Comparative Study between Adductor Canal Block, Femoral Nerve Block and Epidural Analgesia for Management of Post-Operative Pain in Total Knee Replacement

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery that is associated with moderate to severe pain. Early ambulation and physical therapy are essential for functional recovery and long-term functional outcome after TKA as well as for reducing the immobility related complications. Hence, optimal pain relief while maintaining the motor function remains the mainstay in postoperative pain management after TKA.

‎Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled open-labelled study was carried out at Tanta University Hospital, Orthopedic Surgery Department from January 2020 to February 2021.

Results: Heart rate was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and there was insignificant change between group I and group II.

Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and was insignificant change between group I and group II.NRS was significantly increased at 12 and 18 hours postoperatively in group I and II compared to group III and was insignificant change between group I and group II.

Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group III compared to group I and group II on the second postoperative day.

Conclusion: Adductor canal nerve block provide better postoperative pain relieve with lower NRS after TKA than femoral and epidural blocks. It provides more stability of hemodynamic parameter and longer time for the 1st time of analgesic request. Also, total consumption of morphine in 1st postoperative day is lower than femoral and epidural blocks.