Editorial Commentary: Femoral Nerve Block: Don't Kill the Motor Branch.

Abstract

Femoral nerve block is commonly used for pain control after knee surgery and helps to reduce the need for opioids in the early postoperative period. The potential disadvantage is blockage of the motor branch of the femoral nerve, resulting in quadriceps weakness and reduced strength by up to 50%. Adductor canal nerve block is a possible alternative resulting in less muscle weakness. The rationale behind adductor canal nerve block is blockage of the saphenous nerve and part of the obturator nerve, providing reliable and adequate pain relief.