Periarticular Infiltration Compared to Single Femoral Nerve Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Objective  To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia and single femoral nerve block (FNB) with subjects undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia and periarticular infiltration (PAI). Materials and Methods  A total of 100 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomized into two groups. Group 1 included patients undergoing surgery under FNB associated with spinal anesthesia, while group 2 included patients undergoing TKA under IPA and spinal anesthesia. The assessment of these subjects in the early postoperative period included pain, active flexion, active extension, elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Results  There was no significant difference in the types of analgesia concerning pain, the elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Active flexion and extension were better in the PAI group ( p  = 0.04 and p  = 0.02 respectively). Conclusion  We conclude that the techniques are similar regarding pain control, limb elevation, and morphine use. The use of IPA provided better active flexion and extension during the hospital stay compared to single FNB in patients undergoing TKA.