Effect of perineural dexamethasone as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in saphenous nerve block for knee arthroplasty

Abstract

TKA is a major surgery where post-operative pain management not only aims for patients comfort but also is crucial to achieve post-operative ambulation leading to better outcome and preventing post-operative complications

FNB is commonly used following TKA for post-operative pain control but affects the quadriceps muscle strength increasing the risk of falls. Meanwhile, ACB has only sensory effect while preserving the motor power allowing for functional recovery within the first 24 hours post‑TKA.

However, single injection nerve block is limited by its short duration. Adding adjuvants to the local anesthetic has shown prominent results in prolongation of the duration of the nerve block with dexamethasone being the most effective one.

The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of perineural dexamethasone as an adjuvant on duration of sensory blockage of Saphenous nerve block - performed by levobupivacaine -after knee arthroplasty surgery.