The study aims to investigate the effect of the popliteal plexus block (PPB) on postoperative pain in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Postoperative pain following ACL reconstruction can be alleviated with an ultrasound-guided femoral triangle block (FTB). However, it is the investigators' observation that 10-20 % of the patients still complain of intense pain localized in the center of the knee. Cadaver dissection studies have shown that an injection into the distal part of the adductor canal will spread to the popliteal fossa, and one dissection study showed consistent spread to the popliteal plexus. The study team hypothesized that a PPB will reduce the postoperative pain, when it is used as a supplement to the FTB in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
10 mL Marcain-adrenalin 5 mg/mL + 5 microgram/mL. Ultrasound-guided injection into the distal part of the adductor canal
Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus C, Denmark
The Regional Hospital in Horsens
Horsens, Denmark
The effect of the popliteal plexus block (PPB)
Evaluated as the percentage of patients with postoperative pain NRS \>3, dropping in pain score to NRS ≤ 3 after the PPB
Time frame: Pain scores (NRS): 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after PPB
Percentage of patients with central knee pain
The percentage of patients with FTB reporting pain (NRS \>3) localized in the center of the knee in the observation period
Time frame: Pain scores: 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after arrival at the post anesthesia care unit (PACU)
Onset time for PPB
Time from withdrawal of the needle until patient reports NRS ≤ 3
Time frame: Pain scores (NRS): 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after PPB
The effect of the PPB on cutaneous sensation
Tested on the lateral part of the lower leg (pinprick test)
Time frame: Baseline, 30 and 60 minutes after PPB
The effect of the PPB on muscle strength
Dorsal flexion and plantar flexion in the ankle joint, measured with a handheld dynamometer)
Time frame: Baseline, 60 minutes after PPB
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