Study Summary

Seven studies including 525 patients were included in this meta-analysis comparing continuous or single-shot femoral nerve blockade (FNB) for the relief of pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The primary outcomes of interest were pooled pain scores and morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes of interest included pooled Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, length of stay and the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Results revealed significantly favourable pooled pain scores at rest and during physical therapy at post-operative day 1 and overall in the continuous FNB group compared to the single-shot FNB group. No significant differences in pooled pain scores at post-operative day 2 were observed between groups. Pooled morphine consumption was significantly lower in the continuous FNB group compared to the single-shot FNB group at post-operative days 1 and 2, as well as overall. No significant differences in the pooled WOMAC score, length of stay or post-operative nausea or vomiting were observed between the two groups.