"The Effect of Adductor Canal Block Performed With Postoperative Thigh Tourniquet Application on Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty"

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Tourniquet-Assisted Adductor Canal Block (T-ACB) grou: Participants received an ultrasound-guided distal adductor canal block. The procedure was performed in two stages: First, a pneumatic tourniquet placed on the proximal thigh was inflated for 3-5 minutes (at a pressure of approximately 142-202 mmHg), during which 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected. Subsequently, the tourniquet was deflated, and an additional 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered, reaching a total volume of 40 mL. This technique aimed to enhance the distribution of the local anesthetic through the adductor hiatus to the popliteal plexus at the posterior aspect of the knee.

Standard Adductor Canal Block (S-ACB): Participants received a standard ultrasound-guided distal adductor canal block. During the procedure, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected in a single dose without any tourniquet modification or additional pressure application. The technique relied on the natural, passive, and anatomical distribution of the local anesthetic within the adductor canal.

Study summary

The biggest fear for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery is that persistent pain felt at the back of the knee postoperatively. While regional anesthesia is generally successful at numbing the front of the knee, managing pain in the posterior (back) area is not always easy. In this study, we tested a new method designed to alleviate pain in the back of the knee and improve patient comfort.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• This method aims to alleviate posterior knee pain and decrease overall VAS scores — At 3, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-block
  Visual Analog Scale (VAS): A scale where patients rate their pain intensity from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain).

Trial sites (1)

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