Continuous femoral versus epidural block for attainment of 120° knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

We conducted the prospective randomized controlled trial to test that continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) improves attainment of 120° knee flexion compared to continuous epidural analgesia (CEA). Sixty-six patients scheduled for unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized into two groups; infusion of ropivacaine 0.15% into CEA or CFNB to third postoperative days. We studied the time required to attain 120° knee flexion, variations in thigh and calf circumferences around the treated knee, pain scores, rehabilitation milestones, the need for adjuvant analgesics, and side effects. CFNB patients attained earlier knee flexion to 120°, lower variations in thigh and calf circumferences, less pain during rehabilitation, and less need for adjuvant analgesics. CFNB is a better pain management strategy that accelerates knee flexion rehabilitation.