purpose of this study is to independently evaluate the effect of ACB on short-term postoperative outcomes including (1) length of stay (LOS), (2) postoperative narcotic utilization, and (3) function with physical therapy in revision TKA. Methods We retrospectively identified a cohort study of consecutive 40 patients from January 2021 to July 2021 who had undergone unilateral revision TKA using a single-shot ACB (19 patients) vs femoral nerve block (21 patients) under spinal anesthesia ( hyperbaric 0.5% Marcaine 2.5 ml and 20 microgram fentanyl) in addition to a standardized multimodal pain analgesia protocol. These 2 groups were compared using independent sample t-tests with primary end points of interest being distance ambulated after surgery, and inpatient narcotic use. Results Quadriceps strength was better preserved in adductor group than in femoral group. Walking meters and going upstairs were better results in adductor group. IV morphine consumption within the first 48 hours period were less in adductor group comparing to femoral group. Conclusion Adductor nerve block showed better early recovery in revision TKA when comparing to femoral nerve block (FNB).

Comparative Study between Adductor Canal Block, Femoral Nerve Block and Epidural Analgesia for Management of Post-Operative Pain in Total Knee Replacement

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery that is associated with moderate to severe pain. Early ambulation and physical therapy are essential for functional recovery and long-term functional outcome after TKA as well as for reducing the immobility related complications. Hence, optimal pain relief while maintaining the motor function remains the mainstay in postoperative pain management after TKA. ‎Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled open-labelled study was carried out at Tanta University Hospital, Orthopedic Surgery Department from January 2020 to February 2021. Results: Heart rate was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and there was insignificant change between group I and group II. Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and was insignificant change between group I and group II.NRS was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and was insignificant change between group I and group II. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group III compared to group I and group II on the second postoperative day. Conclusion: Adductor canal nerve block provide better postoperative pain relieve with lower NRS after TKA than femoral and epidural blocks. It provides more stability of hemodynamic parameter and longer time for the 1st time of analgesic request. Also, total consumption of morphine in 1st postoperative day is lower than femoral and epidural blocks.

Controlled Hypotension Combined with Femoral Nerve Block for Knee Replacement without Tourniquet

In the process of knee replacement surgery, the use of tourniquet technology for hemostasis is the most common method. But the adverse reactions of tourniquets in knee replacement surgery have become more prominent in recent years. More and more scholars have begun to advocate the optimization of the use of tourniquet technology, thereby controlling the use of tourniquet technology. In this study, 125 patient cases were randomly divided into four experimental groups for comparative analysis. The two sets of variables are whether to use tourniquet during surgery and use intravenous analgesia or nerve block analgesia. Studies have shown that when using a tourniquet for knee replacement surgery, the chance of hidden blood loss increases after use. The tourniquet was not used during the operation, the patient's thighs were swollen, and postoperative pain was reduced. Compared with intravenous analgesia, knee joint replacement with uncontrolled tourniquet combined with femoral nerve block has a better analgesic effect and can effectively relieve pain after knee replacement. Therefore, under the method of controlled hypotension combined with femoral nerve block, TKA surgery without using tourniquet technology is more conducive to early health recovery and pain relief after TKA surgery, as well as functional exercise and knee joint recovery during postoperative recovery.