Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Overview

In total knee arthroplasty, the effectiveness of some peripheral nerve blocks in postoperative pain control has been investigated, with conflicting results reported. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the suprainguinal fascia iliaca plane block, which is routinely performed in our clinic for postoperative pain management, and the adductor canal block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. Patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia will be randomly assigned using computer-generated randomization into two groups: the adductor canal block group (Group A) and the suprainguinal fascia iliaca plane block group (Group S). The nerve blocks will be performed by a single investigator according to the assigned group. Postoperative follow-up assessments will be conducted and recorded by a different investigator who is blinded to which nerve block was performed.

This study will be conducted on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia at the operating room of Gaziosmanpaşa University Research and Application Hospital. Patients aged between 18 and 75 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores of 1-3, will be included in the study. Patients with a history of chronic pain, allergy to opioids or local anesthetics, psychiatric conditions that impair cooperation, or those who do not wish to participate voluntarily will be excluded. Patients will be randomly assigned into two groups using a computer-generated randomization: the adductor canal block group (Group A) and the suprainguinal fascia iliaca plane block group (Group S). Postoperative monitoring in the recovery unit will include non-invasive measurements of ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, and SpO2. According to their assigned group, patients will receive either ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca plane block or adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia control. Patients will be observed in the recovery room for an adequate period, after which a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump will be routinely applied in our clinic. The PCA will be infused with an opioid-containing solution at an appropriate dose, and detailed patient information will be provided. Instead of continuous infusion, the device will deliver bolus doses intermittently when the patient's numeric rating scale (NRS) score reaches 4 or higher. If the patient's pain score remains 4 or above despite analgesic administration, routine intramuscular dicloron as rescue analgesia will be administered in our clinic. Patients will be periodically visited in bed, and data will be recorded regarding pain scores, motor strength of the operated limb, opioid consumption, use of rescue analgesia, and any complications. Follow-up assessments will be performed by a single experienced Anesthesiology and Reanimation specialist.