Comparison of Femoral Nerve Block with Dexmedetomidine and Adductor Canal Block with Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background : Analgesia post knee arthroplasties are crucial in early postoperative recovery and discharge . The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of Adductor canal block with that of femoral nerve block in patients undergoing knee arthroplasties. Methods : 140 participants aged 18 years & above under American Society of Anaesthesiologists 1 and 2 physical status undergoing knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia were included and were divided into 2 groups – Adductor canal block and femoral nerve block who were administered blocks under ultrasound guidance. The preoperative Visual Analog Scale score, haemodynamic variables and postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were recorded. Results : The Visual Analog Scale scores between the two groups were not statistically significant however, a significant difference in the time taken by the Adductor canal block participants to request analgesia and to ambulate. Conclusion: Adductor canal block with Dexmedetomidine was equally efficacious when compared to Femoral nerve block with Dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing Total knee arthroplasty.