Local infiltration analgesia is comparable to femoral nerve block after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft: a randomised controlled trial

60 adult patients scheduled to undergo ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts were randomized to receive either local infiltration analgesia (ropivacaine and epinephrine) or a femoral nerve block. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacies of each treatment with respect to postoperative pain management and opioid consumption. Results immediately after surgery and at 3h, 24h and 48h postoperatively indicated comparable pain scores, opioid consumption, and knee range of motion. Additionally, adverse events were similar and no complications were reported.