ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the optimized effect of infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the knee (IPACK)-adductor canal block (ACB) combined with general anesthesia when used for the total knee arthroplasty.Methods:Sixty patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-24 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: IPACK-ACB combined with general anesthesia group (group IA) and conventional anesthesia femoral nerve block-popliteal superior sciatic nerve block combined with general anesthesia group (group C). Before induction of general anaesthesia, 0.375% ropivacaine 15 ml was injected for IPACK and 0.375% ropivacaine 25 ml for ACB under the ultrasound guidance in group IA, femoral nerve block and popliteal superior sciatic nerve block was performed under the guidance of ultrasound combined with a nerve stimulator and 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml was injected in group C. After confirming the efficacy of nerve block, total intravenous anesthesia was carried out to maintain bispectral index values at 40-60.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was performed with sufentanil after operation, and the visual analog scale score was maintained ≤ 3.The quadriceps muscle strength score was recorded when discharge from postanesthesia care unit and at 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery.The first postoperative off-bed time and development of foot drop in awake patients after surgery, requirement for rescue analgesia and adverse reactions were recorded.The postoperative length of hospital stay and score for patients′ satisfaction with postoperative recovery were also recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength scores and score for patients′ satisfaction with postoperative recovery were significantly increased, the incidence of postoperative foot drop was decreased, and the length of hospital stay and first postoperative off-bed time were shortened in group IA ( P<0.05). Conclusion:IPACK-ACB combined with general anesthesia may be an optimized strategy which is helpful for outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.