踝上截骨术治疗中青年内翻性踝关节骨关节炎的中期疗效

目的 探讨踝上截骨术治疗中青年内翻性踝关节骨关节炎(varus ankle osteoarthritis, VOA)的中期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年2月至2018年1月兰州大学第二医院采用踝上截骨术治疗的48例中青年VOA患者资料，其中男18例，女30例；年龄34～58岁，平均(47.10±6.56)岁。比较术前与末次随访时相关影像学指标[包括胫骨前侧关节面角(tibial anterior surface angle, TAS)、距骨倾斜角(talar tilt angle, TT)、胫骨踝穴角(tibiocrural angle, TC)和胫骨侧位关节面角(tibial lateral surface angle, TLS)]及美国足踝外科协会(American orthopaedic foot and ankle society, AOFAS)评分，评估踝关节疼痛、功能恢复情况、畸形矫正情况及并发症发生情况。结果 48例患者均获随访，随访时间49～82个月，平均(62.02±9.51)个月。患者术后均恢复良好，无血管、神经损伤及截骨不愈合等并发症发生。AOFAS评分中活...     

截骨术在不对称踝关节关节炎治疗中的应用

目的探讨截骨术在不对称踝关节关节炎治疗中的应用效果。方法对36例不对称踝关节关节炎患者行踝关节截骨术。其中,行单纯踝上胫骨截骨术10例,上胫腓骨截骨术6例,踝上胫骨截骨合并跟骨截骨术18例,踝上胫腓骨截骨合并跟骨截骨术2例。观察术后3、6个月的胫骨前面角(TAS)、胫骨侧面角(TLS)以及术后6、12个月AOFAS评分和ADL评分。观察术后并发症情况。结果患者均获得随访,时间13～17个月。骨性愈合时间为56～81(68. 22±12. 07) d。与术前比较,术后3、6个月TAS、TLS显著增加(P 0. 05);与术后3个月比较,术后6个月TAS、TLS显著增加(P 0. 05)。与术前比较,术后6、12个月AOFAS评分显著升高(P 0. 05),ADL评分显著降低(P 0. 05);与术后6个月比较,术后12个月AOFAS评分显著升高(P 0. 05),ADL评分显著降低(P 0. 05)。切口延迟愈合2例(5. 56%),经常规伤口护理后愈合;轻度内外翻2例(5. 56%),活动受限1例(2. 78%);无螺钉松动、断裂及内固定失效等其他并发症发生。结论踝关节截骨术治疗不对称踝关节关节炎疗效显著,并发症少,能够减轻病变处关节软骨的负荷,促进踝关节功能恢复。     

保留或截断腓骨的踝上截骨术治疗内翻型踝关节骨关节炎疗效比较

目的比较踝上截骨术治疗内翻型踝关节骨关节炎时保留腓骨或截断腓骨对疗效的影响。方法回顾分析2009年4月—2014年4月,采用踝上截骨术治疗并随访达1年以上的41例(41足)内翻型踝关节骨关节炎患者临床资料。其中19例术中保留腓骨(A组),22例术中行腓骨截骨(B组)。两组患者性别、年龄、侧别、体质量指数、骨关节炎分期、病因以及术前美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分、踝关节骨关节炎量表(AOS)疼痛及功能评分、踝关节活动度(range of motion,ROM)、胫骨远端关节面角(tibial articular surface angle,TAS)、距骨倾斜角(talar tilt angle,TT)、胫骨踝穴角(tibiocrural angle,TC)、胫骨侧位关节面角(tibial lateral surface angle,TLS)比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),具有可比性。术后观察截骨愈合情况,比较两组末次随访时临床功能评分以及影像学测量结果。结果两组术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无手术相关并发症发生。患者均获随访,随访时间16~55个月,平均36.6个月。A、B组各1例因疼痛及活动受限,行踝关节融合术,排除末次随访评价。X线片复查示,患者截骨处均获骨性愈合,A组愈合时间(3.6±0.4)个月,B组为(3.9±0.7)个月,比较差异无统计学意义(t=1.61,P=0.12)。末次随访时,两组TAS、TLS、TT、TC比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但B组TT、TC改善程度优于A组(P0.05)。两组AOFAS评分、AOS疼痛及功能评分、踝关节ROM比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。根据改良Takakura分期,A组改善率为55.6%,B组改善率为57.1%,组间比较差异无统计学意义(χ~2=0.01,P=0.92)。结论对于腓骨相对较长或影响术中胫距关节复位者,踝上截骨术中同时行腓骨截骨后TT及TC改善程度优于单纯踝上截骨术。     

一期全膝关节置换术治疗膝关节骨关节炎合并关节外畸形

 目的 探讨膝关节骨关节炎合并关节外畸形患者一期行全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)的可行性及其疗效。方法 2006年6月至2010年4月对9例骨关节炎合并关节外畸形患者行一期TKA.男 2例, 女7例;年龄 34~69岁,平均 51岁。股骨侧畸形5例.胫骨侧畸形4例;除 1例畸形由发育不良引起外.其余 8例均由骨折畸形愈合造成。结果 术后随访时间 7~54个月,平均 29个月。 HSS评分从术前平均 18.7分(6~39分).提高到术后平均 89.8分(81~96分)。膝关节活动度由术前平均 46.7°(0°~100°).提高到术后平均 100.6°(85°~115°)。下肢力线由术前平均偏移 11.8°(2°~21°)减少到术后平均偏移 1°(0°~4°);未发现假体松动征象。除 1例患者随访发现截骨处延迟愈合外.其余患者均无感染、下肢深静脉血栓、膝关节不稳及髌骨问题等并发症。结论虽然伴有关节外畸形的膝关节骨关节炎患者一期行 TKA手术难度较大.但通过制定合理的手术方案可以取得与普通 TKA相似的手术效果。如果可行.推荐采用关节内代偿性截骨加软组织平衡术矫正畸形。     

负重 X 线侧位片在踝关节骨折畸形愈合复位评估中的价值

 目的 探讨踝关节负重 X 线侧位片在踝关节骨折畸形愈合复位评估中的意义。方法 回顾性分析 2010 年3 月至 2012 年 10 月踝关节骨折畸形愈合接受重建手术治疗的 17 例患者资料,男 9 例,女 8 例;年龄 17～64 岁,平均 40.2岁。Takakura 踝关节炎退变分级:1 级 7 例,2 级 4 例,3 级 6 例。接受单纯切开复位内固定术 5 例,踝上胫骨截骨术 5 例,踝上腓骨截骨延长术 2 例,踝上胫腓骨截骨术 5 例。比较患者手术前、后负重 X 线正位片胫腓间隙,踝穴位 X 线片内踝间隙、胫腓间隙和胫腓重叠距离,X 线侧位片胫骨侧面角、胫骨轴线与距骨顶关节面中心的位移差（x 值）和胫距关节面圆心位移差（d 值）。应用美国足踝外科协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与后足评分对患者手术前、后踝关节功能进行评估。结果 17 例患者均获 9～32 个月随访,骨折均愈合,愈合时间 11～14 周;未见踝关节退变等级加重。手术前、后负重 X 线正位片上胫腓间隙、踝穴位 X 线片上内踝间隙、胫腓间隙和胫腓重叠距离比较无差异;胫骨侧面角[术前（76.9°±4.1°）与术后（80.9°±5.2°）]、x 值[术前（10.8±2.1）mm 与术后（2.0±0.5）mm]、d 值[术前（4.5±1.5）mm 与术后（2.2±1.0）mm]比较均有差异。术前 AOFAS 踝与后足评分为（45.7±15.9）分,末次随访时为（82.0±9.9）分。结论 负重 X 线侧位片可以辅助判断踝关节复位情况,即使负重正位及踝穴位 X 线片示测量数据均在正常范围内,X 线侧位片示相关指标仍可出现明显畸形;X 线侧位片示踝关节解剖复位的标准是胫骨轴线通过距骨顶关节面中心、胫距关节面平行。     

踝上弧形截骨联合关节牵伸治疗内翻型踝关节炎

目的 评估踝上弧形截骨联合关节牵伸治疗内翻型踝关节炎的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2009年12月至2021年4月北京市垂杨柳医院骨二科治疗的8例内翻型踝关节炎病人的临床资料,男5例,女3例,年龄为（35.2±9.1）岁（27~45岁）。其中有踝部骨折史者5例,骨骺损伤后遗踝内翻畸形3例。应用踝上胫腓骨弧形截骨矫正踝内翻后安装Ilizarov踝关节牵伸器,术后行踝关节牵伸,维持关节间隙至5~8 mm行走3个月以上。根据病人手术前后胫骨远端关节面角（tibial articular surface angle,TAS）及美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分评估临床治疗效果。结果 8例病人随访时间为（31.5±17.9）个月（12~72个月）,外固定佩戴时间为（29.4±5.1）周（20~32周）。拆除外固定时截骨处均达到临床骨愈合标准,末次随访时AOFAS评分为（82.0±7.7）分（76~90分）,TAS角度为91.1°±2.4°（89.6°~95.0°）,与术前比较［（47.6±3.7）分（41~65分）,82.9°±4.7°（72°~87°）］,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。8例术后均出现局部针道感染,5例给予局部酒精敷料缠绕包扎,3例拔出感染固定针后感染控制。2例固定针折断,去除外固定装置时给予拔除,无其他严重并发症。结论 踝上弧形截骨术联合踝关节牵伸成形治疗内翻型踝关节炎,矫正踝内翻效果满意,避免植骨内固定,截骨愈合良好。结合Ilizarov外固定牵伸,允许术后全负重行走锻炼,显著改善病人足踝功能,值得临床推广应用。     

成人高弓内翻足的手术矫治及中、短期疗效分析

 目的通过影像学及临床结果评价成人高弓内翻足畸形的中、短期手术疗效。方法对13例(19足)获完整随访的高弓内翻足手术矫形患者的临床及影像学资料进行分析,男7例,女6例;年龄16~48岁,平均31.4岁。临床评估包括疼痛缓解程度、足部力线及整体功能,采用美国足踝骨科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足功能评分;影像学评估采用足前后位及负重侧位X线片评估手术前后Meary角、Hibb角、跟骨倾斜角及距跟角的变化,评价不同类型患者的手术适应证及其疗效。结果手术时间平均为(138±58)min。随访时间2~11年,平均4.5年。除1例行三关节融合的跟骰关节融合不良外,其余骨愈合时间平均为3.4个月。末次随访时AOFAS评分平均为(76.7±13.7)分(57~100分),68.4豫的患者疼痛明显缓解。末次随访时Meary角平均减少15.4°,Hibb角平均减少23.3°,跟骨倾斜角平均减少8.6°,距跟角平均增加2.4°,总优良率为68.4%。结论高弓内翻足为复合畸形,根据骨性畸形和软组织平衡情况,采取个体化骨与软组织联合手术进行矫治,可以获得较满意的畸形矫正和功能恢复。如果截骨手术可以矫正畸形,尽量避免进行关节融合。     

环锯切骨融合距舟关节治疗距舟关节疼痛

 
目的 评价环锯切骨融合距舟关节治疗距舟关节疼痛的临床效果及对邻近关节的影响。
方法 1999年6月至2009年6月,对应用环锯切骨融合距舟关节治疗距舟关节疼痛的24例资料完整患者进行回顾性分析,男13例,女11例;年龄37～72岁,平均45岁;创伤后距舟关节炎15例,风湿性关节炎6例,退变性关节炎3例。应用美国足踝关节协会（AOFAS）踝-后足评分、视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）、Graves评分对患足功能、疼痛及对周围关节的影响进行评价。
结果 24例患者均获得随访,随访时间10～120个月,平均48个月。术后1例患者出现足部刀口皮肤边缘坏死,经换药延迟拆线3周愈合。AOFAS评分从术前平均45.2分提高至术后平均84.5分,术后优良率为87.5%;VAS疼痛评分从术前8.1分下降至术后2.4分。患者主观在疼痛感受、外观变化、行走距离、穿鞋体验方面均有改善。23例患者对手术效果表示满意,仅有1例患者不满意。术后6个月影像学检查显示23例完全融合（成功率95.8%）,1例未融合患者使用大一号环锯经取髂骨骨柱回植融合。Graves评分显示1度改变8例,2度改变1例。
结论 环锯切骨融合距舟关节创伤小、融合效果满意,对治疗单纯性距舟关节疼痛性病变可取得满意的临床效果。     

经皮空心螺钉加压固定踝关节融合术

 目的 探讨经皮空心螺钉加压固定踝关节融合术的临床疗效。方法 2005年4月至 2010年10月,12例单侧严重踝关节炎患者(Kellgren-Lawrence III级)接受经皮空心螺钉加压固定踝关节融合术。男7例, 女5例; 年龄25~71岁, 平均 42.0岁。病程 1~21年,平均 7.3年。类风湿关节炎 2例,创伤性关节炎 8例,骨关节炎2例。取踝关节前正中入路,暴露踝关节腔, 完整去除胫距关节软骨面, 暴露软骨下骨。从后上向前下经皮穿针,以空心螺钉加压固定胫距关节。手术前后采用美国足踝外科医师协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS)踝-后足功能评分进行功能评定,摄踝关节正侧位及踝穴位 X线片观察踝关节骨性融合情况。 结果 12例患者均得到随访,随访时间 6耀55个月,平均 21.5个月。 AOFAS踝-后足功能评分由术前(42.8±8.6)分增加至术后 6个月(66.6±5.4)分,差异有统计学意义(t=-3.075,P=0.012); 末次随访(72.3±4.6)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=-8.595,P= 0.006)。 X线片证实全部病例均骨性融合,融合时间 9耀21周,平均 13.5周。无感染,无局部皮肤坏死,无螺钉松动、退钉及断钉。结论 经皮空心螺钉加压固定踝关节融合术创伤小,融合率高,融合时间短,近期疗效满意,并发症少。     

Ilizarov 技术矫治马蹄足畸形中胫距关节前脱位的治疗及预防

 目的 总结 Ilizarov 技术矫治马蹄足畸形中发生胫距关节前脱位的概率、治疗及预防方法。方法 回顾性分析 2011 年 10 月至 2012 年 4 月,应用 Ilizarov 技术矫治 38 例马蹄足畸形患者资料,其中 5 例于术后 14～28 d 发生胫距关节前脱位,男 4 例,女 1 例;年龄 19～30 岁,平均 23.8 岁;均为马蹄内翻足畸形患者。5 例患者初次手术采用 Ilizarov 技术矫治马蹄足畸形,同时行经皮跟腱延长术、经皮跖腱膜切断术、胫后肌松解、胫前肌移位,其中 4 例同期行距骨周围截骨术,1 例同期行第一跖骨基底截骨术,1 例同期行胫骨近端去旋转截骨术;发生胫距关节前脱位后,1 例经手法复位,4 例使用 Ilizarov 复位装置后继续按原计划牵伸调整外固定架矫形,直至满意。结果 5 例马蹄内翻足畸形患者在行 Ilizarov 技术矫形过程中发生胫距关节前脱位的概率为 13.2%（5/38）。5 例患者均获得随访,随访时间 6～12 个月,平均 10 个月,马蹄足畸形均完全矫正。末次随访时应用国际马蹄足畸形研究学组评分为 3～10 分,平均 4.8 分;其中优 2 例,良 3 例,优良率为 100%。无一例发生钉道感染、神经血管损伤、血栓等并发症。结论 胫距关节脱位是 Ilizarov 技术矫治马蹄足畸形中较常见的并发症,发生率约为 13%。发生胫距关节前脱位后,及时安装距骨复位装置可获得良好效果。围手术期管理应注意外固定铰链关节与踝关节瞬时旋转中心的匹配。     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.