Combined femoral and sciatic nerve block vs combined femoral and periarticular infiltration in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Evaluation of a New Method of Sciatic Nerve Block: A Prospective Pilot Study

Purpose

The location of the sciatic nerve deep within the thigh tissue makes it challenging to locate while the patient is in a supine position. The posterior intermuscular septum of the thigh, which encircles the posterior surface of the adductor magnus muscle (AMM), is where the sciatic nerve is located. Our hypothesis was that administering local anesthetic injections into this area could block the sciatic nerve. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of sciatic nerve block achieved by injecting local anesthetic into the posterior intermuscular septum of the thigh, named the AMM approach.

Methods

Twenty-six patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were included in the study. We performed an ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block by injecting 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine into the posterior surface of the adductor magnus muscle, using the AMM approach. Additionally, we administered a femoral nerve block with 20 mL of 0.4% ropivacaine. We assessed the sensory and motor effects of the blockade in the operated lower limb and recorded postoperative pain scores at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the operation.

Results

The AMM approach successfully block the sciatic nerve in all 26 patients. The onset of the sensory and motor blockades was achieved within 5.4 ± 1.9 min and 8.7 ± 3.5 min, respectively. We achieved a satisfactory position with the first puncture in 19 of 26 patients (73.1%). The muscle strength of the tibialis anterior immediately after surgery was 4 (ranging from 2 to 5). Additional rescue analgesics were required in 5 of the 26 patients (19.2%) during the first 24 hours postoperatively.

Conclusion

The AMM approach is an innovative and effective method for sciatic nerve block. When combined with simultaneous femoral nerve block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, it provides a useful analgesic treatment option.

Pain management after total knee arthroplasty: PROcedure SPEcific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT recommendations

BACKGROUND

The PROSPECT (PROcedure SPEcific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT) Working Group is a global collaboration of surgeons and anaesthesiologists formulating procedure-specific recommendations for pain management after common operations. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with significant postoperative pain that is difficult to treat. Nevertheless, pain control is essential for rehabilitation and to enhance recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after unilateral primary TKA.

DESIGN

A narrative review based on published systematic reviews, using modified PROSPECT methodology.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases, between January 2014 and December 2020, for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating analgesic interventions for pain management in patients undergoing TKA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Each randomised controlled trial (RCT) included in the selected systematic reviews was critically evaluated and included only if met the PROSPECT requirements. Included studies were evaluated for clinically relevant differences in pain scores, use of nonopioid analgesics, such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and current clinical relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 151 systematic reviews were analysed, 106 RCTs met PROSPECT criteria. Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or cyclo-oxygenase-2-specific inhibitors are recommended. This should be combined with a single shot adductor canal block and peri-articular local infiltration analgesia together with a single intra-operative dose of intravenous dexamethasone. Intrathecal morphine (100 μg) may be considered in hospitalised patients only in rare situations when both adductor canal block and local infiltration analgesia are not possible. Opioids should be reserved as rescue analgesics in the postoperative period. Analgesic interventions that could not be recommended were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The present review identified an optimal analgesic regimen for unilateral primary TKA. Future studies to evaluate enhanced recovery programs and specific challenging patient groups are needed.

The effects of local infiltration anesthesia and femoral nerve block analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) and femoral nerve block (FNB) are commonly used analgesia methods after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is no definitive conclusion about which of these two analgesia modes is superior. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the analgesic effects of LIA and FNB after TKA.

Methods

We used the terms “total knee replacement, knee replacement, total knee arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, local infiltration analgesia, periarticular infiltration, periarticular injection, intra-articular infiltration, intra-articular injection, peripheral nerve block, femoral nerve block” to search the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu databases. The search period was set from the date of establishment of the database to September 2021. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and network meta-analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and RevMan 5.30 software.

Results

Nine articles were included for analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with LIA and FNB, the difference in opioid use [mean difference (MD) −4.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): −7.26 to −1.45] was statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference between the static visual analogue score at 24 hours postoperatively (MD 0.20, 95% CI: −0.91 to 1.31), the visual analogue score for exercise visual analogy at 24 hours after surgery (MD 0.10, 95% CI: −0.12 to 0.32), and the length of hospital stay (MD 0.05, 95% CI: −0.40 to 0.50).

Discussion

LIA and FNB have similar effects on pain relief after TKA, but LIA can reduce the use of analgesic drugs and is easy to operate. Therefore, LIA can be used as the priority analgesic method for patients with TKA. However, multi-center, large-sample, high-quality, randomized controlled trials are still needed for further verification.

Combined femoral and popliteal nerve block is superior to local periarticular infiltration anaesthesia for postoperative pain control after total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

After primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), local periarticular infiltration anaesthesia (LIA) is a fast and safe method for postoperative pain control. Moreover, ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (USRA) with femoral and popliteal block is a standard procedure in perioperative care. Two analgesic regimens for TKA-LIA versus URSA with dexmedetomidine-were compared as an additive to ropivacaine. We hypothesised that the use of URSA provides a superior opioid sparing effect for TKA compared with LIA.

METHODS

Fifty patients (planned 188 participants; safety analysis was performed after examining the first 50 participants) were randomised. These patients received LIA into the knee capsule during surgery with 60 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% and 1 ml of dexmedetomidine (100 µg ml^-1) or two single-shot URSA blocks (femoral and popliteal block) before surgery with 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% and 0.5 ml of dexmedetomidine for each block. Postoperative opioid consumption in the first 48 h, pain assessment and complications were analysed.

RESULTS

In the safety analysis, there was a significantly higher need for opioids in the LIA group, with a median oral morphine equivalent of 42.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 23.5-57.0] mg versus 27.0 [IQR 0.0-33.5] mg (P = 0.022). Due to this finding, the study was terminated for ethical considerations according to the protocol.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study presenting data on LIA application in combination with dexmedetomidine. A superior opioid-sparing effect of URSA was observed when compared with LIA in TKA when dexmedetomidine is added to local anaesthetics. Also, a longer lasting opioid-sparing effect in the LIA group was observed when compared with the recently published literature; this difference could be attributed to the addition of dexmedetomidine. Therefore, multimodal analgesia regimens could be further improved when LIA or USRA techniques are combined with dexmedetomidine.

Assessing outcome in postoperative pain trials: are we missing the point? A systematic review of pain-related outcome domains reported in studies early after total knee arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

The management of acute postoperative pain remains suboptimal. Systematic reviews and Cochrane analysis can assist with collating evidence about treatment efficacy, but the results are limited in part by heterogeneity of endpoints in clinical trials. In addition, the chosen endpoints may not be entirely clinically relevant. To investigate the endpoints assessed in perioperative pain trials, we performed a systematic literature review on outcome domains assessing effectiveness of acute pain interventions in trials after total knee arthroplasty. We followed the Cochrane recommendations for systematic reviews, searching PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, resulting in the screening of 1590 potentially eligible studies. After final inclusion of 295 studies, we identified 11 outcome domains and 45 subdomains/descriptors with the domain "pain"/"pain intensity" most commonly assessed (98.3%), followed by "analgesic consumption" (88.8%) and "side effects" (75.3%). By contrast, "physical function" (53.5%), "satisfaction" (28.8%), and "psychological function" (11.9%) were given much less consideration. The combinations of outcome domains were inhomogeneous throughout the studies, regardless of the type of pain management investigated. In conclusion, we found that there was high variability in outcome domains and inhomogeneous combinations, as well as inconsistent subdomain descriptions and utilization in trials comparing for effectiveness of pain interventions after total knee arthroplasty. This points towards the need for harmonizing outcome domains, eg, by consenting on a core outcome set of domains which are relevant for both stakeholders and patients. Such a core outcome set should include at least 3 domains from 3 different health core areas such as pain intensity, physical function, and one psychological domain.

A comparison of analgesic techniques for total knee arthroplasty: A network meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

There is no established analgesic method for postoperative total knee arthroplasty. We comprehensively compared the analgesic methods for postoperative total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

A network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was used to compare 18 interventions, which were ranked by six outcome indices, to select the best modality.

SETTING

Postoperative recovery room and inpatient ward.

PATIENTS

98 randomised controlled trials involving 7452 patients (ASA I-III) were included in the final analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Studies that included the use of at least one of the following 12 nerve block(fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB), FNB, cFNB, single femoral nerve block (sFNB), adductor canal block (ACB), sciatic nerve block (SNB), obturator nerve block (ONB), continuous posterior lumbar plexus block (PSOAS), FNB + SNB, ACB + LIA, FNB + LIA, PCA + FNB).

MEASUREMENTS

Pain intensity was compared using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Also, postoperative complications, function score, hospital length of stay, morphine consumption and patient satisfaction were measured.

MAIN RESULTS

For visual analogue scale scores, continuous femoral nerve block (FNB) and FNB + sciatic nerve block (SNB) were the the most effective interventions. For reducing postoperative complications, fascia iliaca compartment block, FNB, SNB, and obturator nerve block showed the best results. For reducing postoperative morphine consumption, adductor canal block (ACB) + local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and FNB + SNB were preferred. For function scores (range of motion, Timed-Up-and-Go test), ACB and LIA were optimal choices. For reducing hospital length of stay and patient satisfaction, ACB + LIA and FNB + LIA were best, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral nerve block, especially FNB and ACB, is a better option than other analgesic methods, and its combination with other methods can be beneficial. Peripheral nerve block is a safe and effective postoperative analgesia method. However, our findings can only provide objective evidence. Clinicians should choose the treatment course based on the individual patient's condition and clinical situation.

Evaluating Analgesic Efficacy of Single Femoral Nerve Block versus Combined Femoral-Sciatic Nerve Block Post Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

With increasing knee replacement surgeries, there has been a constant search for effective pain control modality.

Aims

We compared the analgesic effect of femoral nerve block (FNB) alone with combined femoral and sciatic nerve block (SNB) for postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Setting and Design

This was a prospective observational study.

Methods

A total of 150 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I and II scheduled for elective TKA under spinal anesthesia with 3.4-mL bupivacaine 0.5% and 20-μg fentanyl were randomly allocated to two groups. Group F patients received a single shot FNB with 20 ml 0.375% ropivacaine and Group FS patients received combined FNB with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and SNB with 40 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine at the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the change in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores between Groups F and FS at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h later. The secondary outcome was total doses of opioid required in both groups.

Results

The demographic data were comparable in both groups. The NRS scores were higher and statistically significant in Group F than that in Group FS at all five measured time points (P < 0.00001), and the total pain score with a mean of 15.43 in Group F and a mean of 9.61 in Group FS was statistically significant. Significantly more opioid consumption was seen postoperatively in Group F as compared to Group FS at 12, 18, 24, and 48 h as depicted by P < 0.00001.

Conclusions

We conclude that the FNB, when combined with SNB, shows superior results than femoral block alone. SNB reduced pain scores and opiate consumption postoperatively up to 48 h.

Efficacy of Periarticular Cocktail Injection in Rheumatoid Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

BACKGROUND

Pain control after total knee replacement (TKR) is of primary importance to joint replacement surgeons to achieve good functional outcome post-surgery. This becomes even more challenging when these major procedures are done in immunocompromised patients like rheumatoid arthritis. Good peri-operative analgesia facilitates early rehabilitation, improves patient satisfaction, and reduces the hospital stay. The adverse effects caused by epidural analgesia or parenteral opioids can be avoided by replacing it with an analgesic cocktail locally. Our prospective study was to evaluate the benefits of a periarticular cocktail injection which was given in rheumatoid patients undergoing bilateral TKR in single sitting with respect to pain and knee motion recovery.

METHODS

Sixty-four rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing simultaneous primary total knee replacement were included in the study. A total of 128 knees were randomized either to receive a periarticular intra-operative injection containing ropivacaine, fentanyl, clonidine, cefuroxime and epinephrine (Group A) on one knee and to receive plain ropivacaine (Group B) on the opposite knee. The perioperative and post-operative analgesic regimens were standardized. All patients received the same standard analgesia protocol. Visual analog scores for pain, knee range of motion and quadriceps function were recorded on the day of surgery, first post-operative day, second post-operative day, day of discharge, and 2 weeks and 6 weeks during follow-up. The need for rescue analgesic requirement and adverse effects to the cocktail injection were also noted during the study period.

RESULTS

The patients who received the periarticular cocktail fared better in terms of pain scores and functional recovery. Additional rescue agents used were significantly less at 6 h, at 12 h, and over the first 24 h after the surgery in group A when compared with group B. No cardiac or central nervous system toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Periarticular cocktail injection significantly reduces the requirements for post-operative analgesia and also improves patient satisfaction, with no apparent risks, following total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block using levobupivacaine versus periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration after totalknee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Both postoperative pain control and range of motion are important in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in the literature, there is little comparison of peripheral nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration techniques using levobupivacaine. The aim of our study was to measure pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee range of motion (ROM) between in patients undergoing adductor canal block (ACB) for TKA using levobupivacaine compared to periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration (PAI-L).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective randomized clinical trial in a university hospital.

METHODS

Patients aged 40-85 years who underwent unilateral TKA were included; 39 were treated withperiarticular infiltration using 40 ml (0.125 mg) of levobupivacaine (PAI-L group); and 40 were treated with ACB using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (ACB-L group). Postoperative pain scores at rest and during active physical therapy were assessed using a VAS, along with knee ROM in flexion and extension. In addition, 100-foot walking time results, total morphine consumption and time of first analgesia requirement were recorded postoperatively.

RESULTS

VAS scores at rest and during active physical therapy and the total amount of morphine consumed were lower in the ACB-L group than in the PAI-L group (P < 0.05). In contrast, knee ROM in flexion and extension and 100-foot walking times were greater in the PAI-L group than in the ACB-L group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ACB-L was superior to PAI-L regarding pain treatment after TKA; however, PAI-L was superior to ACB-L regarding postoperative ROM and walking ability.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ACTRN-12618000438257.

Does Combination Therapy of Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block and Adductor Canal Block Effectively Control Early Postoperative Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Purpose

We compared adductor canal block (ACB) alone and a combination of ACB and sciatic nerve block (SNB) to control early postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Materials and Methods

One hundred patients received continuous ACB alone (group A), and another 100 patients received continuous ACB and single popliteal SNB (group B). Pain was evaluated at rest and 45° knee flexion using the numeric rating scale (NRS). The number of times the patient pressed the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) button, total PCA volume infused, and the total dosage of additional analgesics were evaluated. We also investigated complications associated with each pain control technique.

Results

The NRS score on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in group B than in group A. The number of times patients pressed the PCA button on postoperative day 1 and the total infused volume were significantly lower in group B than in group A. Thirty-five (35%) patients in group B developed foot drop immediately after surgery; but they all fully recovered on postoperative day 1.

Conclusions

SNB can be effective for management of early postoperative pain that persists even after ACB. Further research is needed to determine the proper dosage and technique for reducing the incidence of foot drop.

A Three-arm Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Continuous Femoral Plus Single-injection Sciatic Peripheral Nerve Blocks versus Periarticular Injection with Ropivacaine or Liposomal Bupivacaine for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Multimodal analgesia is standard practice for total knee arthroplasty; however, the role of regional techniques in improved perioperative outcomes remains unknown. The authors hypothesized that peripheral nerve blockade would result in lower pain scores and opioid consumption than two competing periarticular injection solutions.

METHODS

This three-arm, nonblinded trial randomized 165 adults undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty to receive (1) femoral catheter plus sciatic nerve blocks, (2) ropivacaine-based periarticular injection, or (3) liposomal bupivacaine-based periarticular injection. Primary outcome was maximal pain during postoperative day 1 (0 to 10, numerical pain rating scale) in intention-to-treat analysis. Additional outcomes included pain scores and opioid consumption for postoperative days 0 to 2 and 3 months.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-seven study patients received peripheral nerve block (n = 50), ropivacaine (n = 55), or liposomal bupivacaine (n = 52) and reported median maximal pain scores on postoperative day 1 of 3, 4, and 4.5 and on postoperative day 0 of 1, 4, and 5, respectively (average pain scores for postoperative day 0: 0.6, 1.7, and 2.4 and postoperative day 1: 2.5, 3.5, and 3.7). Postoperative day 1 median maximal pain scores were significantly lower for peripheral nerve blockade compared to liposomal bupivacaine-based periarticular injection (P = 0.016; Hodges-Lehmann median difference [95% CI] = -1 [-2 to 0]). After postanesthesia care unit discharge, postoperative day 0 median maximal and average pain scores were significantly lower for peripheral nerve block compared to both periarticular injections (ropivacaine: maximal -2 [-3 to -1]; P < 0.001; average -0.8 [-1.3 to -0.2]; P = 0.003; and liposomal bupivacaine: maximal -3 [-4 to -2]; P < 0.001; average -1.4 [-2.0 to -0.8]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ropivacaine-based periarticular injections provide pain control comparable on postoperative days 1 and 2 to a femoral catheter and single-injection sciatic nerve block. This study did not demonstrate an advantage of liposomal bupivacaine over ropivacaine in periarticular injections for total knee arthroplasty.

Local infiltration of analgesia and sciatic nerve block provide similar pain relief after total knee arthroplasty

Background

Although femoral nerve block provides satisfactory analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), residual posterior knee pain may decrease patient satisfaction. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to clarify the efficacy of the sciatic nerve block (SNB) and local infiltration of analgesia with steroid (LIA) regarding postoperative analgesia after TKA, when administrated in addition to femoral nerve block (FNB).

Methods

Seventy-eight patients were randomly allocated to the two groups: concomitant administration of FNB and SNB or FNB and LIA. The outcome measures included post-operative pain, passive knee motion, C-reactive protein level, time to achieve rehabilitation goals, the Knee Society Score at the time of discharge, patient satisfaction level with anesthesia, length of hospital stay, surgical time, and complications related to local anesthesia.

Results

The patients in group SNB showed less pain than group LIA only on postoperative hours 0 and 3. Satisfactory postoperative analgesia after TKA was also achieved with LIA combined with FNB, while averting the risks associated with SNB. The influence on progress of rehabilitation and length of hospital stay was similar for both anesthesia techniques.

Conclusions

The LIA offers a potentially safer alternative to SNB as an adjunct to FNB, particularly for patients who have risk factors for sciatic nerve injury.

Combination Therapy with Continuous Three-in-One Femoral Nerve Block and Periarticular Multimodal Drug Infiltration after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background. Various postoperative pain relief modalities, including continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB), local infiltration analgesia (LIA), and combination therapy, have been reported for total knee arthroplasty. However, no studies have compared CFNB with LIA for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of CFNB versus LIA after THA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative outcomes of 93 THA patients (20 men, 73 women; mean age 69.2 years). Patients were divided into three groups according to postoperative analgesic technique: CFNB, LIA, or combined CFNB+LIA. We measured the following postoperative outcome parameters: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest, supplemental analgesia, side effects, mobilization, length of hospital stay, and Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results. The CFNB+LIA group had significantly lower VAS pain scores than the CFNB and LIA groups on postoperative day 1. There were no significant differences among the three groups in use of supplemental analgesia, side effects, mobilization, length of hospital stay, or HHS at 3 months after THA. Conclusions. Although there were no clinically significant differences in outcomes among the three groups, combination therapy with CFNB and LIA provided better pain relief after THA than CFNB or LIA alone, with few side effects.

Combined femoral and sciatic nerve block versus femoral and local infiltration anesthesia for pain control after total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to evaluate the effect of combined femoral and sciatic nerve block (SNB) versus femoral and local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to 15 June 2016. Articles comparing combined femoral and SNB versus femoral and LIA for pain control were eligible for this meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA statement criteria. The primary endpoint was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score with rest at 12, 24, and 48 h, which represents the pain control after TKA. Data regarding active knee flexion, length of hospital stay, anesthesia time, and morphine use at 24 and 48 h were also compiled. The complications of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and fall were also noted to assess the safety of morphine-sparing effects. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity across studies, the data were aggregated for random-effects modeling when necessary.

Results

Seven clinical trials with 615 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that SNB was associated with a lower VAS score at 12 h (MD = −6.96; 95% CI −8.36 to −5.56; P < 0.001) and 48 h (MD = −2.41; 95% CI −3.90 to −0.91; P < 0.001) after TKA. There was no significant difference between the SNB group and the LIA group in terms of the VAS score at 24 h (MD = 0.67; 95% CI −0.31 to 1.66; P = 0.182). The anesthesia time in the LIA group was shorter than in the SNB group, and the difference was statistically significant (MD = 4.31, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.28, P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of active knee flexion, length of hospital stay, morphine use, PONV, and the occurrence of falls.

Conclusions

SNB may provide earlier anesthesia effects than LIA when combined femoral nerve block (FNB); however, there were no differences in morphine use, active knee flexion, and PONV between the groups. The LIA group spent less time under anesthesia, suggesting that LIA may offer a practical and potentially safer alternative to SNB.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-016-0495-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Continuous intra-articular local anesthetic drug instillation versus discontinuous sciatic nerve block after total knee arthroplasty

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Sciatic nerve block (SNB) is commonly used as adjunct to femoralis nerve block (FNB) to achieve high-quality pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, this combination is associated with considerable muscle weakness, foot drop and surgically related nerve injuries may be masked. The purpose of this study was to assess whether low risk continuous intra-articular anesthetic drug instillation is an adequate alternative to SNB when adding to FNB after TKA.

DESIGN

Retrospective investigational follow-up study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital. Interdisciplinary postoperative anesthetic and orthopedic survey.

PATIENTS

For this investigational analysis, 34 of 50 consecutive patients were available.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent primary unilateral TKA. Group A (18 patients) received a continuous intra-articular 0.33% ropivacaine (5 mL/h) instillation for the first 48 h postoperatively. In Group B (16 patients) a discontinuous SNB was used. Both groups were treated with a continuous FNB.

MEASUREMENTS

Main endpoints were mean and maximum postoperative pain intensity levels for both anterior and posterior knee side, amount of postoperative administered opioid drugs, differences in functional outcome or hospital stay and rate of postoperative complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Group A showed higher pain intensity levels for the posterior knee side (P≤.042). Merely on the second postoperative day there were no differences within either study group. No differences were found regarding anterior knee pain. Group A showed a significant higher postoperative piritramid consumption (P≤.007). Length of hospital stay or postoperative functional outcome was not significant different. Postoperative complications were not related to anesthesia techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

SNB technique resulted in superior pain relief in comparison to continuous intra-articular local anesthetic drug instillation as adjunct to continuous FNB after TKA.

Improving patients’ experience and outcome of total joint replacement: the RESTORE programme

Background

Total hip replacements (THRs) and total knee replacements (TKRs) are common elective procedures. In the REsearch STudies into the ORthopaedic Experience (RESTORE) programme, we explored the care and experiences of patients with osteoarthritis after being listed for THR and TKR up to the time when an optimal outcome should be expected.

Objective

To undertake a programme of research studies to work towards improving patient outcomes after THR and TKR.

Methods

We used methodologies appropriate to research questions: systematic reviews, qualitative studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), feasibility studies, cohort studies and a survey. Research was supported by patient and public involvement.

Results

Systematic review of longitudinal studies showed that moderate to severe long-term pain affects about 7–23% of patients after THR and 10–34% after TKR. In our cohort study, 10% of patients with hip replacement and 30% with knee replacement showed no clinically or statistically significant functional improvement. In our review of pain assessment few research studies used measures to capture the incidence, character and impact of long-term pain. Qualitative studies highlighted the importance of support by health and social professionals for patients at different stages of the joint replacement pathway. Our review of longitudinal studies suggested that patients with poorer psychological health, physical function or pain before surgery had poorer long-term outcomes and may benefit from pre-surgical interventions. However, uptake of a pre-operative pain management intervention was low. Although evidence relating to patient outcomes was limited, comorbidities are common and may lead to an increased risk of adverse events, suggesting the possible value of optimising pre-operative management. The evidence base on clinical effectiveness of pre-surgical interventions, occupational therapy and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation relied on small RCTs but suggested short-term benefit. Our feasibility studies showed that definitive trials of occupational therapy before surgery and post-discharge group-based physiotherapy exercise are feasible and acceptable to patients. Randomised trial results and systematic review suggest that patients with THR should receive local anaesthetic infiltration for the management of long-term pain, but in patients receiving TKR it may not provide additional benefit to femoral nerve block. From a NHS and Personal Social Services perspective, local anaesthetic infiltration was a cost-effective treatment in primary THR. In qualitative interviews, patients and health-care professionals recognised the importance of participating in the RCTs. To support future interventions and their evaluation, we conducted a study comparing outcome measures and analysed the RCTs as cohort studies. Analyses highlighted the importance of different methods in treating and assessing hip and knee osteoarthritis. There was an inverse association between radiographic severity of osteoarthritis and pain and function in patients waiting for TKR but no association in THR. Different pain characteristics predicted long-term pain in THR and TKR. Outcomes after joint replacement should be assessed with a patient-reported outcome and a functional test.

Conclusions

The RESTORE programme provides important information to guide the development of interventions to improve long-term outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis receiving THR and TKR. Issues relating to their evaluation and the assessment of patient outcomes are highlighted. Potential interventions at key times in the patient pathway were identified and deserve further study, ultimately in the context of a complex intervention.

Study registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN52305381.

Funding

This project was funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 4, No. 12. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Comparison of Local Infiltration Analgesia With Femoral Nerve Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is usually associated with severe postoperative pain, which can prevent rehabilitation of patients' knee function and influence the satisfaction of surgery. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) as a new method to managing postoperative pain has been applied in clinical practice recently. However, the safety and efficacy of LIA compared with femoral nerve block (FNB) in postoperative pain management of TKA still remains controversial. Thus, we conducted an original clinical trial to compare LIA and FNB.

METHOD

One hundred fifty-seven patients undergoing TKA were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, single-center study. The patients received either FNB (group A) or periarticular infiltration of local anesthetic (group B). The morphine consumption used in patient-controlled analgesia after surgery, postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee Society Score, and range of motion before and after surgery in both groups were analyzed, as well as the adverse effects.

RESULTS

Group A consisted 78 patients, and group B contained 79 patients. The patients' characteristics including age and body mass index had no significant difference (P > .05). Morphine consumption, VAS at rest, range of motion, and Knee Society Score were similar between the 2 groups. Our study showed group B, the local anesthetic group had less VAS with movement on postoperative day 1 (P = .01) than that of group A, which means a better pain control. Because of the study design, the surgery time showed no significant difference. Eighteen patients in group A and 21 patients in group B experienced mild-to-medium nausea or vomiting. One patient in group B had dizziness and one patient in group A suffered a neuropraxic injury to the femoral nerve. No urinary retention case was seen during inpatient days. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups about side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research showed that no significant differences were observed between the 2 treatment groups. LIA could provide a similar analgesic effect to FNBs with a low incidence of complications.

The impact of including corticosteroid in a periarticular injection for pain control after total knee arthroplasty: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

There is conflicting evidence about the benefit of using corticosteroid in periarticular injections for pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We carried out a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of using corticosteroid in a periarticular injection to control pain after TKA. A total of 77 patients, 67 women and ten men, with a mean age of 74 years (47 to 88) who were about to undergo unilateral TKA were randomly assigned to have a periarticular injection with or without corticosteroid. The primary outcome was post-operative pain at rest during the first 24 hours after surgery, measured every two hours using a visual analogue pain scale score. The cumulative pain score was quantified using the area under the curve. The corticosteroid group had a significantly lower cumulative pain score than the no-corticosteroid group during the first 24 hours after surgery (mean area under the curve 139, 0 to 560, and 264, 0 to 1460; p = 0.024). The rate of complications, including surgical site infection, was not significantly different between the two groups up to one year post-operatively. The addition of corticosteroid to the periarticular injection significantly decreased early post-operative pain. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety of corticosteroid in periarticular injection.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

The use of corticosteroid in periarticular injection offered better pain relief during the initial 24 hours after TKA.

Femoral nerve block-sciatic nerve block vs. femoral nerve block-local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of femoral nerve block (FNB) combined with sciatic nerve block (SNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has recently become controversial. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has been reported to be effective for postoperative TKA pain control. We aimed to assess whether LIA with continuous FNB is as effective as SNB combined with continuous FNB.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, single-center, observer-blinded, parallel group comparison trial of 34 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3 patients who underwent TKA and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into two groups: a periarticular LIA and FNB group (group L, n = 17), and an SNB and FNB group (group S, n = 17). In both groups, participants received FNB with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine, and 5 mL h(-1) of 0.2% ropivacaine after surgery. In group L, participants received 100-ml injections of 0.2% ropivacaine and 0.5 mg epinephrine to the surgical region. In group S, participants received SNB with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine. After TKA, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for the first 24 h post-operation were compared via repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) as the primary outcome. Other outcome measures included NRS score changes within groups, area under the curve for the NRS scores, total analgesic dose, change in knee flexion and extension, pain control satisfaction, nausea and vomiting, and hospital stay duration.

RESULTS

NRS score changes were greater in group L than in group S (P < 0.01, ANOVA) and greater in group L than in group S at three postoperative time points: 3 h (P < 0.01), 6 h (P < 0.01), and 12 h (P = 0.013; Mann-Whitney U test). Changes in the mean NRS score were observed in each group (P < 0.01, Friedman test). No significant differences were detected in the other outcome measures (Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and chi-squared tests).

CONCLUSIONS

Sciatic nerve block with femoral nerve block is superior to local anesthetic infiltration with femoral nerve block for postoperative pain control within 3-12 h of total knee arthroplasty.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR ID: 000013364 R: 000015591.

Local infiltration analgesia versus femoral nerve block in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and femoral nerve block (FNB) are both used for the pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Controversy still remains regarding the optimal technique for pain relief in patients undergoing TKA. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the analgesia achieved with LIA and the one from FNB following TKA.

HYPOTHESIS

LIA achieves better pain control than FNB in patients with TKA.

METHODS

Databases, including Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were comprehensively searched to identify studies comparing LIA with FNB for patients with TKA. Two reviewers independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed the methodological qualities of included studies. Data were analyzed by RevMan 5.2.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs involving 782 patients were included. LIA achieved more rapid pain relief (VAS) at 6h postoperatively [SMD6h=-0.92, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.47)] than FNB. There were no significant differences at 24h and 48h [SMD24h=-0.03, 95% CI (-0.46, 0.40); SMD48h=0.28, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.91)], VAS with activity at 24h and 48h [SMD6h=-0.54, 95% CI (-1.62, 0.54); SMD24h=-0.22, 95% CI (-1.41, 0.96); SMD48h=-0.08, 95% CI (-0.52, 0.69)], opioid consumption at 24h and 48h [SMD24h=-0.24, 95% CI (-0.82, 0.34); SMD48h=0.15, 95% CI (0.25, 0.54)] and length of hospital stay [MD=-0.52, 95% CI (-1.13, 0.09)].

DISCUSSION

LIA may be the better choice in the pain management of TKA for it could achieve fast pain relief and is easier to perform than FNB for patients with TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, meta-analysis and systematic review.

The Chitranjan Ranawat Award: Periarticular injections and femoral & sciatic blocks provide similar pain relief after TKA: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Two of the more common methods of pain management after TKA are peripheral nerve blocks and intraarticular/periarticular injections. However, we are not aware of any study directly comparing the commonly used combination of a continuous femoral block given with a single-shot sciatic block with that of a periarticular injection after TKA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

This randomized clinical trial compared a combined femoral and sciatic nerve block with periarticular injection as part of a multimodal pain protocol after total knee arthroplasty with respect to (1) pain; (2) narcotic use; (3) quadriceps function and length of stay; and (4) peripheral nerve complications.

METHODS

One hundred sixty patients completed randomization into two treatment arms: (1) peripheral nerve blocks (PNB; n=79) with an indwelling femoral nerve catheter and a single shot sciatic block; or (2) periarticular injection (PAI; n=81) using ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and morphine. All patients received standardized general anesthesia and oral medications. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, on a 0 to 10 scale, measured on the afternoon of postoperative day 1 (POD 1). Secondary outcomes were narcotic use, quadriceps function, length of stay, and peripheral nerve complications.

RESULTS

Mean pain scores on the afternoon of POD 1 were not different between groups (PNB group: 2.9 [SD 2.4]; PAI group: 3.0 [SD 2.2]; 95% confidence interval, -0.8 to 0.6; p=0.76). Mean pain scores taken at three times points on POD 1 were also similar between groups. Hospital length of stay was shorter for the PAI group (2.44 days [SD 0.65] versus 2.84 days [SD 1.34] for the PNB group; p=0.02). Narcotic consumption was higher the day of surgery for the PAI group (PAI group: 11.7 mg morphine equivalents [SD 13.1]; PNB group: 4.6 mg [SD 9.1]; p<0.001), but thereafter, there was no difference. More patients in the PNB group had sequelae of peripheral nerve injury (mainly dysesthesia) at 6-week followup (nine [12%] versus one [1%]; p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving periarticular injections had similar pain scores, shorter lengths of stay, less likelihood of peripheral nerve dysesthesia, but greater narcotic use on the day of surgery compared with patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks. Periarticular injections provide adequate pain relief, are simple to use, and avoid the potential complications associated with nerve blocks.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Reducing the length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty: influence of femoral and sciatic nerve block

OBJECTIVE

the aim of this study is to evaluate the change in length of hospital stay postoperatively for Total Knee Arthroplasty after using femoral and sciatic nerve block.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the medical records of 287 patients were evaluated, taking into account the number of hours of admission, the percentage and the reason for re-hospitalization within 30 days, as well as associated complications. All patients were divided into two groups according or not to whether they were admitted to ICU or not. During the years 2009 and 2010, isolated spinal anesthesia was the method used in the procedure. From 2011 on, femoral and sciatic nerve blocking was introduced.

RESULTS

between the years 2009 and 2012, the average length of stay ranged from 74 hours in 2009 to 75.2 hours in 2010. The average length of stay in 2011 was 56.52 hours and 53.72 hours in 2012, all in the group of patients who did not remain in the ICU postoperatively. In the same period, among those in the group that needed ICU admission, the average length of stay was 138.7 hours in 2009, 90.25 hours in 2010, 79.8 hours in 2011, and 52.91 hours in 2012. During 2009 and 2010, the rate of re-hospitalization was 0%, while in 2011 and 2012, were 3.44% and 1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

according to this study, the use of femoral and sciatic nerve blocking after total knee arthroplasty allowed significant reduction in hospital stay.

Comparison of local infiltration of analgesia and sciatic nerve block in addition to femoral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between sciatic nerve block (SNB) and local infiltration of analgesia (LIA) regarding postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), when administrated in addition to femoral nerve block (FNB). Forty-six patients scheduled for TKA were randomized into two groups: concomitant administration of FNB and SNB or FNB and LIA. Average pain scores during the first 21days after surgery were similar in the two groups and remained at low level. There was no significant difference in the need for adjuvant analgesics, patient satisfaction level, the time to achieve rehabilitation goals, and length of hospital stay. The LIA offers a potentially safer alternative to SNB as an adjunct to FNB.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2013

This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.

The Analgesic Effects of Proximal, Distal, or No Sciatic Nerve Block on Posterior Knee Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background:

The analgesic efficacy of sciatic nerve block (SNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unclear. Proximal and distal SNB are each reported to provide posterior knee analgesia, whereas others suggest that posterior knee pain is not important after TKA. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled trial examined whether proximal or distal SNB provides superior analgesia in the posterior knee compared with no SNB after TKA.

Methods:

Sixty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to single-shot SNB using either the infragluteal (Proximal group) or popliteal (Distal group) technique, or no SNB (Placebo group). All patients received spinal anesthesia and continuous-femoral nerve blockade. A blinded observer assessed posterior and anterior knee pain at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was moderate-to-severe posterior knee pain at 4 h postoperatively; secondary outcomes included SNB procedural time, needle passes, and discomfort.

Results:

Fifty-three patients were analyzed. The proportion of patients (Proximal:Distal:Placebo) who experienced moderate-to-severe posterior knee pain was 18%:22%:89% (P &lt; 0.00001) at 2 h, 24%:28%:72% (P &lt; 0.01) at 4 h, and 12%:17%:78% (P = 0.00003) at 6 h postoperatively. For the anterior knee, the proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain was 6%:11%:44% (P = 0.02) at 2 h, 6%:6%:39% (P = 0.012) at 4 h, and 12%:6%:44% (P = 0.017) at 6 h postoperatively. Moderate-to-severe pain did not differ between groups beyond 6 h. Both proximal and distal SNB reduced rest pain in the posterior and anterior knee up to 8 h postoperatively compared with no SNB. The popliteal technique required shorter procedural time, fewer needle passes, and produced less discomfort.

Conclusion:

Proximal and distal SNB each reduce posterior and anterior knee pain after TKA compared with no SNB.

Local anaesthetic infiltration for peri-operative pain control in total hip and knee replacement: systematic review and meta-analyses of short- and long-term effectiveness

Background

Surgical pain is managed with multi-modal anaesthesia in total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR). It is unclear whether including local anaesthetic infiltration before wound closure provides additional pain control.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of randomised controlled trials of local anaesthetic infiltration in patients receiving THR or TKR. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL to December 2012. Two reviewers screened abstracts, extracted data, and contacted authors for unpublished outcomes and data. Outcomes collected were post-operative pain at rest and during activity after 24 and 48 hours, opioid requirement, mobilisation, hospital stay and complications. When feasible, we estimated pooled treatment effects using random effects meta-analyses.

Results

In 13 studies including 909 patients undergoing THR, patients receiving local anaesthetic infiltration experienced a greater reduction in pain at 24 hours at rest by standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.61 (95% CI -1.05, -0.16; p = 0.008) and by SMD -0.43 (95% CI -0.78 -0.09; p = 0.014) at 48 hours during activity.

In TKR, diverse multi-modal regimens were reported. In 23 studies including 1439 patients undergoing TKR, local anaesthetic infiltration reduced pain on average by SMD -0.40 (95% CI -0.58, -0.22; p < 0.001) at 24 hours at rest and by SMD -0.27 (95% CI -0.50, -0.05; p = 0.018) at 48 hours during activity, compared with patients receiving no infiltration or placebo. There was evidence of a larger reduction in studies delivering additional local anaesthetic after wound closure. There was no evidence of pain control additional to that provided by femoral nerve block.

Patients receiving local anaesthetic infiltration spent on average an estimated 0.83 (95% CI 1.54, 0.12; p = 0.022) and 0.87 (95% CI 1.62, 0.11; p = 0.025) fewer days in hospital after THR and TKR respectively, had reduced opioid consumption, earlier mobilisation, and lower incidence of vomiting.

Few studies reported long-term outcomes.

Conclusions

Local anaesthetic infiltration is effective in reducing short-term pain and hospital stay in patients receiving THR and TKR. Studies should assess whether local anaesthetic infiltration can prevent long-term pain. Enhanced pain control with additional analgesia through a catheter should be weighed against a possible infection risk.

Systematic review of high-volume multimodal wound infiltration in total knee arthroplasty

Pain relief following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is challenging because early mobilization and rehabilitation are essential for a successful outcome. Postoperative pain can limit recovery, leading to reduced mobility and prolonged hospitalization. There are potential benefits of infiltrating high volumes of local anesthetics around the soft tissues of replaced hip and knee joints. The risk of systemic toxicity is minimized with diluted local anesthetic solution, which also allows a high volume to be used. One of the principal advantages is that analgesia agents are administered intraoperatively by the surgeon, thereby minimizing the need for additional invasive procedures. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate whether high-volume multimodal wound infiltration reduces pain and opiate intake while enhancing early rehabilitation and discharge when used in patients undergoing TKA. Only randomized controlled studies were included. Although better pain relief in the immediate postoperative period with wound infiltration is gained after TKA, there is no definite evidence that this leads to a reduction in opiate consumption, the achievement of early milestones, or a reduction in hospital stay. The roles of individual agents in achieving pain relief and the use of percutaneous wound catheter for postoperative doses are also unclear. There are few reports of complications, including falls and delayed mobilization, when femoral nerve blocks are used. Wound infiltration analgesia should be used at the preference of the surgeon and anesthetist provided regular review of their practice is undertaken to identify any untoward side effects. Further randomized trials with sufficient sample size comparing each outcome, including pain scores, opiate consumption, and length of hospital stay, should be undertaken.