ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the analgesia effect of dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine on femoral nerve block with ropivacaine after total knee replacement in elderly patients. Methods 96 elderly patients undergoing total knee replacement with femoral nerve block analgesia from January 2019 to December 2020 in the hospital were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into control group (C), dexamethasone group (E1), dexmedetomidine group (E2) and dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine group (E3) according to nerve block drug formulation. The general data and operation condition were collected, the VAS score at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and the Ramsay sedation score at 6 h after surgery were compared, the postoperative morphine consumption and duration of analgesia were analyzed, and the incidence of adverse reactions after operation was observed. Results Patients in four groups showed no significant differences in general data and operation time. The VAS score and Ramsay score at 6 h postoperatively in E2 and E3 were significantly lower than that in C, while there were no significant differences in VAS score at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively among four groups. Postoperative morphine consumption in E2 and E3 was significantly lower, and the duration of analgesia in E1, E2 and E3 was significantly longer than that in C. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other adverse reactions after operation among four groups. Conclusion Dexamethasone combined with dexmedetomidine could enhance the analgesic effect of femoral nerve block with ropivacaine in elderly patients after total knee replacement without increasing the adverse reactions, which would be both safe and effective.