ACB could lead to quicker, safer recovery after total knee arthroplasty

Two commonly used nerve blocks during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are the adductor canal block (ACB) and femoral nerve block (FNB). ACB appears to preserve quadriceps strength superior to FNB while maintaining adequate postoperative pain control. Improving early functional outcome could lead to a quicker and safer recovery with earlier hospital discharges.

Studies being reported on at the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's (ASRA's) 41st annual meeting in New Orleans provide further support for the benefits of ACB, including one by researchers at American Anesthesiology Associates of Illinois and Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. They looked at various factors such as quadriceps muscle strength at 6, 24, and 48 hours, and up to 180 days after surgery, as well as other postoperative functional outcomes such as Time Up and Go (TUG), range of motion, 6-minute walking, pain score in relation to physical therapy, and pain medication use. They found that the patients receiving ACB demonstrated statistically significant increases in quadriceps muscle strength, a factor that is potentially associated with a quicker return to mobility. The abstract was selected as a "Best of Meeting" abstract, and primary author George Macrinici will present his findings on Saturday, April 2nd, during the Excellence in ASRA Awards Luncheon.