Comparative efficacy of sciatic obturator and femoral nerve block technique with that of adductor canal block in patients undergoing elective knee surgeries: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

oleh: Nupur Moda, Neharika Barik, Sulochana Dash

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2023-01-01

Deskripsi

Background: Knee surgery necessitates adequate analgesia to reduce postoperative complications and promote early recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the SOFT block (a single-puncture technique to block the sciatic, obturator, and femoral nerves) and the adductor canal block for improved postoperative analgesia and early ambulation. Materials and Methods: In total, 60 patients posted for elective knee surgeries under spinal anesthesia were included. Postoperatively, they were divided into two groups. The SOFT block was administered to Group S with 45 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 8 mg of dexamethasone. Meanwhile, the adductor canal block was provided to subjects in Group A with 30 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 8 mg dexamethasone. Subjects were then reassessed at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h for heart rate, mean arterial pressure, visual analog score, duration of analgesia, early mobilization, satisfaction score, and adverse events. Results: The mean duration of analgesia of the SOFT block and adductor canal block were 14.62 ± 4.50 and 11.68 ± 2.48 min, respectively (P = 0.003). The mean mobilization time was significantly shorter in Group S (19.96 ± 1.64 vs. 21.77 ± 2.34 min, P = 0.002). The patient satisfaction score was better in the SOFT block than in the adductor canal block (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic parameters and adverse events were comparable. Conclusion: SOFT block with 45 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 8 mg dexamethasone provides a longer duration of postoperative analgesia and early mobilization than adductor canal block with 30 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 8 mg dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective knee surgeries.