The analgetic effect of adjuvants in local infiltration analgesia - a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Local infiltration analgesia is commonly used for postoperative pain control after several surgical procedures including intra- and peri-articular as well as wound infiltration. Even though, various adjuvants injected with the local anesthetic have been studied in pairwise comparison or compared to peripheral nerve blocks, the question which adjuvant or combination of adjuvants is the most effective in prolonging the duration of different types of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has not been answered conclusively. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this network meta-analysis was to determine the analgesic effectiveness and safety of adjuvants in local infiltration analgesia. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials with network meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search in Embase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Web of Science was performed up to March 2023. RESULTS: The best interventions to prolong the duration of analgesia were dexamethasone (Ratio of Means (ROM) 3.33) followed by the combinations of clonidine + morphine (ROM 3.35) and morphine + magnesium sulfate (ROM 2.92), fentanyl (ROM 2.27), ketorolac (ROM 2.26), buprenorphine (ROM 2.04), morphine (ROM 1.93), magnesium sulfate (ROM 1.91), clonidine (ROM 1.89), dexmedetomidine (ROM 1.74) and tramadol (ROM 1.58). Serious adverse events were not reported with either investigated adjuvant. CONCLUSION: There is moderate evidence that dexamethasone is the most effective adjuvant to prolong the duration of analgesia in LIA. The evidence for the alpha-2 agonists dexmedetomidine and clonidine is also moderate, but their effectivity to prolong analgesia stays behind dexamethasone. Clonidine and dexmedetomidine had a small detectable effect on pain scores, yet below clinical relevance, but the largest effect on MEQ consumption. The effects of different opioids were homogenous for all endpoints. The prespecified subgroup analysis of LIA of the knee did not show significantly different results than the pooled analysis. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020176154 (28.04.2020).

Efficacy of adding infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) to adductor canal block and local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA), adductor canal block (ACB), and infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) are popular multimodal analgesia techniques used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to explore the efficacy of adding the IPACK technique to ACB and LIA in patients undergoing TKA. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA were divided into two groups based on their date of admission. Sixty-three patients underwent IPACK, ACB and LIA (IPACK group) during surgery, while 60 patients underwent ACB and LIA (control group). The primary outcome was the postoperative administration of morphine hydrochloride as a rescue analgesic. Secondary outcomes included time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative pain assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), functional recovery assessed by knee range of motion and ambulation distance, time until hospital discharge, and complication rates. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in average postoperative 0-to-24-h morphine consumption (11.8 mg for the control group vs 12.7 mg for the IPACK group, p = .428) and average total morphine consumption (18.2 mg vs 18.0 mg, p = .983) during hospitalization. There were also no significant differences in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of IPACK to ACB and LIA did not provide any clinical analgesic benefits. Orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists are justified in using ACB and LIA without IPACK for TKA.

Adductor Canal Block Versus Local Infiltration Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure for patients with knee osteoarthritis, often associated with postoperative pain. Effective pain management strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two analgesic modalities, local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and adductor canal block (ACB), in providing postoperative pain relief for patients undergoing TKA. METHODS: This prospective randomized comparative study included 60 patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis under subarachnoid block (spinal anaesthesia). Patients were divided into two groups: LIA group (local wound infiltration with periarticular injection of bupivacaine 0.125% + dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg) and ACB group (ACB with bupivacaine 0.125% + 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine). Pain relief was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score, time to first rescue analgesic requirement (NRS > 3), and total amount of analgesic needed in the first 24 hours post-surgery. RESULTS: The time to first perception of pain with NRS > 3 was 11.30±0.8 hours in the ACB group and 9.40 ± 1.1 hours in the LIA group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Additionally, the total number of rescue analgesic doses given in the first 24 hours post-operatively differed significantly between the two groups (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that ACB is an effective postoperative analgesic modality, superior to local infiltration analgesia, for patients undergoing TKA.

Can local infiltration analgesia supplemented with tranexamic acid reduce blood loss during total knee arthroplasty?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TXA supplemented with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement. MATERIALS: A retrospective study of 530 individuals with a mean age of 71.44 years was performed after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into three groups according to the method of bleeding control: I - patients without an additional bleeding protocol (control group); II - patients receiving IV TXA (TXA group); and III - patients receiving the exact TXA protocol plus intraoperative local infiltration analgesia (TXA + LIA group). Blood loss was measured according to the maximal decrease in Hb compared to the preoperative Hb level. RESULTS: The mean hospitalization duration was 7.02 (SD 1.34) days in the control group, 6.08 (SD 1.06) days in the TXA group, and 5.56 (SD 0.79) in the TXA + LIA group. The most significant decrease in haemoglobin was found in the control group, which was an average of 30.08%. The average decrease in haemoglobin was 25.17% (p < 0.001) in the TXA group and 23.67% (p < 0.001) in the TXA + LIA group. A decrease in the rate of allogeneic blood transfusions was observed: 24.4% in the control group, 9.9% in the TXA group, and 8% in the TXA + LIA group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the separate administration of tranexamic acid, the combination of perioperative administration with local infiltration analgesia significantly reduced blood loss in patients after total knee replacement.

[Research progress on early postoperative pain management strategies after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

Objective: To summarize the early postoperative pain management strategies for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to select a reasonable and effective pain management plan to promote functional rehabilitation after ACLR. Methods: The literature about the early postoperative pain management strategies of ACLR both domestically and internationally in recent years was extensiverly reviewed, and the effects of improving postoperative pain were reviewed. Results: Currently, physical therapy and oral medication have advantages such as economy and simplicity, but the effect of improving postoperative pain is not satisfactory, often requires a combination of intravenous injection or intravenous pump, which is also a common way to relieve pain. However, in order to meet the analgesic needs of patients, the amount of analgesic drugs used is often large, which increases the incidence of various adverse reactions. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA), including periarticular or intra-articular injection of drugs, can significantly improve the early postoperative pain of ACLR, and achieve similar postoperative effectiveness as nerve block. LIA can be used as an analgesic technique instead of nerve block, and avoid the corresponding weakness of innervated muscles caused by nerve block, which increases the risk of postoperative falls. Many studies have confirmed that LIA can alleviate postoperative early pain in ACLR, especially the analgesic effects of periarticular injection are more satisfactory. It can also avoid the risk of cartilage damage caused by intra-articular injection. However, the postoperative analgesic effect and timeliness still need to be improved. It is possible to consider combining multimodal mixed drug LIA (combined with intra-articular and periarticular) with other pain intervention methods to exert a synergistic effect, in order to avoid the side effects and risks brought by single drugs or single administration route. LIA is expected to become one of the most common methods for relieving postoperative early pain in ACLR. Conclusion: Early pain after arthroscopic ACLR still affects the further functional activities of patients, and all kinds of analgesic methods can achieve certain effectiveness, but there is no unified standard at present, and the advantages and disadvantages of various analgesic methods need further research.

Safety of blood reinfusion drains after local infiltration analgesia in total joint replacement.

BACKGROUND: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is frequently administered to patient undergoing joint replacement surgical procedures. The aim of the present research was to verify the safety of collected shed blood to be reinfused postoperatively, by measuring levobupivacaine levels in drainage blood in patients undergoing LIA during knee replacement surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 24 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 12 scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA) who received intraoperative LIA were considered. Blood samples were collected from shed blood which was present in drainage 2 and 5 hours after surgery and serum was analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: At 2 hours postoperatively, the median levobupivacaine serum concentration in the collected shed blood was 1.2 mg/L (SD: 4.2) for TKA and 17.13 mg/L (SD: 24.4) for THA. At 5 hours, levobupivacaine concentration was 1.84 mg/L (SD: 2.2) for TKA and 17.5 mg/L (SD: 25.2) for THA. Higher values of average serum levobupivacaine concentration were reported in drains collected from patients who had undergone THA compared to TKA (p<0.001). BMI significantly influenced levels of serum drug, that resulted to be higher in patients with BMI<25 (p= 0.01). CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine from collected shed blood that would have been returned to the patient, was below toxicity level at 2 and 5 hours after LIA during total joint replacement. The average serum levobupivacaine concentration was found to be higher in drains taken from THA patients than TKA patients. Patients with lower BMI demonstrated the highest levels of levobupivacaine in shed blood and a lower blood volume needed for central nervous system toxicity. Therefore, in patients with a lower BMI undergoing THA, anaesthetic dosage should be reduced or autotransfusion should be avoided to prevent potential risks of toxicity.

[Fast-Track-Arthroplasty]. / Fast-Track-Endoprothetik.

INTRODUCTION: Essential components of fast-track or enhanced recovery programs in arthroplasty are the optimization of interdisciplinary organizational processes, as well as pre-, intra- and postoperative procedures in everyday clinical practice. The early postoperative mobilization of patients after joint replacement surgery is of central importance, with the aim of avoiding pain and complications. This article provides a detailed overview of fast-track procedures that have already been established in many units. Furthermore, it demonstrates the clinical advantages of FastTrack for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an evidence-based manner within the framework of a randomized study design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 194 primary THA patients were examined after randomization into two single-blinded groups; Fast-Track (n = 98) or conventional treatment path (n = 96). Mobilization was defined as the primary outcome parameter, measured in seconds using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Secondary parameters were the achievable walking distance in meters and pain using the numerical rating scale (NRS). All parameters were recorded preoperatively and daily until the sixth postoperative day. RESULTS: No complications or revisions were recorded within the first postoperative week. The fast-track group showed significantly better TUG values and walking distance results compared to the conventional group until the sixth postoperative day (p < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference regarding the pain assessment (NRS) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of Fast-Track in hip arthroplasty can evidently improve short-term postoperative clinical outcomes. This first prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled study showed very good clinical results with comparable pain after FastTrack THA compared to a conventional treatment path. Fast-Track concepts are highly effective in terms of early mobilization and clinical outcome-without incurring a higher risk of complications in the short term.

[Evaluation of early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty].

Objective: To evaluate the early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The clinical data of 102 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated by TKA and met the selection criteria between May 2022 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into control group and study group according to whether LIA preparation was added with compound betamethasone, with 51 cases in each group. There was no significant difference of baseline data, such as age, gender, body mass index, operative side, preoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), white blood cell (WBC), and hematocrit between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative total blood loss and hidden blood loss were recorded, and WBC was recorded on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation and morphine intake milligrames equivalent within 48 hours after operation. Passive ROM, maximum extension and flexion angles of knee joint were measured on the 3rd day after operation; the early postoperative complications were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in total blood loss and hidden blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative pain levels in both groups were relatively mild, and there was no significant difference in VAS scores in the first 3 days after operation and in morphine intake milligrams equivalent within 48 hours after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The WBC in the first 3 days after operation was significantly improved in both groups ( P<0.05). The WBC in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group on the 1st and 2nd days after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups on the 3rd day after operation ( P>0.05). On the 3rd day after operation, the maximum extension angle of knee joint in the study group was smaller than that in the control group, while the maximum flexion angle and passive ROM of knee joint in the study group were larger than those in the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There were 6 cases of fever and 17 cases of deep venous thrombosis in the control group, and 1 case and 14 cases in the study group, respectively. There was no poor wound healing and periprosthetic joint infection in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion: The application of compound betamethasone in LIA during TKA is a safe and optimal strategy to promote the early postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Optimal analgesic regimen for total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical approaches to analgesia following total shoulder arthroplasty include liposomal bupivacaine, local infiltration analgesia, single-shot interscalene block, and continuous interscalene block. However, the best method remains contentious. This study conducts a network meta-analysis comparing these four methods, aiming to identify the most effective analgesic approach. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials on analgesic regimens for total shoulder arthroplasty were identified through searches of PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering their inception through November 2023. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 15.1, and the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 risk of bias tool was employed for quality assessment of the literature. RESULTS: Twelve randomized controlled trials were included, comprising 1537 patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. The interventions compared were ssISB, cISB, LIA, and LB. Regarding the quality of the literature, four studies were deemed low risk, one high risk, and seven moderate risk. The network meta-analysis revealed that in terms of VAS scores in the PACU, the ssISB group was the most effective, followed by cISB and LB, with LIA being the least effective. This pattern continued in VAS scores on the first and second postoperative days. Regarding morphine consumption, the cISB group showed the most significant reduction in the PACU and on the first postoperative day, while the LIA group performed best in total postoperative morphine consumption. The shortest average hospital stay was noted in the cISB group. CONCLUSION: The ssISB method excels in controlling early postoperative pain, particularly during the PACU stage and early postoperative period. Additionally, the cISB method is notable for reducing postoperative morphine consumption and shortening average hospital stays. While the LIA method ranks first in reducing total morphine consumption, it is weaker in pain control. The LB method is underwhelming across most assessment parameters. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate analgesic strategies for different postoperative recovery phases and provide valuable insights for clinicians to optimize postoperative pain management. Furthermore, they suggest a need for future research to explore the specific application and effectiveness of these methods in varying clinical contexts.

Evaluation of early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the early effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 102 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated by TKA and met the selection criteria between May 2022 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into control group and study group according to whether LIA preparation was added with compound betamethasone, with 51 cases in each group. There was no significant difference of baseline data, such as age, gender, body mass index, operative side, preoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), white blood cell (WBC), and hematocrit between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative total blood loss and hidden blood loss were recorded, and WBC was recorded on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after operation and morphine intake milligrames equivalent within 48 hours after operation. Passive ROM, maximum extension and flexion angles of knee joint were measured on the 3rd day after operation; the early postoperative complications were recorded.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in total blood loss and hidden blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative pain levels in both groups were relatively mild, and there was no significant difference in VAS scores in the first 3 days after operation and in morphine intake milligrams equivalent within 48 hours after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The WBC in the first 3 days after operation was significantly improved in both groups ( P<0.05). The WBC in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group on the 1st and 2nd days after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups on the 3rd day after operation ( P>0.05). On the 3rd day after operation, the maximum extension angle of knee joint in the study group was smaller than that in the control group, while the maximum flexion angle and passive ROM of knee joint in the study group were larger than those in the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There were 6 cases of fever and 17 cases of deep venous thrombosis in the control group, and 1 case and 14 cases in the study group, respectively. There was no poor wound healing and periprosthetic joint infection in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The application of compound betamethasone in LIA during TKA is a safe and optimal strategy to promote the early postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Periarticular injection, iPACK block, and peripheral nerve block in pain management after total knee arthroplasty: a structured narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the knee to reduce joint pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life. However, TKA is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain, which remains a significant clinical challenge. Surgeon-administered PAI and anesthesiologist-administered iPACK have proven viable alternatives to conventional peripheral nerve blocks. This review aims to discuss which IPACK block or periarticular injection, combined or not with different peripheral nerve blocks, has better effects on postoperative rehabilitation, patient satisfaction, and overall outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The literature review was performed on standards of care, current therapeutic options, a pain management protocol, and innovative treatment options for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The literature was reviewed through four electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 694 articles. Fifty relevant articles were selected based on relevance, recentness, search quality, and citations. Six studies compared PAI to peripheral nerve block (PNB), and eight studies checked the effectiveness of adding PNB to PAI. Three studies compared iPACK to PNB, and ten reviewed the point of adding PNB to iPACK. CONCLUSIONS: The literature review indicates that the best analgesic effect is obtained by combining PAI or iPACK with a peripheral nerve block, particularly with ACB, due to its analgesic, motor-sparing effect, and satisfactory analgesia.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with local infiltration analgesia on postoperative wound complications in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to be effective in the management of pain in total knee replacement (TKA). Nevertheless, a combination of a local anaesthetic and a dose of dexmedetomidine might be a better choice for post-operative pain management of TKA. The aim of this research is to determine if the combination of a local anaesthetic with dexmedetomidine during a knee replacement operation can decrease the post-operation pain. Furthermore, the effectiveness and security of dexmedetomidine combined with topical anaesthetic were evaluated for the management of post-operative TKA. Based on the research results, the author made a research on the basis of four big databases. The Cochrane Handbook on Intervention Systems Evaluation has also evaluated the quality of the literature. Seven randomized controlled trials have been established from this. It was found that the combination of local anaesthesia and dexmedetomidine had a greater effect on postoperative pain in 4 h (mean difference [MD], -0.9; 95% CI, -1.71, -0.09; p = 0.03), 8 h (MD, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.66, -0.38; p < 0.0001), 12 h (MD, -0.72; 95% CI, -1.04, -0.40; p < 0.0001), 24 h (MD, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.83, -0.14; p = 0.006), 48 h (MD, -0.51; 95% CI, -0.92, -0.11; p = 0.01). Nevertheless, because of the limited number of randomized controlled trials covered by this meta-analysis, caution should be exercised with regard to data treatment. More high quality research will be required to confirm the results.

Effect of a Local Anesthetic Injection Kit on Pain Relief and Postoperative Recovery After Transumbilical Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore whether incisional infiltration using a local anesthetic injection kit could better relieve postoperative pain and enhance the quality of recovery compared with ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block (RSB) or conventional local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients undergoing SILC with American Society of Anesthesiology functional status scores of I-II were randomized into the rectus sheath block group (RSB group), conventional local wound infiltration group (LAI-I group) and incisional infiltration using a local anesthetic injection kit group (LAI-II group). The primary outcomes were the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) demand frequency within 48 hours after the operation and postoperative pain measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the total procedure times, cumulative consumption of anesthetic drugs, duration of surgery, duration and awaking time of anesthesia, early recovery indicator and side effects. Results: The PCIA demand frequency in LAI-II group was significantly lower compared with patients in the RSB and LAI-I group (both P < 0.001). Moreover, the total procedure times in LAI-I and LAI-II group was significantly shorter than that in the RSB group (P < 0.001, respectively), but it was comparable between LAI-I and LAI-II group (P = 0.471). Though lower at 2h and 4h postoperative in LAI-II group, pain scores at each time point had no statistical differences among three groups. There were no significant differences among three groups for other outcomes as well. Conclusion: The effect of ultrasound-guided RSB and conventional local anesthetic infiltration in SILC patients were found to be similar in terms of relieving postoperative pain and promoting recovery. Incisional infiltration using a local anesthetic injection kit can significantly reduce the demand frequency of PCIA, which serves as a rescue analgesic.

Local Periarticular Infiltration with Dexmedetomidine Results in Superior Patient Well-Being after Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared with Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with a Follow-Up of Two Years.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare local periarticular infiltration (LIA) with ultra-sound guided regional anesthesia (USRA) with ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine as an additive agent in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Fifty patients were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the LIA group received local periarticular infiltration into the knee joint. The USRA group received two single-shot USRA blocks. Functional outcomes and satisfaction (range of movement, Knee Society Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Oxford Knee Score, and Forgotten Joint Score), including well-being, were analyzed preoperatively and at five days, six weeks, and one and two years postoperatively. RESULTS: Functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups at six weeks and one and two years after the implementation of TKA. A moderate correlation was observed in the LIA group regarding well-being and pain on day five. Six weeks postoperatively, the LIA group showed significantly superior well-being but worse pain scores. No differences between the groups in well-being and functional outcomes could be observed one and two years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with LIA had superior postoperative well-being in the early postoperative phase of up to six weeks. Furthermore, LIA patients had similar functionality compared to patients treated with USRA but experienced significantly more pain six weeks postoperatively. LIA leads to improved short-term well-being, which is potentially beneficial for faster knee recovery. We believe that LIA benefits fast-track knee recovery with respect to improved short-term well-being, higher practicability, and faster application.

Analgesic efficacy of anterior iliopsoas muscle space block combined with local infiltration analgesia after total hip arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided anterior iliopsoas muscle space block (AIMSB) combined with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) for pain management and recovery in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a posterolateral approach. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 patients undergoing primary THA under general anesthesia were included in the final analysis between March 22, 2022, and June 1, 2022. All patients were randomly assigned to receive AIMSB combined with LIA (AIMSB group, n = 40) or sham AIMSB and LIA (Sham group, n = 40). The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption (mg) within 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were pain scores on a visual analog scale (VAS) at rest or during motion after surgery, time to first rescue analgesia, cumulative morphine consumption during hospitalization, intraoperative consumption of opioids, postoperative recovery, and postoperative adverse effects. RESULTS: Patients in the AIMSB group consumed significantly less morphine than the Sham group within the first 24 h and throughout hospitalization, as well as smaller amounts of intraoperative opioids. Also, significantly lower pain scores were recorded at rest or during motion within 24 h after surgery in AIMSB patients. Patients in the AIMSB group recovered more quickly than Sham patients. No significant difference was observed in quadriceps strength and postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to treatment with LIA alone, ultrasound-guided AIMSB combined with LIA can provide better postoperative pain relief, decrease opioid consumption, promote motor sparing, and enhance the recovery of THA patients.

[Progress of injection sites of local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty].

Objective: To review the research progress of injection sites of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The relevant domestic and foreign literature in recent years was extensively reviewed. The neuroanatomy of the knee, and the research progress of the selection and the difference of effectiveness between different injection sites of LIA in clinical studies were summarized. Results: Large concentrations of nociceptors are present throughout the various tissues of the knee joint. Patellar tendon, subpatellar fat pad, lateral collateral ligament insertions, iliotibial band insertions, suprapatellar capsule, and posterior capsule were more sensitive to pain. Most current studies support injections into the lateral capsule, collateral ligament, retinaculum, quadriceps tendon, fat pad, and subcutaneous tissue. Whether to inject into the back of the knee and subperiosteum is controversial. Conclusion: The relative difference of knee tissue sensitivity to pain has guiding significance for the selection of LIA injection site after TKA. Although researchers have conducted clinical trials on injection site and technique of LIA in TKA, there are certain limitations. The optimal scheme has not been determined yet, and further studies are needed.

Analgesic efficacy of selective tibial nerve block versus partial local infiltration analgesia for posterior pain after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, controlled, triple-blinded trial.

BACKGROUND: The adductor canal block provides pain relief on the anterior aspect of the knee after arthroplasty. Pain on the posterior aspect may be treated either by partial local infiltration analgesia of the posterior capsule or by a tibial nerve block. This randomized, controlled, triple-blinded trial tests the hypothesis that a tibial nerve block would provide superior analgesia compared to posterior capsule infiltration in patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia with an adductor canal block. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized to receive either infiltration of the posterior capsule by the surgeon with ropivacaine 0.2%, 25 mL, or a tibial nerve block with 10 mL of ropivacaine 0.5%. Sham injections were performed to guarantee proper blinding. The primary outcome was intravenous morphine consumption at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included intravenous morphine consumption, pain scores at rest and on movement, and different functional outcomes, measured at up to 48 h. When necessary, longitudinal analyses were performed with a mixed-effects linear model. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of cumulative intravenous morphine consumption at 24 h was 12 mg (4-16) and 8 mg (2-14) in patients having the infiltration or the tibial nerve block respectively (p = 0.20). Our longitudinal model showed a significant interaction between group and time in favor of the tibial nerve block (p = 0.015). No significant differences were present between groups in the other above-mentioned secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: A tibial nerve block does not provide superior analgesia when compared to infiltration. However, a tibial nerve block might be associated with a slower increase in morphine consumption over time.

The efficacy and safety of subcutaneous continuous local infiltration analgesia with ropivacaine in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous local infiltration analgesia (CLIA) can be administered via intraarticular or periarticular techniques in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively report a single-center experience of epidural analgesia with subcutaneous CLIA versus epidural analgesia without CLIA among patients undergoing TKA. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. From January 01, 2014, to December 30, 2020, medical records of all patients who underwent TKA were reviewed. Patients who received subcutaneous CLIA with epidural analgesia were assigned to the intervention group, whereas those who received epidural analgesia without subcutaneous CLIA were assigned to the control group. The efficacy endpoints included: (i) postoperative pain scores at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 3 months; (ii) postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 24-72 h (cumulative); (iii) length of hospital stay; and (iv) postoperative functional recovery of the knee 3 months post-operation, according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. RESULTS: At rest and during mobilization, the CLIA group (n = 28) achieved significantly lower postoperative pain scores 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 3 months post-operation than the non-CLIA group (n = 35). Subgroup analysis revealed that the CLIA group achieved significantly less opioid consumption 24 h and 48 h post-operation than the non-CLIA group. There was no difference between the groups regarding the length of hospital stay or functional scores 3 months post-operation. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the rate of wound infection, other infections, and readmission within 30 days. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous CLIA is a technically feasible and safe procedure without major adverse events but with reduced postoperative pain scores (at rest and during mobilization) and opioid consumption. Additional larger studies are warranted to confirm our results. Moreover, a head-to-head comparison between subcutaneous CLIA and periarticular or intraarticular CLIA is an interesting prospective investigation.