Femoral Nerve Block Research Articles

Multimodal Analgesia for Accelerated Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial on the Effect of the Co-Application of Local Infiltration Analgesia and Femoral Nerve Block Combined with Dexmedetomidine.

Multimodal postoperative pain regimens are widely used following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few studies on the rehabilitation of the co-application of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and femoral nerve block (FNB) combined with dexmedetomidine (DEX) for patients undergoing TKA. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LIA plus FNB and co-application of perioperative DEX on TKA outcomes. 95 patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in group B (n = 48) received a single preoperative FNB and LIA. Patients in group A (n = 47) received FNB and LIA, as well as continuous intravenous injection of DEX starting from the induction of anesthesia to postoperative day 2. All patients were allowed patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, knee range of motion (ROM) degrees, narcotic consumption, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) Scores were recorded. In group A, the mean VAS scores at rest and during movement were lower, the amount of rescue analgesia was decreased, first time of ambulation was reduced, ROM was improved, MoCA-B Scores were increased, LOS was shorter, HSS scores were higher postoperatively compared with group B (all p < 0.05). Our study indicated multimodal analgesia involving a single FNB and LIA combined with DEX accelerates rehabilitation for patients undergoing TKA.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Versus Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block for Knee Arthroscopy Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Femoral nerve block (FNB) provides effective analgesia and is a widely used technique for postoperative pain relief for orthopedic procedures on lower limbs. This study aims to compare the efficacy of ultrasonography (USG) versus peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS)-guided FNB in knee arthroscopic procedures. Methodology This randomized comparative study included two study groups with 30 participants in each group who were given FNB with either PNS or USG for knee arthroscopic procedures following spinal anesthesia. The study evaluated the number of needle repositioning, the time taken for performing the block, the efficacy of postoperative analgesia based on the duration of the block, and patient satisfaction. Results The number of needle repositioning and time taken to finish the procedure using USG was lower compared to the group using PNS (p < 0.001). The duration of the block was comparable in both groups (p = 0.584). Patients were satisfied with both techniques and responded as either very good or outstanding and chose neither as inferior (p = 0.310). Conclusions Both techniques have equal efficacy concerning the duration of the effect of the block and patient satisfaction. However, the procedural time and number of needle repositioning were significantly less in the group where USG was used for the block.

Comparison of the Efficacy between Femoral Nerve Block and Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients after Knee Surgery

Background: Moderate to severe pain develop after knee surgery results prolong hospital stay and delay return to normal daily activities. Various analgesic modalities have been used for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing knee surgery. Both femoral nerve block (FNB) block and fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB) are used routinely for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing knee surgery. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of postoperative analgesia of FNB &amp; FIB in postoperative period among patients undergoing knee surgery under sub- arachnoid block. Methods: This Randomized Clinical Trial was performed in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka from July 2020 to December 2020. Forty patients scheduled for routine knee surgery under sub-arachnoid block belonging to ASA class I, II and III were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups with 20 patients in each group. At the end of surgery, In Group A (n= 20) femoral nerve block was employed &amp; in Group B (n=20) fascia iliaca compartment block was employed. Results: Significant relief of pain occurred in recovery room in group B than group A (3.67±0.802 vs 4.3±0.877; p&lt;0.05). This improvement was noticed in group B at 6 and 24 hours follow up (p&lt;0.05 in all follow up). Post-operative analgesic consumptions was also lower in group B at 1, 12 &amp; 24 hours follow up (p&lt;0.05 in all follow up). Demographic characteristics were similar across the two groups in terms of age, sex, BMI and ASA grading (p&gt;0.05 in all cases). No significant difference was noted in both pre-operative, post-operative and recovery room heart rate (p&gt;0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p&gt;0.05). Complication was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB) for management of post-operative analgesia in knee surgery is more effective than femoral nerve block (FNB).

Efficacy and Side Effect Profile of Intrathecal Morphine versus Distal Femoral Triangle Nerve Block for Analgesia following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial

(1) Background: The management of postoperative pain after knee replacement is an important clinical problem. The best results in the treatment of postoperative pain are obtained using multimodal therapy principles. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) and single-shot femoral nerve block (SSFNB) are practiced in the treatment of postoperative pain after knee replacement, with the most optimal methods still under debate. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy with special consideration of selected side effects of both methods. (2) Materials and methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing knee arthroplasty surgery at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Medical University of Warsaw were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the ITM group, 100 micrograms of intrathecal morphine were used, and in the SSFNB group, a femoral nerve block in the distal femoral triangle was used as postoperative analgesia. The other elements of anesthesia and surgery did not differ between the groups. (3) Results: The total dose of morphine administered in the postoperative period and the effectiveness of pain management did not differ significantly between the groups (cumulative median morphine dose in 24 h in the ITM group 31 mg vs. SSFNB group 29 mg). The incidence of nausea and pruritus in the postoperative period differed significantly in favor of patients treated with a femoral nerve block. (4) Conclusions: Although intrathecal administration of morphine is similarly effective in the treatment of pain after knee replacement surgery as a single femoral triangle nerve block, it is associated with a higher incidence of cumbersome side effects, primarily nausea and pruritus.

Sublingual Sufentanil Tablet System (SSTS-Zalviso®) for Postoperative Analgesia after Orthopedic Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study is to compare sublingual sufentanil and the administration device for its delivery (SSST-Zalviso®) with the traditional strategies used for the control of postoperative pain to establish if there is an actual benefit for the patient and healthcare personnel. A retrospective study was conducted to compare the efficacy of SSTS in the management of postoperative pain after orthopedic surgery between October 2018 and June 2020. We analyzed 50 patients who underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The control group consisted of 21 patients who underwent TKA and during the hospitalized recovery received a continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB). The statistical study was conducted with a level of significance p = 0.05 using "U" test, Mann-Whitney, to verify if patients had a better control of pain and fewer calls for rescue analgesia. Patients involved in the study showed a significant reduction in pain intensity with the use of SSTS in the 24 h following surgery (p = 0.0568), also a drastic drop of the calls for rescue analgesia (p &lt; 0.0001) reduces the number of calls for its control. This study demonstrates how SSTS might reduce pain intensity in the first 24 h after surgery and reduce the number of calls for its control, indicating better analgesic coverage and implying reduced interventions from healthcare personnel. This could allow a redistribution of resources and a reduction in the use of analgesic drugs in wards where the SSTS is used.

Network meta-analysis of the analgesic effectiveness of regional anaesthesia techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can cause moderate to severe acute postoperative pain. Despite advances in our understanding of knee innervation, consensus regarding the most effective regional anaesthesia techniques for this surgical population is lacking. This network meta-analysis compared effectiveness of regional anaesthesia techniques used to provide analgesia for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Randomised trials examining regional anaesthesia techniques for analgesia following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were sought. The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were: rest pain at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h; area under the curve of pain over 24 h; and opioid-related adverse effects and functional recovery. Network meta-analysis was conducted using a frequentist approach. A total of 57 trials (4069 patients) investigating femoral nerve block, sciatic nerve block, adductor canal block, local anaesthetic infiltration, graft-donor site infiltration and systemic analgesia alone (control) were included. For opioid consumption, all regional anaesthesia techniques were superior to systemic analgesia alone, but differences between regional techniques were not significant. Single-injection femoral nerve block combined with sciatic nerve block had the highest p value probability for reducing postoperative opioid consumption and area under the curve for pain severity over 24 h (78% and 90%, respectively). Continuous femoral nerve block had the highest probability (87%) of reducing opioid-related adverse effects, while local infiltration analgesia had the highest probability (88%) of optimising functional recovery. In contrast, systemic analgesia, local infiltration analgesia and adductor canal block were each poor performers across all analgesic outcomes. Regional anaesthesia techniques that target both the femoral and sciatic nerve distributions, namely a combination of single-injection nerve blocks, provide the most consistent analgesic benefits for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with all other techniques but will most likely impair postoperative function. Importantly, adductor canal block, local infiltration analgesia and systemic analgesia alone each perform poorly for acute pain management following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Motor-sparing peripatellar plexus block provides noninferior block duration and complete block area of the peripatellar region compared with femoral nerve block: a randomized, controlled, noninferiority study

BackgroundDeveloping adequate regional anaesthesia for knee surgeries without affecting lower limb mobilization is crucial to perioperative analgesia. However, reports in this regard are limited. We proposed a technique for ultrasound-guided peripatellar plexus (PP) block. Compared with the femoral nerve (FN) block, we hypothesized that this technique would provide a noninferior block duration and a complete cutaneous sensory block in the peripatellar region without affecting lower limb mobilization. An investigation was conducted to verify our hypothesis in cadavers and volunteers.MethodsThe study was designed in two parts. First, eight cadaveric lower limbs were dissected to verify the feasibility of PP block after methylene blue injection under ultrasound. Second, using a noninferiority study design, 50 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either a PP block (PP group) or an FN block (FN group). The primary outcome was the duration of peripatellar cutaneous sensory block, with the prespecified noninferiority margin of -3.08 h; the secondary outcome was the area of peripatellar cutaneous sensory block; in addition, the number of complete anaesthesias of the incision line for total knee arthroplasty and the Bromage score 30 min after block were recorded.ResultsThe PP was successfully dyed, whereas the FN and saphenous nerve were unstained in all cadaveric limbs. The mean difference of the block duration between the two groups was − 1.24 (95% CI, -2.81 − 0.33) h, and the lower boundary of the two-sided 95% CI was higher than the prespecified noninferiority margin (Pnoninferiority = 0.023), confirming the noninferiority of our technique over FN block. The cutaneous sensory loss covered the entire peripatellar region in the PP group. PP block achieved complete anaesthesia of the incision line used for total knee arthroplasty and a Bromage score of 0 in 25 volunteers, which differed significantly from that of volunteers who underwent FN block.ConclusionUltrasound-guided PP block is a feasible technique. Compared with FN block, PP block provides noninferior block duration and complete blocking of the peripatellar region without affecting lower limb mobilization.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (registration no. ChiCTR2000041547, registration date 28/12/2020).

Benefits of Implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol in Ambulatory Surgery.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in orthopaedic surgery have garnered significant focus due to their ability to control pain adequately in the immediate postoperative window, allowing for earlier mobilization, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. Virginia Commonwealth University created a multimodal pain management approach in which patients receive a preoperative femoral nerve block followed by periarticular intraoperative local injection anesthesia consisting of bupivacaine, ketamine, and ketorolac. We hypothesized that implementation of the ERAS protocol will decrease postoperative pain scores, decrease recovery time in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and decrease opioid use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Two patient cohorts were involved: before ERAS implementation (pre-ERAS) and after (post-ERAS). Patients with ACL reconstruction only and patients with ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair were analyzed separately. Post-ERAS patients received an intraoperative periarticular injection of bupivacaine, ketamine, and ketorolac and a postoperative multimodal pain regimen. Outcomes included time spent in the PACU, short-term and long-term opioid consumption, and pain score at discharge from the PACU. Compared with pre-ERAS patients, post-ERAS patients had decreased pain (2.1 vs 0.84 out of 10, respectively), spent less time in the PACU (79.4 vs 62.8 minutes, respectively), and had less opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period (4.55 vs 2.26 total morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs], respectively) (P < .001 for all). After ERAS implementation, long-term MME use decreased from 410 to 321 between 0 and 2 weeks postoperatively, 92.6 to 1.69 between 2 and 6 weeks, and 494.5 to 323 between 0 and 6 weeks (P < .001 for all). All domains showed significant improvements for both the ACL and the ACL plus meniscal repair cohorts, with the exception of pain at discharge in the ACL plus meniscal repair group. The study findings suggest that an enhanced recovery pathways protocol that includes a standardized intraoperative periarticular bupivacaine, ketamine, and ketorolac injection improves pain scores in the immediate postoperative window, decreases opioid consumption, and reduces recovery time in the PACU for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Effect of multiple analgesic pathways including local infiltration analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and intrathecal morphine for controlling pain after total knee arthroplasty.

We questioned whether the triple analgesic pathways procedure via local infiltration analgesia (LIA), peripheral nerve blocks, and intrathecal morphine (ITM) is superior to LIA only for controlling pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This retrospective study included 192 primary TKA patients. Group A (76 patients) received LIA only, Group B (61 patients) had ITM, adductor canal block and LIA, while Group C (55 patients) received ITM, femoral nerve block and LIA. A propensity score-matched analysis was used to compare visual analog scales (VAS) for pain intensity, total amount of morphine consumption (TMC), angle of knee flexion, and length of hospital stay (LHS). Group A showed significantly higher VAS than Group B at 12h (4.27 ± 2.70 vs 2.42 ± 2.35) and 18h (4.24 ± 2.35 vs 2.18 ± 2.02), and significantly higher than Group C at 6h (3.46 ± 3.07 vs 0.60 ± 1.50), 12h (4.27 ± 2.70 vs 0.89 ± 1.48), and 18h postoperative (4.24 ± 2.35 vs 1.82 ± 2.18). However, the VAS of Group C and B converged to equalize with Group A after 12 and 18h, respectively. The TMC at 48h postoperative of Group A was higher than that of Group B (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, there was no difference between groups in terms of knee flexion and LHS, except the LHS of Group B was longer than Group A (p = 0.04). Triple analgesic pathways could provide a better initial analgesic profile. However, the pain seems to be rebound after resolution of nerve block and ITM, with potentially longer LHS.

A Review on the Efficacy of Extraosseous Local Infiltration of Multimodal Drug Cocktail for Pain Management After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients express minimal comfort regarding postoperative pain management. The use of parenteral opioids or epidural analgesia may have unfavorable adverse impacts that interfere with quick healing and rehabilitation. It is uncertain if periarticular multimodal drug injections (PMDI) are effective at easing pain following total knee or total hip arthroplasty (THA). We conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of PMDI following TKA or THA. Articles were sourced using the following keywords on Pubmed, Google scholar,and the Web of Science: multimodal drug cocktail in total knee arthroplasty OR hip arthroplasty, periarticular injections AND multimodal drug cocktail, epidural versus periarticular injections AND pain management after total joint arthroplasty. After screening 438 articles and abstracts, 200 pertinent studies were found, of whicha total of 10 articles were included in the study. From this review, we want to conclude that despite the various ways to address postoperative pain, there is no acknowledged gold standard for postoperative pain management following total joint arthroplasty. To reduce narcotic intake and prevent narcotic-related adverse reactions, multimodal techniques utilizing regional anesthetics appear to be on the rise such as periarticular injections, or patient-controlled analgesia with or without femoral nerve block. Even though the ideal duration and kind of medications are unclear, preoperative pain management or preemptive analgesia with anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics seemto be useful in lowering postoperative pain.

Study on the protective mechanism of dexmedetomidine on the liver of perioperative diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Although several studies have reported that dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist that protects liver function in perioperative patients by inhibiting oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory response, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have not been included in the previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative low-dose dexmedetomidine on perioperative liver function in T2DM patients.Methods:This was a single-center, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Fifty-four T2DM patients scheduled for debridement of lower extremity ulcers were included in this study and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 27 per group): the dexmedetomidine group (DEX group) and the control group (CON group). Continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX group) or normal saline (CON group) was administered from the completion of monitoring to the end of surgery. All participants received femoral and sciatic nerve block with 0.33% ropivacaine. The main result was the activity of liver enzymes (AST, ALT) reflecting liver function. The secondary results included variables reflecting blood glucose (Glu), blood lipids (TG, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol), biomarkers of OS (MDA, SOD), and systemic inflammatory response (TNF-α, IL-6).Results:Compared with CON group, DEX group exhibited a reduction in hemodynamic parameters, Glu, systemic inflammatory response, and liver injury indicators. OS response MDA activity was lower in DEX group than in CON group, while SOD was higher than that in CON group. The variables reflecting lipid metabolism function showed no differences between the groups.Conclusion subsections:Dexmedetomidine administered perioperatively can reduce Glu levels and protect the liver by attenuating OS injury and inflammatory response in T2DM patients without any potential risk.

Adductor canal block vs. femoral nerve block in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using levobupivacaine: a comparative randomized controlled double-blind study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block in postoperative analgesia, as well as their effect on quadriceps muscle strength.ResultsThe study included 66 patients who were underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under general anesthesia. They were randomly divided into 2 groups; A and F, of 33 patients in each. Patients in group A received an adductor canal block, while patients in group F received a femoral nerve block. The primary outcome was the total morphine requirements in the first 24 h after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included time to first analgesic request and the patients’ ability to perform straight leg raise in the post-anesthesia care unit and 2 h later. The straight leg raise was impaired in group F compared with group A both in the post-anesthesia care unit (p value = 0.017) and 2 h postoperatively (p value = 0.020). While there was no differences between both groups regarding time to first analgesic request, and total morphine requirements.ConclusionsCompared with femoral nerve block, the adductor canal block may be an effective analgesic alternative with the advantage of sparing the quadriceps muscle strength in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgeries.

Anaesthetic management of right tibia intramedullary nailing in a patient with extradural haematoma

Cases of extradural haematoma (EDH) are often encountered in the emergency department in patients with multiple traumatic injuries. If the haematoma is small, non-expanding and asymptomatic, it is often managed conservatively. However, other injuries sustained during trauma may require surgical intervention, during which anaesthetic management can become challenging. Here, we present a case where closed reduction and intramedullary nailing was done for a right tibia fracture, successfully performed in a patient with traumatic EDH under combined femoral and popliteal sciatic nerve block with supplementary dexmedetomidine infusion for sedation.

Efficacy of Combined Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block with Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Versus Fascia Iliaca Block in Proximal Femoral Fractures

Efficacy of Combined Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block with Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Versus Fascia Iliaca Block in Proximal Femoral Fractures

Comparison of Femoral Nerve Block with Dexmedetomidine and Adductor Canal Block with Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background : Analgesia post knee arthroplasties are crucial in early postoperative recovery and discharge . The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of Adductor canal block with that of femoral nerve block in patients undergoing knee arthroplasties. Methods : 140 participants aged 18 years &amp; above under American Society of Anaesthesiologists 1 and 2 physical status undergoing knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia were included and were divided into 2 groups – Adductor canal block and femoral nerve block who were administered blocks under ultrasound guidance. The preoperative Visual Analog Scale score, haemodynamic variables and postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were recorded. Results : The Visual Analog Scale scores between the two groups were not statistically significant however, a significant difference in the time taken by the Adductor canal block participants to request analgesia and to ambulate. Conclusion: Adductor canal block with Dexmedetomidine was equally efficacious when compared to Femoral nerve block with Dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing Total knee arthroplasty.

The Efficacy and Safety of Regional Nerve Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis

BackgroundRegional nerve blocks are widely used in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of regional nerve blocks after TKA in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published before March 24, 2020 on femoral nerve block, adductor canal block, and infiltration between Popliteal Artery and Capsule of Knee in primary TKA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the regional nerve blocks compared to a control, local peri-articular anesthetic infiltration (PAI), or between regional nerve blocks. ResultsCritical appraisal of 1,673 publications yielded 56 publications representing the best available evidence for analysis. Femoral nerve and adductor canal blocks are effective at reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption, but femoral nerve blocks are associated with quadriceps weakness. Use of a continuous compared to single shot adductor canal block can improve postoperative analgesia. No difference was noted between an adductor canal block or PAI regarding postoperative pain and opioid consumption, but the combination of both may be more effective. ConclusionSingle shot adductor canal block or PAI should be used to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption following TKA. Use of a continuous adductor canal block or a combination of single shot adductor canal block and PAI may improve postoperative analgesia in patients with concern of poor postoperative pain control.

Peripheral Nerve Block for Pain Management after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study with Propensity Score Matching.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a peripheral nerve block (PNB) on immediate postoperative analgesia and the early functional outcomes for patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). From January 2016 to August 2021, 353 patients who underwent THA were divided into two groups: the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) group (n = 217) who received only intravenous (IV) analgesia, and others who received IV PCA and PNB (PCA + PNB group) (n = 136). After propensity score matching for age and sex, 136 patients from each group were included in the study. Primary outcomes were the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, activity status at postoperative 6, 24, 48 h. Secondary outcomes were functional scores by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and rescue medications used. The postoperative VAS at 6, 24, 48 h at rest and 6 h at activity were significantly lower in the PCA + PNB group (p = 0.000, 0.001, 0.000, 0.004 in order). There was no significant difference for postoperative 3-month HHS (p = 0.218), except for 3-month WOMAC index (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences for VAS between the PNB methods except femoral nerve block (FNB) and fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) at postoperative activity 48 h (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in the total count and amount of rescue medication (p = 0.091, 0.069) and difference in the quadriceps weakness was not noted. Therefore, PNB is beneficial for patients who undergo THA as it provides sufficient postoperative analgesia, especially during immediate postoperative resting pain without quadriceps weakness.

The difficulty of choosing the method of analgesia after total replacement of the lower limb large joints (case report, literature review)

A case of successful treatment of a patient with a periprosthetic fracture of the femur is described. The fracture occurred one day after total hip replacement as a result of a fall, possibly associated with postoperative conduction analgesia. Lower limb large joints total replacement may become the most frequently performed type of elective surgery already in the current decade. The increasing prevalence of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases and hip fractures is an objective prerequisite for it. Despite of all efforts, the problem of postoperative pain control during these surgical interventions currently remains unresolved. There is currently no “gold standard” for pain relief after total hip and knee replacement surgeries. An excellent ratio of effectiveness and safety is demonstrated by multimodal pain relief programs based on peripheral nerve blocks. However, while having undeniable advantages, conduction anesthesia/analgesia has a critically important drawback. The cornerstone of postoperative rehabilitation for patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement is their early activation. All methods of conduction anesthesia are associated with motor blockade. In particular, femoral nerve block causes weakness of quadriceps muscle of thigh, inducing patients’ inadvertent falling when attempting to stand or walk. The situation with the choice of the method of anesthesia after total replacement of the lower limb large joints can be described as “a long way to go”.

Comparison Between Ultrasound-guided Caudal Analgesia versus Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Lower Limb Surgeries in Pediatrics: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.

Background and AimUltrasound (US) guided regional analgesia is a safe and effective method in providing perioperative analgesia in pediatrics with a high success rate rapid onset and fewer side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of US-guided caudal block versus US-guided peripheral nerve blocks (femoral and sciatic nerve blocks) in providing perioperative analgesia in pediatrics undergoing unilateral lower limb surgery.MethodsChildren aged 1–12 years scheduled for unilateral lower limb surgery during the period from January 2020 to December 2021 were randomly allocated into two groups. Group C where pediatrics received US-guided caudal block, while in group P, pediatrics received US-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks after the induction of general anesthesia (GA). The primary aim was to compare the postoperative pain (evaluated by the COMFORT pain score) between the two groups. Secondary aims were to compare perioperative opioids used parents’ satisfaction and occurrence of side effects.ResultsPediatrics who underwent unilateral lower limb surgeries were allocated into two groups (group C and group P). There was no significant difference between patients’ baseline characteristics and the postoperative pain score at 2, 4, 16, and 20 h.’ However there was a statistical significance at 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively, frequency of analgesia as well as the total postoperative dose of opiates (nalbuphine). Time to first analgesic (nalbuphine) requirement was significantly less in group C with a mean of (9.6±2.9 h) than in group P with a mean of (15.1±3.5 h). Parents of children in group P were more satisfied than those in group C with no recorded complications for both techniques.ConclusionUS-guided lower limb peripheral nerve block is a simple and safe method to provide adequate and more prolonged analgesia compared to US-guided caudal block for lower limb surgeries in pediatrics.

Adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block for pain control after total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Background:Femoral nerve block is a widely accepted nerve block method with evident reduction in consumption of opioid painkiller and minimization of the duration of hospital stay but may cause weakness of quadriceps muscle strength. Adductor canal block is another nerve block technique that attracts the attention of scientific community nowadays because of its possible superiority over Femoral nerve block regarding mobility and muscle strength.Methods:This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies, aiming to compare femoral nerve block with adductor canal block following total knee arthroplasty regarding pain control and mobilization.Results:Adductor canal block showed better preservation of quadriceps muscle strength (MD = 0.28, 95% CI [0.11, 0.46], P = .002), and better mobilization up to 2 days postoperatively. However, no significant difference was found between the 2 interventions regarding pain control (MD = 0.06, 95% CI [−0.06, 0.17], P = .33) or opioid consumption (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [−0.06, 0.22], P = .28) up to 2 days postoperatively. The better mobilization results of adductor canal block did not translate into a significant difference in the risk of falls or patients’ satisfaction; however, adductor canal block patients had less mean length of hospital stay than the patients with femoral nerve block.Conclusion:Both femoral nerve block and adductor canal block provide similar results regarding pain control and opioid consumption, however adductor canal block provides better preservation of quadriceps strength and mobilization, giving it more advantage over femoral nerve block.