Mepivacaine vs Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia in Total Hip Arthroplasty at an Ambulatory Surgery Center

BackgroundMepivacaine spinal anesthetic may facilitate more rapid postoperative recovery in joint arthroplasty than bupivacaine. This study compared recovery, pain, and complications between the 2 anesthetics in anterior-approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of 282 consecutive patients with mean age 55.7 ± 8.8 years and body mass index 30.6 ± 5.3 who underwent THA at an ASC from November 2018 to July 2020 compares mepivacaine (n = 141) vs bupivacaine (n = 141) spinal anesthesia, a transition made in March 2019. The main outcomes were length of stay in the postoperative unit (post acute care unit) prior to same-day discharge (SDD), time to controlled void, and ambulation. Secondarily, postoperative pain scores (0-10) with morphine equivalents were required and any postoperative complications were compared.ResultsMepivacaine decreased mean post acute care unit stay (4.0 vs 5.7 hours, P < .001), time to void (3.1 vs 4.9 hours, P < .001), and ambulation (3.2 vs 4.5 hours, P < .001). No patients needed urinary catheterization or overnight stay. Two patients in the bupivacaine group had transient neurologic symptoms, consisting of foot drop and spinal headache, compared to none with mepivacaine (P = .498). Mepivacaine patients had increased postoperative pain at 2 hours (1.7 vs 0.9, P < .001), at discharge (1.1 vs 0.5, P = .004), and morphine equivalent doses received (7.8 vs 3.7 mg, P < .001).ConclusionMepivacaine spinal anesthesia for anterior-approach THA safely facilitated more rapid SDD from the ASC through decreased times to controlled void and ambulation with only minor increase in pain when compared to bupivacaine.Level of EvidenceLevel III – Retrospective comparative cohort study.     

No effect of double nerve block of the lateral cutaneous nerve and subcostal nerves in total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose — The use of local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) has become one of the cornerstones of rapid recovery protocols in total knee arthroplasty patients during the past decade. In total hip arthroplasty (THR), however, the study results are more variable and LIA has therefore not yet been generally accepted. There is no consensus on which structure should be infiltrated and the cutaneous nerves are generally neglected. Hence, we hypothesized a pain-reducing effect of specifically blocking these nerves.

Patients and methods — We performed a single-center randomized placebo-controlled trial in 162 subjects to evaluate the infiltration of the lateral cutaneous femoral and subcostal nerve with ropivacaine in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty via a straight lateral approach. The primary endpoint was pain at rest after 24?hours. Patients were followed up to 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results — After correction for multiple testing, no statistically significant differences in pain scores were found between the ropivacaine compared with the placebo group after surgery. In addition, no differences were observed in the use of escape pain medication, complications, and the length of hospital stay.

Interpretation — We found no clinically meaningful differences in pain scores between placebo and ropivacaine patients in the postoperative period after THA performed via a straight lateral approach under spinal anesthesia and a multimodal pain regimen. Moreover, our primary endpoint, pain reduction after 24?hours, was not met. Further research should focus on the composition and volume of the LIA suspension, the optimal localization of the infiltration, and should be evaluated for every surgical approach separately.     

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Reduces Postoperative Opioid Requirement in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty Under General Anesthesia

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) causes severe pain, and strong opioids are commonly used in postoperative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine is a novel alpha-2-adrenoceptor-activating drug indicated for procedural sedation, but previous studies have shown clinically relevant analgesic and antiemetic effects. We evaluated retrospectively the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine on the postoperative opioid requirement in patients undergoing TKA.MethodsOne hundred and fifty patients with ASA status 1-2, age between 35 and 80 years, and scheduled for unilateral primary TKA under total intravenous anesthesia were included in the study. Half of the patients received 100 μg of intranasal dexmedetomidine after anesthesia induction, while the rest were treated conventionally. The postoperative opioid requirement was calculated as morphine equivalent doses for both groups. The effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative hemodynamics, length of stay (LOS), and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), was evaluated.ResultsThe cumulative postoperative opioid consumption was significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the control group (?28.5 mg, 95% CI 12-47 mg P < .001). The reduction in cumulative opioid dose was significantly different between the groups already at 2, 12, 24, and 36 h postoperatively (P < .001). LOS was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group (P < .001), and the dexmedetomidine group had lower postoperative mean arterial pressure and heart rates were lower compared to the control group (P < .001). The incidence of PONV did not differ between the groups (P = .64).ConclusionIntraoperatively administered intranasal dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative opioid consumption and may be associated with a shorter hospital stay in patients undergoing TKA under general anesthesia.     

A Prospective,Randomized Trial Comparing Liposomal Bupivacaine vs Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Increasing demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a climate of increasing focus on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost has created a need for better acute postoperative pain control for patients. An ideal pain control method would have few side effects, decreased opioid consumption, improved pain control, early ambulation, and decreased hospital length of stay (LOS).

Intraoperative Psoas Compartment Block vs Preoperative Fascia Iliaca Block for Pain Control After Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Modern joint arthroplasty protocols place an emphasis on minimizing patient-reported postoperative pain while minimizing opioid consumption. The use of multimodal pain management protocols has been reported to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty.

The impact of fascia iliaca compartment block on chronic postsurgical pain in patients undergoing hip fracture repair

Study objectiveChronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), i.e. pain persisting >3 months, may appear after any type of surgery. There is a paucity of literature addressing CPSP development after hip fracture repair and the impact of any analgesic intervention on the development of CPSP in patients after hip fracture surgery. This study is the first aiming to examine the impact of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (USG FICB) on the development of CPSP after hip fracture repair.DesignProspective randomized study.SettingOperating room.Patients182 patients scheduled for hip fracture surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomized to receive a USG FICB (FICB group) or a sham saline injection (sham FICB group), twenty minutes before positioning for spinal anesthesia.MeasurementsThe hip – related characteristic pain intensity (CPI) at 3- months post-surgery was the primary outcome measure. Presence and severity of hip-related pain at 3- and 6-months post-surgery, numeric rating pain scale (NRS) scores at 6, 24, 36, 48 postoperative hours, total 24-hour tramadol PCA administration and timing of the first tramadol dose, were documented as well.Main resultsFICB group presented with lower CPI scores 3- months postoperatively (p < 0.01), as well as lower percentage of patients with high-grade CPSP, 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). FICB group also showed significantly lower NRS scores in all instances, lower total 24 – hour tramadol consumption and higher mean time to first tramadol dose (p < 0.05). The overall sample of 182 patients reported a considerably high incidence of hip –related CPSP (60% at 3 months, 45% at 6 months).ConclusionsUSG FICB in the perioperative setting may reduce the incidence, intensity and severity of CPSP at 3 and 6 months after hip fracture surgery, providing safe and effective postoperative analgesia.     

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic efficacies of intravenous acetaminophen and fascia iliaca compartment block in hip fracture surgery: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundManaging pain during movement after hip fracture surgery is important for achieving earlier hip mobilisation and for preventing postoperative complications. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) would improve postoperative pain on movement compared with intravenous acetaminophen.MethodsIn this prospective, randomised, controlled, parallel trial, patients were assigned to either the intravenous acetaminophen or the ultrasound-guided FICB group. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were evaluated at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 h, 2 days, and 7 days postoperatively. The primary outcome was VAS scores on movement at 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were VAS scores on movement at the other time points, VAS scores at rest, the total number of rescue analgesics required and incidence of delirium during the first 24 h postoperatively, potential drug or block-related complications, and the time to first standing.ResultsVAS scores on movement at 24 h after surgery were significantly lower in the FICB group than in the intravenous acetaminophen group [median (the 25th to 75th percentiles), 20 (10–30) vs 40 (30–53); P < 0.01]. The VAS scores on movement at any other time point and the scores at rest at 12 h after surgery were also significantly lower in the FICB group than in the intravenous acetaminophen group. The two groups did not differ in terms of the total number of rescue analgesics required or the incidence of delirium during the first 24 h postoperatively; complications; or the time to first standing.ConclusionsFICB improved postoperative pain on movement compared with intravenous acetaminophen without increasing the complication rate. However, the total number of rescue analgesics required and the time to first standing were not significantly different between the two groups.     

Evaluating the Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen in Multimodal Analgesia After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPostoperative pain is a significant concern of patients before surgery. Multimodal pain management is an effective method of pain control after major orthopedic surgery. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic for the management of pain. It was hypothesized that 1000 mg of intravenous acetaminophen (IA) dosed every 6 hours would significantly reduce the postoperative pain score at rest and the opioid consumption volume in patients who would undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) when compared to a control group.MethodsA single-center, prospective, open-label randomized control study was conducted. A total of 97 patients undergoing unilateral primary THA were divided into 2 groups: the study group (IA) (n = 45) and the control group (n = 52). The study group received administered IA after surgery, while the control group received only a standard pain control. Both groups received a preoperative femoral nerve block and postoperative intravenous fentanyl citrate. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the pain score at rest 24 hours after surgery. The pain score was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale. The primary outcome of this study was analyzed using generalized estimating equation.ResultsThe IA group had a significant improvement in Numerical Rating Scale score at rest 24 hours after THA compared to the control group (−0.91, 95% confidence interval −1.56 to −0.26, P = .006), suggesting a positive effect of IA usage for pain relief. The total fentanyl citrate consumption after surgery for 24 hours was significantly lower in the IA group than those of the control group (52.07 ± 7.64 vs 57.83 ± 12.44 mg, P < .001).ConclusionPostoperative administration of IA significantly reduced the postoperative pain score and opioid consumption volume after primary THA. IA was useful as one role of multimodal pain management after THA.Level of Evidence: Level 2.     

关节内注射镇痛混合剂在全髋关节置换术后的应用

目的评价全髋关节置换术后关节内鸡尾酒式镇痛混合剂注射的镇痛效果和安全性。方法将80例行单侧全髋关节置换术的骨关节炎患者进行随机分配：试验组行关节内鸡尾酒式镇痛混合剂（包括吗啡、布比卡因、复方倍他米松、肾上腺素）注射,对照组予以生理盐水做对照。所有患者术后48 h均接受吗啡自控式静脉镇痛泵镇痛,比较两组患者术后髋关节静息和活动视觉模拟疼痛评分、麻醉剂使用情况、主动直腿抬高时间、屈曲到90°时间、活动度以及并发症。结果采用关节内鸡尾酒式镇痛混合剂注射后,可以显著减少术后0~36 h各时间段和总的麻醉剂使用量,并推迟术后第一次使用麻醉剂的时间。在术后视觉模拟评分的比较上,静息痛在术后第6、10、24、36 h关节内试验组疼痛评分显著小于对照组,活动痛在术后24、36 h试验组疼痛评分显著小于对照组。患者在可以行主动直腿抬高的时间、髋关节主动活动达90°时间以及术后15 d髋关节活动度的比较上,试验组均优于对照组。在术后伤口愈合、感染发生率、血压、心率、皮疹、呼吸抑制和尿潴留的监测上,两组间均无统计学意义,恶心、呕吐发生率试验组小于对照组。结论关节内鸡尾酒式镇痛混合剂注射有助于减少术后麻醉镇痛剂使用量,减轻术后早期疼痛,有助于患者的早期康复,且没有明显的副作用。     

Influence of the menstrual cycle on the incidence of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgery: a pilot study

Study ObjectiveTo investigate whether the phase of menstrual cycle influences the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing general anesthesia for elective laparoscopic gynecological surgery.DesignProspective, observational, blinded study.SettingGeneral hospital, Postanesthesia Care Unit, and gynecologic floor room.Patients111 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women, aged 18 to 53 years.InterventionsPatients were classified into three groups according to the phase of menstrual cycle at the time of anesthesia: Group F1: follicular phase (menstrual days 1-8; n = 34); Group O2: ovulatory phase (days 9-15; n = 40); and Group L3: luteal phase (days 16 to end of cycle; n = 37). Anesthetic, postoperative pain management, and antiemetic regimens were standardized.MeasurementsFrequency of nausea, vomiting, or both were assessed for early (0-2 hrs). Late PONV (2-24 hrs) along with the use of rescue antiemetic, severity of nausea, and pain.Main ResultsIn the follicular (n = 34), ovulatory (n = 40) and luteal phase (n = 37) groups, the frequencies of PONV over 24 hours were 35%, 38%, and 14% (P = 0.04), respectively. This was due to differences in the early postoperative period where the frequencies were 21%, 25%, and 3% (P = 0.02), respectively, as frequencies were similar in the late period (15%, 20% and 14%, P = 0.71), respectively. Nausea scores, rescue antiemetic usage, pain scores, and opioid consumption were similar in the groups.ConclusionPatients in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle may have a decreased risk of PONV after laparoscopic gynecological surgery in the early postoperative period.     

Perioperative truncal peripheral nerve blocks for bariatric surgery: an opioid reduction strategy

BackgroundBariatric surgical patients are vulnerable to cardiopulmonary depressant effects of opioids. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol to improve postoperative morbidity recommends regional anesthesia for postoperative pain management. However, there is limited evidence that peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) have added benefit.ObjectiveStudy the effect of PNB on postoperative pain and opioid use following bariatric surgery.SettingAcademic medical center, United States.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. A total of 44 patients received the control ERAS protocol with preoperative oral extended-release morphine sulfate (MS), while 45 patients underwent a PNB with either intrathecal morphine (IM) or oral MS per local ERAS protocol. The PNB group either underwent preoperative bilateral T7 paravertebral (PVT) PNBs (27 patients) with IM or postoperative transversus abdominis plane (TAP) PNBs (18 patients) with oral MS. The primary outcome compared total opioid consumption between the ERAS control group and the PNB group up to 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included comparison by block type and postoperative pain scores.ResultsPVT or TAP PNB patients had a reduction in mean postoperative oral morphine equivalent (OME) requirements compared with the ERAS protocol cohort at 24 hours (93.9 versus 42.8 mg), P < .0001; at 48 hours (72.6 versus 40.5 mg); and in pain scores at 24 hours (5.64/10 versus 4.46/10), P = .02. OME and pain scores were higher in the SG cohort.ConclusionAddition of truncal PNB to standard ERAS protocol for bariatric surgical patients reduces postoperative total opioid consumption.     

Differential Use of Narcotics in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparative Matched Analysis Between Osteoarthritis and Femoral Neck Fracture

BackgroundThe United States is currently in an opioid epidemic as it consumes the majority of narcotic medications. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the incidence and risk factors for prolonged opioid usage following total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to hip fracture (Fx) or osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThe PearlDiver database was reviewed for patients undergoing THA from 2007 through the first quarter of 2017. Following a 3:1 match based on comorbidities and demographics, patients were divided into THA due to Fx (n = 1801) or OA (n = 5403). Preoperative and prolonged postoperative narcotic users were identified. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify demographics, comorbidities, or diagnoses as risk factors for prolonged opioid use and preoperative and postoperative opioid use as risk factors for complications.ResultsOne thousand seven hundred ninety-four OA patients (33.2%) were prescribed narcotics preoperatively and 1655 patients (30.6%) were using narcotics postoperatively, while 418 Fx patients (23.2%) were prescribed narcotics preoperatively and 499 patients (27.7%) were using narcotics postoperatively. Diagnosis of Fx (odds ratio [OR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.72, P < .001) and preoperative narcotic use (OR 6.12, 95% CI 5.27-6.82, P < .001) were the most significant risk factors for prolonged postoperative narcotic use. Prolonged postoperative narcotic use was associated with increased infection, dislocation, and revision THA in both Fx and OA groups.ConclusionDiagnosis of femoral neck fracture and overall preoperative narcotic use were significant predictors of chronic postoperative opioid use. Patients with significant risk factors for opioid dependence should receive additional consultation and more prudent follow-up with regards to pain management.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic, Level III.     

Local infiltration analgesia is not improved by postoperative intra-articular bolus injections for pain after total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose — The effect of postoperative intra-articular bolus injections after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that intra-articular bolus injections administered every 6 hours after surgery during the first 24 hours would significantly improve analgesia after THA.

Patients and methods — 80 patients undergoing THA received high-volume local infiltration analgesia (LIA; 200 mg ropivacaine and 30 mg ketorolac) followed by 4 intra-articular injections with either ropivacaine (100 mg) and ketorolac (15 mg) (the treatment group) or saline (the control group). The intra-articular injections were combined with 4 intravenous injections of either saline (treatment group) or 15 mg ketorolac (control group). All patients received morphine as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The primary outcome was consumption of intravenous morphine PCA and secondary outcomes were consumption of oral morphine, pain intensity, side effects, readiness for hospital discharge, length of hospital stay, and postoperative consumption of analgesics at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results — There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding postoperative consumption of intravenous morphine PCA. Postoperative pain scores during walking were higher in the treatment group from 24–72 hours after surgery, but other pain scores were similar between groups. Time to readiness for hospital discharge was longer in the treatment group. Other secondary outcomes were similar between groups.

Interpretation — Postoperative intra-articular bolus injections of ropivacaine and ketorolac cannot be recommended as analgesic method after THA.     

Efficacy of systemic lidocaine on postoperative quality of recovery and analgesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveIntraoperative systemic lidocaine has become widely accepted as an adjunct to general anesthesia, associated with opioid-sparing and enhanced recovery. We hypothesized that perioperative systemic lidocaine improves postoperative pain and enhances the quality of recovery (QoR) in patients following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).DesignProspective, single-center, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.SettingSingle institution, tertiary university hospital.PatientsAdult patients aged 18 to 65 undergoing VATS were eligible for participation.InterventionsPatients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive either system lidocaine (a bolus of 1.5 mg kg⁻¹, followed by an infusion of 2 mg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ until the end of the surgical procedure) or identical volumes and rates of 0.9% saline.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was a global QoR-15 score 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain score, cumulative opioid consumption, emergence time, length of PACU stay, adverse events, and patient satisfaction.Main resultsThere was no difference in the global QoR-15 scores at 24 h postoperatively between the lidocaine and saline groups (median 117, IQR 113.5–124, vs. median 116, IQR 111–120, P = 0.067), with a median difference of 3 (95% CI 0 to 6, P = 0.507). Similarly, postoperative pain scores, postoperative cumulative opioid consumption, PACU length of stay, the occurrence of PONV, and patient satisfaction were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur current findings do not support using perioperative systemic lidocaine as a potential strategy to improve postoperative pain and enhance QoR in patients undergoing VATS.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR1900027515).     

Elbow-Wrist-Thumb Immobilisation in the Treatment of Fractures of the Carpal Scaphoid

Background and purpose Length of stay (LOS) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) has been reduced to about 3 days in fast-track setups with functional discharge criteria. Earlier studies have identified patient characteristics predicting LOS, but little is known about specific reasons for being hospitalized following fast-track THA and TKA.

Patients and methods To determine clinical and logistical factors that keep patients in hospital for the first postoperative 24–72 hours, we performed a cohort study of consecutive, unselected patients undergoing unilateral primary THA (n = 98) or TKA (n = 109). Median length of stay was 2 days. Patients were operated with spinal anesthesia and received multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, a COX-2 inhibitor, and gabapentin—with opioid only on request. Fulfillment of functional discharge criteria was assessed twice daily and specified reasons for not allowing discharge were registered.

Results Pain, dizziness, and general weakness were the main clinical reasons for being hospitalized at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively while nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sedation delayed discharge to a minimal extent. Waiting for blood transfusion (when needed), for start of physiotherapy, and for postoperative radiographic examination delayed discharge in one fifth of the patients.

Interpretation Future efforts to enhance recovery and reduce length of stay after THA and TKA should focus on analgesia, prevention of orthostatism, and rapid recovery of muscle function.     

Evolution of an Opioid Sparse Pain Management Program for Total Knee Arthroplasty With the Addition of Intravenous Acetaminophen

BackgroundPerioperative pain management for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves patient outcomes and facilitates recovery. In this study, we compared the effects of preoperative oral acetaminophen vs intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administered once intraoperatively and once postoperatively.MethodsTwo standardized, multimodal analgesia protocols were compared in patients undergoing primary, unilateral TKA. The oral acetaminophen cohort (OA) received doses of oral acetaminophen preoperatively and an as-needed basis postoperatively (n = 698). The IV acetaminophen cohort (IA) received 2 doses of IV acetaminophen, one intraoperative and one 6 hours postoperatively, with no oral acetaminophen given (n = 318). No other variables were significantly changed during the study period.ResultsThe IV acetaminophen group demonstrated less narcotic usage on postoperative day 0 (OA: 13.3 mme [morphine mg equivalents], IA: 6.2 mme, P < .001) and overall usage (OA: 66.1 mme, IA: 48.5 mme, P < .001). Pain scores were statistically and clinically significantly decreased in the immediate postoperative (the first 8 hours) for the IA group (OA: patient-reported pain scores of 4.0; IA: patient-reported pain scores of 2.0, P < .001). Both groups progressed and completed their physical therapy similarly for each postoperative day. Length of stay and percent discharge home were slightly improved in the IA group as well, however did not reach statistical difference.ConclusionAn iterative approach to multimodal pain management after TKA led to improvements in narcotic usage, pain scores, and several quality measures. IV acetaminophen is an integral and effective part of our opioid-sparing multimodal pain regimen in TKA.     

Addition of Infiltration Between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Posterior Knee (IPACK) to Local Infiltration Analgesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundLocal infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a popular analgesic technique commonly administered during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent studies have demonstrated that the infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) can be complementary to analgesic modalities. However, the combined and relative efficacy of LIA and IPACK is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic and functional outcomes among LIA, IPACK, and LIA + IPACK.MethodsA total of 120 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: LIA (50 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 2.0 μg/mL epinephrine); IPACK (20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 2.0 μg/mL epinephrine); and LIA + IPACK. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Secondary outcomes were opioid use, knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps muscle strength, mobilization distance, timed up and go (TUG) test, and postoperative complications.ResultsThe mean VAS pain scores were significantly higher after using IPACK alone than after using LIA + IPACK and LIA within 24 hours (all P＜.05). LIA + IPACK had lower mean VAS pain scores than LIA when the knees were at rest (within 12 hours, P < .05) and flexion (within 8 hours, P＜.05). Patients receiving LIA + IPACK and LIA had significantly lower morphine equivalents (ME) than those receiving IPACK alone within 24 hours (26.3, 28.9 versus 47.8, both P＜.05) and during hospitalization (98, 101.6, versus 128.4 both P＜.05). Both LIA + IPACK and LIA had higher ROM (within 2 days), higher level of muscle strength (within 12 hours), longer mobilization distances (within 1 day), and shorter TUG time (till discharge) compared with IPACK alone (all P＜.05), while LIA + IPACK only had a higher knee ROM than LIA on the first postoperative day (P＜.05). There was no significant difference in any other outcomes.ConclusionThis randomized controlled trial demonstrated that there were significantly lower pain scores, less opioid consumption, and better functional results with LIA + IPACK and LIA when compared with IPACK alone, suggesting that IPACK alone was inferior for pain control.     

Opioid-Sparing Analgesia and Enhanced Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Combined Triple Nerve Blocks With Local Infiltration Analgesia

Background

Peripheral nerve block and local infiltration analgesia (LIA) have an increasing role as part of multimodal analgesia for enhanced recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that the combination of obturator nerve block (ONB) and tibial nerve block (TNB) would reduce pain and opioid consumption more than ONB or TNB alone when combined with continuous adductor canal block and LIA.

Perioperative local infiltration anesthesia with ropivacaine has no effect on postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial with 116 patients

Background and purpose — The local infiltration analgesia (LIA) technique has been widely used to reduce opioid requirements and to improve postoperative mobilization following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the evidence for the efficacy of LIA in THA is not yet clear. We determined whether single-shot LIA in addition to a multimodal analgesic regimen would reduce acute postoperative pain and opioid requirements after THA.Patients and methods — 116 patients undergoing primary THA under spinal anesthesia were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All patients received oral opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia: etoricoxib, acetaminophen, and glucocorticoid. The patients were randomized to receive either 150 mL ropivacaine (2 mg/mL) and 0.5 mL epinephrine (1 mg/mL) or 150 mL 0.9% saline. Rescue analgesic consisted of morphine and oxycodone as needed. The primary endpoint was pain during mobilization in the recovery unit. Secondary endpoints were pain during mobilization on the day after surgery and total postoperative opioid requirements on the first postoperative day.Results — The levels of pain during mobilization—both in the recovery unit and on the day after surgery—and consumption of opioids on the first postoperative day were similar in the 2 groups.Interpretation — LIA did not provide any extra analgesic effect after THA over and above that from the multimodal analgesic regimen used in this study.Implementation of accelerated clinical pathways based on the fast-track principles reduces morbidity and enhances recovery for patients undergoing THA (Kehlet and Wilmore 2008). One of the key prerequisites is optimized pain relief, allowing early postoperative mobilization (Kehlet and Wilmore 2008). This requires that the pain treatment should be safe and effective, both at rest and during activity (Srikandarajah and Gilron 2011).The concept of multimodal analgesia for acute postoperative pain is to combine analgesics with additive or synergistic effects, which is meant to reduce the use of—and the adverse effects of—opioids and to allow early mobilization (Kehlet and Dahl 1993, Kehlet et al. 1999, Buvanendran and Kroin 2009). Multimodal analgesia in THA usually includes analgesics such as opioids, gabapentin, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, glucocorticoids, and local infiltration (Kardash et al. 2008, Kerr and Kohan 2008, Toms et al. 2008, Fredheim et al. 2011, Maund et al. 2011, Zhang et al. 2011).Kerr and Kohan (2008) reported reduced opioid requirements and reduced hospital stay with the use of LIA consisting of ropivacaine and NSAIDs. However, trials investigating the effect of ropivacaine in LIA have not determined whether ropivacaine alone gives similar improvements following THA (Lunn et al. 2011, Dobie et al. 2012, Zoric et al. 2014). Studies using LIA have often combined different analgesics (Kerr and Kohan 2008, Kuchalik et al. 2013), and this complicates interpretation of the results regarding the extent to which ropivacaine alone contributes to the outcome.Various studies have shown that LIA does not provide any additional analgesic benefit or reduce opioid consumption after THA (Lunn et al. 2011, Dobie et al. 2012, Solovyova et al. 2013, Zoric et al. 2014), and some authors do not recommend LIA in addition to a multimodal analgesic regimen after THA (Andersen et al. 2011, Lunn et al. 2011). Other studies have shown that LIA reduces the opioid consumption (Andersen et al. 2007, Kerr and Kohan 2008, Busch et al. 2010, Murphy et al. 2012, Kuchalik et al. 2013) and shortens the hospital stay after THA (Kerr and Kohan 2008, Scott et al. 2012) The results are thus conflicting, and the role of LIA in THA surgery still needs to be clarified.We investigated whether a single-shot LIA with ropivacaine in addition to a multimodal analgesic regimen would reduce acute postoperative pain and opioid requirements after THA.     

Does the Use of an Intra-Articular Local Anesthetic Injection During Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce Patient Reported Pain Scores or Patient Opioid Consumption?

BackgroundDuring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), some surgeons use an intra-articular injection (IAI) containing 200 mg ropivacaine to target postoperative pain. There is no clear consensus on the efficacy of an IAI alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI on pain scores, opioid consumption, and mobility for primary THA patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 571 patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution. Patients were grouped according to those who received a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI and those who did not. Primary outcome measures for this study included pain scores, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) dosed, distance of ambulation achieved, and time to ambulation.ResultsThe intervention group reported higher average pain scores with activity than the control group (P = .024). The intervention group also required higher MMEs. When striated by hour, a statistically significant uptick in pain started at 16 hours (P = .0009) and persisted to 28 hours (P = .032) in patients receiving a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI. This correlated with an increase in MMEs seen at hour 24 through 32 (P = .003 to P = .012). Level of ambulation, time to ambulation, and distance ambulated did not differ between groups. An IAI of 200 mg ropivacaine also appeared to lead to higher pain scores and higher opioid doses in males.ConclusionThe IAI does not appear to reduce postoperative pain scores or MMEs dosed for THA patients. More research is needed to look at the utilization and efficacy of intra-articular ropivacaine, especially focusing on functional outcomes and gender differences.