11 January 2024 | Svetlana Sreckovic, Nebojsa Ladjevic, Biljana Milicic, Goran Tulic, Darko Milovanovic, Marija Djukanovic, Marko Kadija
This study investigates the impact of peripheral nerve blocks, specifically adductor canal block (ACB) and infiltration in the space between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK block), on chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The prospective observational study included 166 patients, divided into two groups: one receiving ACB and IPACK blocks (n=82) and the other without these blocks (n=84). The results showed that patients in the block group had significantly lower opioid consumption (9.74 ± 3.87 mg vs. 30.63 ± 11.52 mg) and a lower incidence of CPSP (6.1% vs. 20.24%) 2 years post-surgery. Pain intensity before surgery, pain at rest, pain during active movement, and opioid consumption were identified as potential predictors of CPSP. The study concludes that peripheral nerve blocks provide adequate analgesia, reduce opioid consumption, improve functional outcomes, and decrease the incidence of CPSP 2 years after TKA.This study investigates the impact of peripheral nerve blocks, specifically adductor canal block (ACB) and infiltration in the space between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK block), on chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The prospective observational study included 166 patients, divided into two groups: one receiving ACB and IPACK blocks (n=82) and the other without these blocks (n=84). The results showed that patients in the block group had significantly lower opioid consumption (9.74 ± 3.87 mg vs. 30.63 ± 11.52 mg) and a lower incidence of CPSP (6.1% vs. 20.24%) 2 years post-surgery. Pain intensity before surgery, pain at rest, pain during active movement, and opioid consumption were identified as potential predictors of CPSP. The study concludes that peripheral nerve blocks provide adequate analgesia, reduce opioid consumption, improve functional outcomes, and decrease the incidence of CPSP 2 years after TKA.