The Effects of Single Shot versus Continuous Femoral Nerve Block on Postoperative Pain and Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Abstract
Peripheral nerve blocks are useful for postoperative pain control and are without side effects typically observed in intravenous opiate-based patient controlled analgesia (PCA). In this retrospective study, we analyzed patients who utilized either PCA with single shot femoral nerve block (SFNB) or continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) following TKA, and the impact of the choice of postoperative analgesia choice on postoperative rehabilitation and recovery. Also included were those who had peripheral nerve blocks administered for the surgical procedure. Using data from 54 patients (25 SFNB & 29 CFNB), we studied VAS pain scores, time to ambulation, knee range of motion at discharge, hospital length of stay (LOS) and complications. Pain scores at rest and during mobilisation were significantly lower amongst patients who received CFNB compared to SFNB. The CFNB group also achieved independent ambulation more rapidly. In conclusion, CFNB provided efficacious postoperative pain control with enhanced rehabilitative recovery in patients undergoing TKA as compared with SFNB/PCA patients.
Abstract | Reference
