Efficacy of Local Infiltration of Analgesics via Intra-articular Epidural Catheter vs Adductor Canal Block in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery

Abstract

Pain is believed to be a poorly understood phenomenon, which is mostly regulated by neural, cellular, hormonal & emotional components. Epidural analgesia is used for pain relief in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, though provides good pain control, many a time is associated with side effects such as hypotension, urinary retention and impaired mobility. The purpose of the current study is to compare the efficacy of ACB to local infiltration of analgesics by Intraarticular Epidural Catheter for primary total knee arthroplasty by comparing visual analog scale, knee flexion, and active SLRT on the day of surgery (POD-0), POD1-3, day of discharge, and 4 weeks after surgery. This study is prospectively randomized, the cases undergoing primary knee replacement were divided into two groups, which includes a minimum of 36 cases in each group.Group-1(36) patients received local infiltration of analgesics via IAECand Group-2(36) patients received single shot ACB. As far as age, sex, BMI(kg/m2), pre-op VAS, mean pre-op flexion, mean pre-operative varus, mean pre-op KSS(Knee society score), duration of surgery and hospital stay is concerned no significant difference was noticed between the two groups.Group-1(LIA via IAEC) had significantly lower VAS on a postoperative day (POD) 1-3, lower tramadol consumption, better ROM (atPOD1-3), superior quadriceps recovery(active SLRT), earlier mobilization day, better KSS (at 4weeks) postoperatively, compared to Group-2(single shot ACB).LIAby IAEC for patients undergoing primary TKA is a better option compared to single shot ACB concerning to pain levels, narcotic usage, range of motion, quadriceps recovery and KSS (Knee society score).