The Journal of arthroplasty
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Continuous femoral versus epidural block for attainment of 120° knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.
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. ⋯ 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.