The Comparison of Local Infiltration Analgesia with Peripheral Nerve Block following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Assessing Intraoperative Anesthetic Therapies for Analgesic Efficacy and Morphine Consumption Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare intraoperative anesthetic therapies for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) regarding postoperative analgesic efficacy and morphine consumption by conducting a systematic literature search.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials of TKA using various anesthetic therapies were identified from various databases from conception through December 31, 2021. A network meta-analysis of relevant literature was performed to investigate which treatment showed better outcomes. In total, 40 trials were included in this study.

RESULTS

Surface under the cumulative ranking curve showed local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with saphenous nerve block (SNB) to produce the best pain relief on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2 and the best reduction of morphine consumption on PODs 1 and 3. However, femoral nerve block showed the largest effect on pain relief on POD 3, and liposomal bupivacaine showed the largest effect on reduction of morphine consumption on POD 2.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this network meta-analysis, surface under the cumulative ranking curve percentage showed that LIA with SNB provided the best analgesic effect after TKA. Furthermore, patients receiving LIA with SNB had the lowest consumption of morphine. Although femoral nerve block resulted in better pain relief on POD 3, LIA with SNB could be selected first when trying to reduce morphine consumption or increase early ambulation.

Can local infiltration analgesia supplemented with tranexamic acid reduce blood loss during total knee arthroplasty?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TXA supplemented with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement.

MATERIALS

A retrospective study of 530 individuals with a mean age of 71.44 years was performed after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into three groups according to the method of bleeding control: I - patients without an additional bleeding protocol (control group); II - patients receiving IV TXA (TXA group); and III - patients receiving the exact TXA protocol plus intraoperative local infiltration analgesia (TXA + LIA group). Blood loss was measured according to the maximal decrease in Hb compared to the preoperative Hb level.

RESULTS

The mean hospitalization duration was 7.02 (SD 1.34) days in the control group, 6.08 (SD 1.06) days in the TXA group, and 5.56 (SD 0.79) in the TXA + LIA group. The most significant decrease in haemoglobin was found in the control group, which was an average of 30.08%. The average decrease in haemoglobin was 25.17% (p < 0.001) in the TXA group and 23.67% (p < 0.001) in the TXA + LIA group. A decrease in the rate of allogeneic blood transfusions was observed: 24.4% in the control group, 9.9% in the TXA group, and 8% in the TXA + LIA group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the separate administration of tranexamic acid, the combination of perioperative administration with local infiltration analgesia significantly reduced blood loss in patients after total knee replacement.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid supplemented with local infiltration analgesia in reducing blood loss in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid supplemented with local infiltration analgesia in reducing blood loss in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This retrospective study was conducted on 176 individuals with a mean age of 64.27 (standard deviation [SD], 7.16) years undergoing unicompartmental cemented knee arthroplasty. The patients were divided into three groups according to patient blood management: I, patients without additional bleeding protocol (control group); II, patients intravenously administered tranexamic acid (TXA) (TXA group); and III, patients with exact TXA protocol combined with intraoperative local infiltration analgesia (LIA) (TXA + LIA group). Blood loss was measured as a substitute for blood loss by the maximal haemoglobin (Hb) drop compared with the preoperative Hb level. The mean Hb drops for the control, TXA, and TXA + LIA groups were 2.24 (16.0%), 2.14 (15.4%), and 1.81 (12.6%) g/dl, respectively. The mean hospitalisation days for patients in the control, TXA, and TXA + LIA groups were 5.91 (SD 1.24), 5.16 (SD 0.95), and 4.51 (SD 0.71) days, respectively. The combination of TXA with LIA reduces perioperative blood loss for patients after UKA.

Peripheral Nerve Block Utilization is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Shorter Length of Stay Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

This study aims to examine differences in postoperative complications and opioid consumption associated with perioperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) utilization during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for adult patients who underwent primary, elective TKA from 2015 to 2020. Patients who received a femoral or adductor canal PNB were compared to patients who did not. PNB utilization was trended from 2015 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess differences in the 90-day risk of postoperative complications between groups. The average inpatient opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents was assessed as a function of length of stay.

Results

Overall, 609,991 patients were included. PNB utilization increased from 9.29% in 2015 to 30.3% in 2020. After controlling for confounders, the PNB cohort was more likely to have same-day discharge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.88) and had a decreased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (aOR 0.87), pulmonary embolism (aOR 0.81), and respiratory failure (aOR 0.78). However, there was an increased risk of seroma (aOR 1.75) and hematoma (aOR 1.22) associated with PNB utilization. Lower average overall opioid exposure was seen in the PNB cohort vs no-PNB cohort (82.1 ± 194.7 vs 89.4 ± 214.1 morphine milligram equivalents, P < .001).

Conclusions

PNB utilization during primary TKA is associated with a shorter length of stay and decreased risk of multiple postoperative complications, as well as reduced postoperative opioid consumption. These data provide evidence in support of the safety and efficacy of this emerging practice. However, the clinical relevance of an increased risk of seroma and hematoma formation may warrant further investigation.

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

BACKGROUND

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).

METHODS

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).

RESULTS

Group A showed significantly higher VAS than Group B at 12 h (4.27 ± 2.70 vs 2.42 ± 2.35) and 18 h (4.24 ± 2.35 vs 2.18 ± 2.02), and significantly higher than Group C at 6 h (3.46 ± 3.07 vs 0.60 ± 1.50), 12 h (4.27 ± 2.70 vs 0.89 ± 1.48), and 18 h 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 18 h, respectively. The TMC at 48 h 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).

CONCLUSION

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.

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.

Postoperative Pain Control by Local Infiltration Analgesia and Peripheral Nerve Block in Primary Prosthetic Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Postoperative (post-op) pain control has an important impact on post-op rehabilitation. The logistics of its maintenance challenge the effect of peripheral nerve block on post-op pain control, with the risk for post-op complications. We hypothesized that perioperative use of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is comparable to post-op pain control by peripheral nerve block.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated three groups of patients treated with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to symptomatic end-stage osteoarthritis with post-op pain control by LIA (LIA group, n=52), femoral plus sciatic nerve block (FSNB) (FSNB group, n=54), and without local or regional analgesia as controls (Control group, n=53). The primary outcome variable was the post-op pain level intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome variables were knee function measured by the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the quadriceps muscle strength recovery profile.

RESULTS

Up to 4 hours post-op, pain intensity was significantly lower in FSNB patients (P<0.05). This effect of the peripheral nerve block on the pain level disappeared 6 hours post-op. The LIA and FSNB patients showed a significant decrease in pain intensity on days 2 and 3 post-op (P<0.05) with no mutual differences (P>0.05). This effect disappeared on day 4 post-op (P>0.05). The KSS score showed similar significant improvement of functional abilities (P<0.001) in all three groups. There was no difference in KSS scores among the groups 6 months after surgery (P>0.05). Quadriceps muscle recovery profile was similar in the LIA and Control groups, but significantly poorer in the FSNB group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The value of very short-term and improved pain relief of post-op FSNB over LIA of the surgical wound should be carefully weighed against its cost, logistics, and potential complication threat.

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.

Prospective randomized trial of continuous femoral nerve block with posterior capsular injection versus periarticular injection for analgesia in primary total knee arthroplasty

Background:

Femoral nerve block (NB) and periarticular injection (PI) are 2 common options for pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We performed a prospective triple-blinded randomized trial comparing continuous femoral NB to PI, with follow-up to 1 year.

Methods:

Patients younger than 70 years of age who were scheduled to undergo elective primary TKA under spinal anesthesia between 2009 and 2010 were randomly allocated to receive either continuous femoral NB or PI. Patients in the NB group received ropivacaine through an NB catheter and a sham saline PI. The PI group received a PI of ropivacaine, morphine, ketorolac and epinephrine, and a sham saline infusion via an NB catheter. Both groups had standardized oral analgesia preoperatively, spinal anesthesia and sedation, and postoperative analgesia. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, patients and assessors were blinded to group assignment. Pain was measured twice daily on postoperative days 1 and 2, at rest and with motion, with a numeric rating scale. Patient satisfaction, pain (Oxford Knee Score) and range of motion were assessed at 1 year.

Results:

There were 39 participants in the NB group and 35 participants in the PI group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline. Statistically but nonclinically significant reductions in pain scores on postoperative day 2 and in narcotic need on the day of surgery were found in the PI group. Patient-reported satisfaction did not differ at any time point. At 1 year, knee flexion was significantly greater in the NB group than in the PI group (mean range of motion 120° v. 110°, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

There was no demonstrated improvement in pain control with the use of an NB versus PI when used with multimodal analgesia. Clinicians should opt for the modality that has the best efficiency for their surgical environment. ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT00869037

Comparison of peripheral nerve block with local infiltration analgesia regarding walking ability after total knee replacement: A retrospective, propensity-score matched-pair cohort study

PURPOSE

It is unclear whether perioperative analgesic techniques affect the functional outcome of total knee replacement (TKR). We investigated the effects of peripheral nerve block (PNB) and local infiltration (LI) on walking ability after TKR.

METHODS

The medical records of 7143 patients who underwent TKR using general anesthesia with PNB or LI techniques were reviewed. Factors affecting independence and/or improvement of walking after surgery were investigated using multivariate regression analysis. To adjust for baseline differences and minimize selection bias for the chosen analgesic technique, patients were matched by propensity scores.

RESULTS

The multivariate regression analysis showed that PNB was associated with independence and/or improvement of walking. Of the 7143 patients, 2755 (39%) received PNB analgesia and 4388 (61%) LI analgesia. After the propensity score matching, the analgesic types were not associated with walking ability. Independence reflected by the total score of daily living activities was higher in the PNB group than in the LI group. The PNB group started rehabilitation later but performed rehabilitation for longer in the initial period than the LI group. Consumption levels of fentanyl, pentazocine, and antiemetics were lower in the PNB group than in the LI group. The PNB group had fewer hypertensive episodes during surgery than the LI group. There was no significant difference in total hospitalization costs between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in postoperative walking ability was found between PNB and LI groups. However, PNB offered some advantages over LI. Future detailed investigations to improve TKR surgery are needed.

Preemptive analgesia using selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors alleviates postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A protocol for PRISMA guided meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The postoperative pain associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is severe for most patients. The analgesic efficacy and safety of preoperative use of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors for patients undergoing TKA are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the use of selective COX-2 inhibitors before TKA decreases the postoperative pain intensity.

METHODS

Data sources: The PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials databases from inception to January 2020.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which the intervention treatment was preoperative selective COX-2 vs placebo in patients undergoing TKA and that had at least one of the quantitative outcomes mentioned in the following section of this paper were included. Letters, review articles, case reports, editorials, animal experimental studies, and retrospective studies were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

All RCTs in which the intervention treatment was preoperative selective COX-2 vs placebo in patients undergoing TKA.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The quality of the RCTs was quantified using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Six RCTs that had enrolled a total of 574 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The visual analog scale pain score at rest was significantly different between the experimental group and control group at 24 hours (P < .05) and 72 hours (P < .05) postoperatively. The experimental group exhibited a significant visual analog scale pain score during flexion at 24 hours postoperatively (P < .05), and it was not different at 72 hours postoperatively (P = .08). There was a significant difference in opioid consumption (P < .05), but there was no difference in the operation time (P = .24) or postoperative nausea/vomiting (P = .64) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of preoperative administration of selective COX-2 inhibitors to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption after TKA is validated.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202090101.

[Patient-centered perioperative vigilance: perioperative process quality, effectiveness of pain treatment and mobilization progress after implementation of a treatment bundle for total knee endoprosthesis]

Hintergrund

In den USA wurde das Konzept des „perioperative surgical home“ initialisiert, in dem ein teamorientiertes Vorgehen einen umfassenderen und zügigeren Heilverlauf erzielen soll.

Fragestellung

Evaluation des Effekts eines interdisziplinären Maßnahmenbündels (patient*innenzentrierte perioperative Versorgung, PPV) auf Aspekte der Prozessqualität unter deutschen Rahmenbedingungen.

Material und Methoden

Nach Einführung des PPV-Maßnahmenbündels (1. Patient*innenseminar, 2. spezifische Chirurgietechnik, 3. spezifische Anästhesietechnik, 4. Physiotherapiebeginn am Operationstag) wurden 34 Patient*innen mit elektiver Knietotalendoprothese prospektiv untersucht und mit „matched-pair“-Kontrollen verglichen. Endpunkte sind Dauer der Einleitungszeit (primär) und Krankenhausverweildauer, Ruhe- und Belastungsschmerz am 1. postoperativen Tag (numerische Analogskala), und Mobilisationsfortschritt (MBF) an den postoperativen Tagen 1, 3 und 6 (sekundär). Gruppenvergleiche wurden mit Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Tests auf Nichtunterlegenheit durchgeführt. Im Fall von Nichtunterlegenheit wurde anschließend auf Überlegenheit getestet.

Ergebnisse

Die Einleitungszeit in der PPV-Gruppe betrug im Median 13,5 min (Kontrollgruppe: 60 min, p < 0,0001), die Krankenhausverweildauer betrug in der PPV-Gruppe 8 Tage (Kontrollgruppe: 12 Tage, p < 0,0001). Am ersten postoperativen Tag betrug die mediane Ruheschmerzstärke in der PPV-Gruppe 30 (Kontrollgruppe: 20); die Belastungsschmerzstärke war in beiden Gruppen gleich (Median 40). Die Mobilisation der Patienten*innen der PPV-Gruppe gelang an den postoperativen Tagen 1, 3 und 6 besser (jeweils p < 0,0001).

Schlussfolgerung

Das Konzept der patient*innenzentrierten perioperativen Versorgung (PPV) erscheint vielversprechend genug, um weitere klinische Studien zu rechtfertigen.

Is changing the postoperative pain management in total knee arthroplasty from femoral nerve block to local infiltration analgesia successful? Retrospective trial with the first and last 100 patients

Purpose

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in local infiltration analgesia (LIA) as a technique to control postoperative pain. We compared this technique to the gold standard the 3 in 1 femoral nerve block (FNB) in postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a large patient population. This trial analyzes in the early postoperative phase the pain, range of motion, and consumption of pain medications after TKA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective trial that included all patients who were undergoing primary TKA by one single surgeon in a high-volume arthroplasty center in 2015. Patients who have secondary osteoarthritis due to rheumatoid arthritis or previous knee arthrotomy, as well as revision cases, were excluded. The included patients were divided into 2 groups according to the applied pain management (group 1 FNB, group 2 LIA). Concerning the LIA group, a modified form of composition compared to the first describer without the use of adrenaline was carried out. Post-operative additional pain medications were given on a fixed scheme to the patient. The primary outcome was pain at rest over 7 days after surgery labeled by the numeric pain rating scale (NRS). The secondary outcome measures were the total amount of opioid consumption over the hospital stay and the additional need for non-opioid medication. The conversion of the opiate medications on the morphine preparation was carried out according to the conversion data from the literature. For functional recovery, we compared the range of motion in both groups, which was recorded from the second postoperative day by the attending physiotherapist.

Results

In total, 202 patients were assessed for eligibility and included in this clinical trial. Hundred patients were allocated to the continuous FNB group (group 1) and 102 patients to the LIA group (group 2). No statistical difference was found between the two groups regarding demographic data. Primary outcome measurements: The LIA group had a significantly lower NRS score than the continuous FNB group for the measurement in the morning on days 1, 2, and 3 after surgery (day 1, 1.5; day 2, 1.6; day 3, 1.3; p < 0.05). Secondary outcome measurements: The total volume of morphine consumption for the first six postoperative days was significantly lower in the LIA group than the FNB group (FNB 159.8 vs. LIA 96.07). There is also a significant difference between the total morphine consumption of both groups in the direct postoperative course with respect to time and group (two way ANOVA, p < 0.05) On the day of the operation and on the first postoperative day, the intake of additional non-opioids in the LIA group was also significantly reduced compared to the FNB group. No significant difference was observed on the second to sixth postoperative day concerning an additional consumption of non-opioid medications. In terms of range of motion, the LIA group showed a higher active range of motion at the operated extremity than the FNB group during the hospital stay.

Conclusion

The local intraarticular infiltration therapy (LIA) is a sufficient alternative to regional anesthesia avoiding the known risks of regional procedures. The results of this study reflect the efficiency of this pain management with a lower consumption of analgesics, identical to reduced postoperative pain ratings and an improved ROM in the first postoperative days.

Level of evidence

Retrospective trial

The analgesic efficacy and safety of peri-articular injection versus intra-articular injection in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Background

As an essential component of multimodal analgesia approaches after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), local infiltration analgesia (LIA) can be classified into peri-articular injection (PAI) and intra-articular injection (IAI) according to administration techniques. Currently, there is no definite answer to the optimal choice between the two techniques. Our study aims to investigate analgesic efficacy and safety of PAI versus IAI in patients receiving simultaneous bilateral TKA.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2017 and finished in July 2018. Sixty patients eligible for simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive PAI on one side and IAI on another. Primary outcomes included numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score at rest or during activity at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following surgery. Secondary outcomes contained active or passive range of motion (ROM) at 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery, time to perform straight leg raise, wound drainage, operation time, and wound complications.

Results

Patients experienced lower NRS pain scores of the knee receiving PAI compared with that with PAI during the first 48 h after surgery. The largest difference of NRS pain score at rest occurred at 48 h (PAI: 0.68, 95%CI[0.37, 0.98]; IAI: 2.63, 95%CI [2.16, 3.09]; P < 0.001); and the largest difference of NRS pain score during activity also took place at 48 h (PAI: 2.46, 95%CI [2.07, 2.85]; IAI: 3.90, 95%CI [3.27, 4.52]; P = 0.001). PAI group had better results of range of motion and time to perform straight leg raise when compared with IAI group. There were no differences in operation time, wound drainage, and wound complication.

Conclusion

PAI had the superior performance of pain relief and improvement of range of motion to IAI. Therefore, the administration technique of peri-articular injection is recommended when performing local infiltration analgesia after total knee arthroplasty.

Trial registration

The trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR1800020420 on 29th December, 2018.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level I.

Efficacy of Adductor Canal Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Randomized Prospective Clinical Trial

This study compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine as a single-administration adductor canal block (ACB) vs periarticular injection (PAI) for pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). From May 2016 to June 2017, a total of 70 unilateral TKA patients were randomized into 2 groups: PAI (extended-release bupivacaine 266 mg [20-mL vial] with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride and normal saline to a total volume of 120 mL) and ACB (subsartorial saphenous nerve using extended-release bupivacaine 266 mg [20-mL vial]). All patents underwent spinal anesthesia with comprehensive preemptive and postoperative multi-modal pain protocol. All opioids administered were converted to morphine equivalents. Pain was recorded at 4 to 12 hours on the day of surgery, and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Patients and investigators other than the surgeon and anesthesiologist were blinded to the study. The difference in pain scores between the PAI and ACB groups was not statistically significant during the first 12 hours (day 0) after surgery or on postoperative day 1 (5.31 vs 4.26, P=.091). However, on postoperative day 3, the mean pain score increased in the ACB group and decreased in the PAI group (4.8 vs 1.83, P=.037). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the accumulative daily converted morphine equivalent consumption or total consumption. Although the PAI group demonstrated longer lasting pain relief than the ACB group for the duration of the study, other outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(1):e47-e53.].

Comprehensive Comparison of Liposomal Bupivacaine with Femoral Nerve Block for Pain Control Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To compare the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) and femoral nerve block following total knee arthroplasty, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. 11 trials with 2,908 patients were included in this study. The pooled data demonstrated that total morphine consumption equivalents during the hospital stay was significantly increased in FNB group. In addition, LB has significantly better outcome in view of the postoperative functional recovery, such as the odds of fall, the incidences of straight leg rise (SLR), the number of patients who can walk independently in the day of surgery,the ambulation distance at POD1, the number of patients discharged at POD1. Consistent with the faster functional recovery, liposomal bupivacaine shortens the length of hospital stay. However, there was no significant difference between LB and FNB in terms of Visual Analogue Score (VAS) during the hospital stay. All in all, liposomal bupivacaine has significantly better outcome in view of the postoperative functional recovery and the length of hospital stay compared with femoral nerve block following the total knee arthroplasty.

Pain relieve without impairing muscle function after local infiltration anaesthesia in primary knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

Purpose of the current study was to compare early effectiveness of pain relieve of 3 in 1 regional pain catheter to local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary endpoint was quadriceps muscle strength after both procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients eligible to TKA were either randomized into group 3 in 1 regional pain catheter (C), or group local infiltration anesthesia (L). Pain relieve was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and under physical activity (PA) prior to surgery (t0) and at days one through six. In addition, quadriceps muscle strength ( = straight leg raise) was tested according to the Manual Muscle Testing Scale. Functional outcome was measured using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

121 patients were included in the study. 59 (48.8%) patients were allocated to group C, 62 (51.2%) patients to Group L. No differences concerning pain level evaluated by VAS could be detected between the groups at any time. Comparing straight leg raise test group L was significantly superior over the complete postoperative period (p < 0.03). The mean OKS decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from preoperatively 34.2 ± 7.5 points to 16.9 ± 6.0 points at the six months final follow-up. Regarding OKS there were no intergroup differences at the final follow-up at 6 months postoperative.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant difference in pain relieve comparing LIA to 3 in 1 catheter in perioperative pain management in TKA. The advantage of LIA is unimpaired quadriceps muscle function in the short-term follow-up.

Regional and Multimodal Analgesia to Reduce Opioid Use After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Elective total joint arthroplasty may be a gateway to long-term opioid use.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSE

We sought to review the literature on multimodal and regional analgesia as a strategy to minimize perioperative opioid use and control pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review to assess the state of the evidence informing opioid-sparing analgesics for THA and TKA. A PubMed search was conducted for English-language articles published before April 2018. We preferentially included well-designed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Where the highest levels of evidence were not yet apparent, we evaluated retrospective and/or observational studies.

RESULTS

Multimodal analgesia emphasizing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and acetaminophen is associated with decreases in perioperative opioid use for THA and TKA. Regional analgesia, including peripheral nerve blocks and local infiltration analgesia, is also associated with decreased perioperative opioid use for THA and TKA. Emerging topics in post-arthroplasty analgesia include (1) the value of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (2) the use of peripheral nerve catheters and extended-release local anesthetics to prolong the duration of opioid-free analgesia, and (3) novel peripheral nerve blocks, exemplified by the IPACK (interspace between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee) block for TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of multimodal analgesia with regional techniques may decrease perioperative opioid use for patients undergoing THA and TKA. These techniques should be part of a comprehensive perioperative plan to promote adequate analgesia while minimizing overall opioid exposure.

Enhanced recovery after surgery for primary hip and knee arthroplasty: a review of the evidence

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols produce significant clinical and economic benefits in a range of surgical subspecialties. There is a long tradition of applying clinical pathways to the perioperative care of joint arthroplasty patients. Enhanced recovery after surgery represents the next step in the evolution of standardized care. To date, reports of full ERAS pathways for hip or knee arthroplasty are lacking. In this narrative review, we present the evidence base that can be usefully applied to constructing ERAS pathways for hip or knee arthroplasty. The history and rationale for applying ERAS to joint arthroplasty are explained. Evidence demonstrates improved outcomes after joint arthroplasty when a standardized approach to care is implemented. The efficacy of individual ERAS components in hip or knee replacement is considered, including preoperative education, intraoperative anaesthetic techniques, postoperative analgesia, and early mobilization after joint arthroplasty. Interventions lacking high-quality evidence are identified, together with recommendations for future research. Based on currently available evidence, we present a model ERAS pathway that can be applied to perioperative care of patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty.

A Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial of Adductor Canal Block for Analgesia After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Single Injection Versus Catheter Technique

BACKGROUND

Adductor canal blocks (ACBs) provide effective analgesia following total knee arthroplasty. We hypothesized that ACB single injection plus intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (Dex) shows non-inferiority to catheter, while ACB single injection does not.

METHODS

One hundred eighty patients were randomized and 177 analyzed from among 1 of 3 ACB interventions: (1) 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL; (2) 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL plus IV Dex 8 mg; (3) 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL followed by continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5 mL/h for 48 hours. The primary endpoint was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 hours in oral morphine equivalents, with a non-inferiority limit of 30 mg. Secondary endpoints included opioid consumption at 12 and 48 hours, rest pain scores, quality of recovery survey, length of stay, and anti-emetic usage.

RESULTS

For 24-hour opioid consumption, single injection ACB with and without IV Dex had a mean difference of -24.2 mg (confidence interval [CI] 0.5 to -48.9, P < .001) and -21 mg (CI 3.2 to -45.1, P < .001) relative to catheter, demonstrating non-inferiority. Non-inferiority was also shown at 12 hours by Dex and single injection over catheter with mean difference of -20.4 mg (CI -6.8 to -33.9, P < .001) and -15.1 mg (CI -2.1 to -28.2, P < .001), respectively. No intergroup difference was found for 48-hour opioid consumption. No differences in other secondary outcomes were observed across the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Single injection ACB, with and without IV Dex, is non-inferior to ACB catheters in 24-hour opioid consumption, and may be attractive options for early-discharge, fast-track total knee arthroplasty.

Local Infiltration Analgesia With Liposomal Bupivacaine Improves Pain Scores and Reduces Opioid Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has yielded mixed results. The PILLAR study, which was designed to minimize limitations associated with previous studies, compared the effects of LIA with or without LB on pain scores, opioid consumption, including proportion of opioid-free patients, time to first opioid rescue, and safety after primary unilateral TKA.

METHODS

Patients (N = 140) were randomized to LIA with LB 266 mg/20 mL (admixed with bupivacaine HCl 0.5%, 20 mL) or LIA with bupivacaine HCl 0.5%, 20 mL. Standardized infiltration techniques and a standardized multimodal pain management protocol were used. The coprimary efficacy endpoints were area under the curve (AUC) of visual analog scale pain intensity scores 12-48 hours (AUC_12-48) postsurgery and total opioid consumption 0-48 hours postsurgery.

RESULTS

Mean AUC_12-48 of visual analog scale pain intensity score was 180.8 with LB and 209.3 without LB (least squares [LS] mean treatment difference -26.88, P = .0381). LS mean total opioid consumption 0-48 hours postsurgery was 18.7 mg with and 84.9 mg without LB (LS ratio 0.220, P = .0048). Significant differences in favor of LB were observed for the percentage of opioid-free patients (P < .01) and time to first opioid rescue (P = .0230). Treatments were similarly well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

This study provides data on LIA with LB administered using optimal techniques specific to TKA. In this setting, LIA with LB significantly improved postsurgical pain, opioid consumption, and time to first opioid rescue, with more opioid-free patients and no unexpected safety concerns.

Preemptive analgesia by using celecoxib combined with tramadol/APAP alleviates post-operative pain of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive analgesia (PA) by using celecoxib combined with low-dose tramadol/acetaminophen (tramadol/APAP) in treating post-operative pain of patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A total of 132 patients scheduled for TKA were included in this study. Three-day pre-operative medication was administrated in PA group with subsequent effective intra- and post-operative multimodal analgesia, while control patients received multimodal analgesia without PA. Visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized to assess the pain intensity at rest and during movement. VAS scores of participants were recorded 3 days before surgery, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Moreover, the length of hospital stay, expense of hospitalization, C-reactive protein (CRP) values during hospitalization, and complications during medication were also recorded.

RESULTS

PA showed superiority over control at 3 weeks (P = 0.013) and 6 weeks (P = 0.046) in resting pain, and 1 week (P = 0.015), 3 weeks (P = 0.003), 6 weeks (P = 0.003) and 3 months (P = 0.012) postoperatively in movement pain. There was no statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay, total expense, CRP values, as well as complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on satisfactory intra- and post-operative analgesia, PA by 3-day administration of celecoxib and low-dose tramadol/APAP might be an effective and safe therapy regarding patients undergoing TKA in terms of alleviating post-operative pain.

Ultrasound-Guided Motor-Sparing Knee Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Blinded Study

BACKGROUND

Pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often severe and can inhibit rehabilitation. Motor-sparing analgesic techniques such as periarticular infiltrations and adductor canal blocks have been popularized for knee analgesia since they preserve motor strength and permit early mobilization. Our primary objective was to compare the duration of analgesia from motor-sparing blocks with that of a standard periarticular infiltration. We used the time to first rescue analgesia as the end point.

METHODS

We randomized 82 patients scheduled for elective TKA to receive either the preoperative motor-sparing block (0.5% ropivacaine, 2.5 μg/mL of epinephrine, 10 mg of morphine, and 30 mg of ketorolac) or intraoperative periarticular infiltration (0.3% ropivacaine, 2.5 μg/mL of epinephrine, 10 mg of morphine, and 30 mg of ketorolac). For the motor-sparing block, we modified the ultrasound-guided adductor canal block by combining it with a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block and posterior knee infiltration. The patients, surgeons, anesthetists administering the blocks, and outcome assessors all remained blinded to group allocation. Our primary outcome was duration of analgesia (time to first rescue analgesia). Secondary outcomes included quadriceps strength, function, side effects, satisfaction, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The duration of analgesia was significantly longer (mean difference, 8.8 hours [95% confidence interval = 3.98 to 13.62], p < 0.01) for the motor-sparing-block group (mean [and standard error], 18.1 ± 1.7 hours) compared with the periarticular infiltration group (mean, 9.25 ± 1.7 hours). The infiltration group had significantly higher scores for pain at rest for the first 2 postoperative hours and for pain with knee movement at 2 and 4 hours. There were no significant differences between groups with regard to any other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing a TKA, a motor-sparing block provides longer analgesia than periarticular infiltration with retention of quadriceps muscle strength, function, patient satisfaction, and a short hospital stay.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Anterior vs Posterior Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injections: A Randomized, Controlled Trial in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Currently, various techniques are used to overcome postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty. A local analgesic infiltration with periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) is favorable because of its simplicity, safety, and efficacy. The present study compared the efficacy of a PMDI at the anterior vs posterior compartments.

METHODS

Forty-six patients were randomized to receive the PMDI at either the anterior or posterior compartment, with the contralateral knee receiving the PMDI at the opposite compartment. The PMDI injected to the posterior capsule, medial and lateral meniscal remnant, was defined as the posterior compartment injection, whereas the injection to the medial retinaculum, quadriceps muscle, pes anserinus, and retropatellar fat pad was defined as the anterior compartment injection. Pain scores at rest, knee flexion angle, quadriceps function, and drainage blood loss were evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

The anterior PMDI group had significantly lower pain scores at rest during 96 hours postoperatively. On the day of discharge, 19 patients (41.3%) favored the knee with the anterior PMDI, which was superior to 9 patients (19.6%) who favored the knee with the posterior PMDI. The anterior PMDI demonstrated a superior recovery of quadriceps function during the same period, but there was no significant difference in terms of other parameters.

CONCLUSION

The PMDI at the anterior compartment can reduce pain after total knee arthroplasty with potentially better quadriceps function compared with that in the PMDI at the posterior compartment. We recommend infiltrating the anterior compartment with a greater amount of PMDI than the posterior compartment.

Local Infiltration Analgesia Versus Continuous Femoral Nerve Block in Pain Relief After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Although both local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and continuous femoral nerve block (FNB) are common analgesic modalities for pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we are aware of no parallel-group, randomized controlled trial that has solely compared the efficacy of LIA and continuous FNB.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for TKA. A total of 45 patients were randomly assigned to either the LIA or the continuous FNB group. Except for the analgesic modality, perioperative managements were identical in both groups. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score at rest 1 day after surgery, measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Patients in the LIA group had a significantly lower visual analog scale score at rest 1 day after surgery than those in the continuous FNB group (34 ± 10 vs 42 ± 13 mm; P = .028). The opioid consumption during the initial 24 hours was significantly lower in the LIA group (12 ± 4 vs 16 ± 7 mg; P = .031). There were no differences in the rate of complications between the groups.

CONCLUSION

LIA was associated with better pain relief with a comparable complications rate for patients undergoing TKA than FNB. We recommend LIA for pain relief after TKA.