Application of ultrasound-guided single femoral triangle and adductor canal block in arthroscopic knee surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical study.

Purpose: To compare the difference in analgesic effect between femoral triangle block (FTB) and adductor canal block (ACB) during arthroscopic knee surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery were randomized preoperatively to FTB group or ACB group. For each group, 20 mL of 0.1% ropivacaine was injected.

Primary Outcomes: The numeric rating score (NRS) at 12 h after surgery at rest and during movement.

Secondary Outcome: (1) The NRS at post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 2, 24 h after surgery at rest and during movement; (2) The quadriceps muscle strength at PACU and 2, 12, 24 h after surgery; (3) Consumption of Rescue analgesia; (4) Incidence of adverse reactions.

Results: The NRS at 12 h after surgery at rest and during movement of ACB group were higher than FTB group. Among secondary outcomes, the NRS at PACU at rest and during movement, 2 h after surgery during movement of FTB group lower than ACB group; the quadriceps muscle strength at 2 h after surgery of FTB group stronger than ACB group. After multiple linear regression model analysis, the data showed additional statistically significant reduction NRS at 24 h after surgery at rest (0.757, p = 0.037) in FTB group. Other outcomes were similar between two groups.

Conclusions: The FTB appears to provide superior pain control after knee arthroscopy than ACB, the FTB is superior to the ACB in quadriceps muscle strength at 2 h after surgery.

Trial Registration: The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068765). Registration date: 28/02/2023.