Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effects of continuous femoral infusion (CFI) on total knee arthroplasty recovery. A total of 92 patients were distributed in 3 groups: Patients in group 1 received general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine (n = 33), patients in group 2 received 3-in-1 and sciatic blocks followed by CFI (n = 29), and patients in group 3 received epidural analgesia (n = 30). Blocks reduced postoperative morphine requirement by 74% (vs group 1; P<.05) and 35% (vs group 3; P<.05). Blocks provided better recovery than PCA with morphine or an epidural. The use of CFI was associated with a reduction of postoperative bleeding by 72% (vs group 1; P<.05) and allowed better performance on continuous passive motion. CFI was associated with a 90% decrease in serious complications and a 20% decrease in the length of hospitalization. CFI represents a better alternative than PCA or epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management and immediate rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 436-445 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Arthroplasty |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Acute pain management
- Blood loss
- Continuous femoral infusion
- Ropivacaine
- Total knee arthroplasty
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Surgery