Riassunto dello studio

90 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were randomized to receive a femoral nerve block (FNB) with either 1% chloroprocaine (n=30), 2% chloroprocaine (n=30), or normal saline (n=30). The primary outcome of interest included maximum knee flexion and extension angles. Secondary outcomes of interest included the American Knee Society Score (AKSS), AKSS function, perceived satisfaction with rehabilitation, pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the incidence of leg weakness. Maximum knee flexion was significantly better in the FNB groups compared to normal saline but extension angles were similar between the FNB groups against normal saline. Rehabilitation satisfaction was significantly better in the FNB groups compared to saline. Similarly, VAS was also significantly better in the FNB groups at 3, 4, 5, and 6 days postoperation but were similar on day 7. The use of 1% and 2% chloroprocaine in FNB can significantly relieve pain, and improve flexion angles, and satisfaction in patients undergoing TKA.