Periarticular liposomal bupivacaine injection decreases length of stay, pain scores, and opioid usage after total knee arthroplasty when compared to femoral nerve block

Abstract

Purpose and Hypothesis: Evolving trends in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have placed increased emphasis on shorter inpatient length of stay and minimizing opioid utilization while increasing patient satisfaction. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a novel adjunct for post-operative pain management following TKA. Literature regarding the efficacy of LB versus other modalities has been conflicting. It appears the method of administration of LB may be linked to outcomes. We hypothesized a multimodal post-operative analgesia protocol including systematic infiltration of LB would lead to shorter duration of stay, decreased inpatient opioid utilization, and improved pain scores compared to a similar protocol employing femoral nerve block (FNB) after TKA.