Postoperative Pain Control with Genicular Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Functional Impact and Opioid Consumption

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595212512057

• Palavras-chave: Knee Arthroplasty, Gonarthrosis, Local Anesthesia, Nerve Block.

• Keywords: Knee Arthroplasty, Gonarthrosis, Local Anesthesia, Nerve Block.

• Abstract:

  Aim: to evaluate the pain control and functional performance effects of genicular nerve blocks performed intraoperatively during primary total knee arthroplasty procedures in patients with advanced gonarthrosis. Methods: 34 patients took part, allocated to group C (control), which received infiltration with saline solution, and group I, which received an infusion of Novabupi for the block. The regional anesthetic procedure was carried out by the surgeon himself during the operation, before the sutures were made, identifying the infusion site by direct visualization of the vasculonervous bundles. The outcomes assessed were the visual analog scale of pain before and after the surgical procedure, joint effusion, muscle strength, ability to stand and walk, as well as opioid consumption in the first 5 postoperative days. Results: greater reduction in pain and muscle strength in the group that received the genicular block. There were no differences when assessing joint effusion, ambulation, pain pattern after discharge or Tramadol consumption. Conclusion: The genicular nerve block was more effective in controlling pain in the immediate postoperative period of primary total knee arthroplasties, sparing patients' motor function. There was no significant difference in opioid consumption.