Study Summary

Sixty-three patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive an adductor canal blockade during surgery administered by either the surgeon or anesthesiologist. The primary outcome of interest was pain score as measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes of interest included active and passive range of motion in flexion and extension, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain, symptom, activity of daily living, sport and recreation, and quality of life sub-scores, and Short Form 12 (SF-12) mental and physical component scores. Outcomes were assessed up to 6 weeks post-operation. Results of the study revealed significantly favourable VAS pain scores immediately post-operation and active flexion range of motion at post-operative day 1 in the anesthesiologist group compared to the surgeon group. Otherwise, all outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.