The study aims to compare standard techniques used to control pain after knee surgery. The investigators hypothesize that the fascia iliaca block is faster, safer and as good as or better than the femoral block, with or without a stimulating catheter.
60 patients being treated for ACL repair or knee arthroplasties under regional anesthesia will be randomized to three groups: Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB), Femoral Block (FB) with stimulating catheter or FB without stimulating catheter. A catheter will be placed according to each technique, before the surgery. A bolus of local anesthetic will be given pre-surgery and at the end of the operation, in all groups. A continuous infusion will be started for 48 hours. All patients receive a standard analgesia cocktail and rescue medication. Pain and level of activity, as well as side effects, will be evaluated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Montreal General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
RECRUITINGpain relief; measured by VAS at rest and on activity
Time frame: before surgery, before discharge from PACU and on evenings of days 1, 2, 7, 60, 90
pain relief; measured by WOMAC
Time frame: before surgery and at days 7, 60, 90
pain relief; evaluated from standard datasheet
Time frame: over 48-hour period
knee range of bending
Time frame: measured before surgery, and at days 7, 60, 90
thigh circumference 20 cm above the knee
Time frame: measured before surgery and at days 7, 60, 90
neurological exam of femorocutaneous, femoral and obturator nerves
Time frame: evaluated once spinal anesthesia has worn off, post-surgery, before anesthesia
level of activity; measured using questionnaire
Time frame: at 7-10 days and at 2 and 3 months
need for rescue analgesia
Time frame: in recovery room and at home
need for second bolus or crossing over between groups
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