Femoral nerve inguinal approach versus proximal femoral triangle ap proach for continuous regional analgesia in active rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, randomised study.

Background: A catheter in femoral nerve block (F-Cath) is an effective regional analgesia technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but results in significant quadriceps weakness. The femoral triangle catheter (FTB-Cath) seems to be an interesting alternative. In this study, we aim to demonstrate that the nerve block administration for analgesic purposes via an FTB-Cath results in less quadriceps weakness than via an F-Cath.

Effect on neurostimulation of injectates used for perineural space expansion before placement of a stimulating catheter: normal saline versus dextrose 5% in water.

Background And Objectives: We clinically assessed the electrophysiologic effect of dextrose 5% in water (D5W) and of normal saline (NS) used for expansion of the perineural space before placing a stimulating catheter. We questioned if higher current was required with NS but not with D5W, as has been observed experimentally.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized double-blind study of ASA I to II patients scheduled for total knee replacement.

Various possible positions of conventional catheters around the femoral nerve revealed by neurostimulation.

Background And Objectives: In continuous femoral nerve blocks, the various perineural positions of the tip of a conventional catheter and their clinical implication are not completely known.We used stimulating catheters to explore the relationship of catheter tip to nerve.

Methods: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status IYII patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were administered effective single-shot blocks of the obturator and sciatic nerves using ropivacaine 0.

Is there any need for expanding the perineural space before catheter placement in continuous femoral nerve blocks?

Background And Objective: There is debate regarding the benefit of perineural space expansion before catheter placement in continuous femoral nerve block. This question is addressed in this prospective, comparative, and randomized study.

Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for total knee replacement were randomly assigned to receive continuous femoral nerve block with or without perineural space expansion using 10 mL dextrose 5% in water (D5W) flush before stimulation-guided catheter placement.

The value of adding sciatic block to continuous femoral block for analgesia after total knee replacement.

Background And Objectives: The benefit of adding a sciatic nerve block to the femoral block to improve analgesia after total knee replacement is controversial. The aim of this study is to address this controversy in a prospective, comparative, and randomized study.

Methods: Patients were allocated randomly to receive a continuous femoral nerve block or continuous blocks of both the femoral and sciatic nerves.