Introduction. Day stay surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is an increasingly common practice and has driven clinicians to come up with postoperative pain regimes that allow same day mobilisation and a safe and timely discharge. There is a paucity of literature surrounding the use of intraosseous (IO) ropivacaine used as a Bier's block to provide both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgery. Methods. This patient blinded, pilot study randomised 15 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction to receive either IO ropivacaine 1.5 or 2.0 mg/kg; or 300 mg of ropivacaine as local infiltration (standard of care). Toxic plasma levels of ropivacaine have been defined in the literature and therefore the primary outcome for this study was arterial plasma concentration of ropivacaine as a means to determine its safety profile. Samples were taken via an arterial line at prespecified times after tourniquet deflation. Secondary outcomes that we were interested in included immediate postoperative pain scores using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and perioperative opioid equivalent consumption. Results. Participants had a mean age of 27.8 (SD 9.2) years and 87% (13/15) were male. All patients in the intervention group receiving IO ropivacaine had plasma concentrations well below the threshold for central nervous system (CNS) toxicity (0.60 µg/ml). The highest plasma concentration was achieved in the intervention group receiving 1.5 mg/kg dose of ropivacaine reaching 3.59 mg/ml. This would equate to 0.22 µg/ml of free plasma ropivacaine. There were no differences across the three groups regarding pain scores or perioperative opioid consumption. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that IO administration of 0.2% ropivacaine is both safe and effective in reducing perioperative pain in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. There may be scope to increase the IO dose further or utilise other analgesics via the IO regional route to improve perioperative pain relief

Aims. Single-shot adductor canal block (ACB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for postoperative analgesia is a common modality. Patients can experience breakthrough pain when the effect of ACB wears off. Local anaesthetic infusion through an intra-articular catheter (IAC) can help manage breakthrough pain after TKA. We hypothesized that combined ACB with ropivacaine infusion through IAC is associated with better pain relief compared to ACB used alone. Methods. This study was a prospective double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of combined ACB+ IAC-ropivacaine infusion (study group, n = 68) versus single-shot ACB+ intra-articular normal saline placebo (control group, n = 66) after primary TKA. The primary outcome was assessment of pain, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included active knee ROM 48 hours after surgery and additional requirement of analgesia for breakthrough pain. Results. The study group (mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of 5.5 (SD 0.889)) experienced significant reduction in pain 12 hours after surgery compared to the control group (mean VAS 6.62 (SD 1.356); mean difference = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.46 to 0.67; p < 0.001), and pain scores on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD-2 were lower in the study group compared to the control group (mean difference in VAS pain = 1.04 (-1.39 to -0.68, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Fewer patients in the study group (0 vs 3 in the control group) required additional analgesia for breakthrough pain, but this was not statistically significant. The study group had significantly increased active knee flexion (mean flexion 86.4° (SD 7.22°)), compared to the control group (mean 73.86° (SD 7.88°), mean difference = 12.54, 95% CI 9.97 to 15.1; p < 0.014). Conclusion. Combined ACB+ ropivacaine infusion via IAC is a safe, reproducible analgesic modality after primary TKA, with superior analgesia compared to ACB alone. Further large volume trials are warranted to generate evidence on clinical significance on analgesia after TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1082–1088

Polymethylmethacetate (PMMA) is a bone cement used in over 725,000 primary hip arthroplasties in 2018. Cement integrity is affected by external factors, including temperature, mixing technique and moisture uptake, which can influence cement microstructure. Changes in the cement microstructure may ultimately threaten the survivorship of the implant. The introduction of enhanced recovery and various local anaesthetic infiltration techniques have been adopted in an attempt to facilitate early mobilisation and reduce length of stay. Our study aims to investigate if the mechanical properties of PMMA are altered with exposure to Ropivacaine LA. Cements were cured in three separate states (air, serum and serum with LA) and the mechanical properties tested at 24 hours and 28 days. Using Refobacin bone cement provided by ZimmerBIOMET, cylindrical molds (12×6mm) were constructed with a split-mold. The LA used was 2mg/ml Ropivacaine hydrochloride solution. Using pilot data, this study was powered to 80% and a sample size of 10 per group (n=60) was calculated. Cement samples were subjected to compressive loading using a universal testing apparatus (Zwick/Roell). Yield-strength and modulus values were extracted from the respective stress versus strain curves. Significant differences were determined by one-way anova for each time point, and Bonferroni post-hoc testing to determine significance between actual groups. At 24-hours there were no significant differences in strength or modulus between groups. At 28-day strength and modulus increased in all groups. Compared to the air group, both serum and LA groups show a significant decrease in compressive strength. The modulus for the LA group is significantly less stiff compared to the air group. The results suggest that the initial exposure to LA has a significant impact on the physical properties of the PMMA. We propose increased awareness of the potential effects this may have on the longevity and survivorship of cemented implants

Purpose of the study: Recent data in the literature regarding intra-articular deliver of analgesics during the postoperative period have been encouraging. Patients benefit from optimal analgesia and earlier mobilisation, shortening rehabilitation time and hospital stay and limiting complications. In light of these encouraging results, our institution developed a programme designed to address all postoperative situations associated with implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Material and methods: The programme combines pre-operative counselling and a postoperative programme for multimodal anaesthesia in addition to intra-articular analgesia for 24 hours and early mobilisation. We present here the results of this technique in patients undergoing first-intention TKA. We analysed information collected prospectively in all patients who had TKA from January to June 2008: 319 patients in six months. The operation was performed under peridural anaesthesia supplemented by intra-articular ropivacaine delivered by a catheter for 24 hours. Patients were mobilised, or verticalised, the day of surgery according to individual capacities. Data collected included: pain scores, date of the end of physical therapy, and data reviewed at six weeks. Results: A cohort of 305 patients was analysed; 36% of patients were mobilised the day of the operation and 93% on day 2. The rate of urinary catheters was 12% and administration of intravenous fluids 10%. Physical therapists determined that 58% of patients could be discharged on 3 after surgery and 85% on day 5. Eighty-percent of patients were free of nausea or vomiting and had well controlled pain. Regarding function, mean range of motion was 85° at discharge with 31% of patients requiring physical therapy. At six weeks, mean range of motion was 95° and only 5% of patients had lost amplitude (reduction > 10° of range of motion) compared to discharge values. Mean scores on the Oxford questionnaire improved from 43 preoperatively to 26 six weeks postoperatively. Discussion: This multidisciplinary approach guarantees excellent postoperative analgesia with early mobilisation and provides satisfactory results at six weeks. To this can be added the benefit of a lower rate of urinary catheters, administration of intravenous fluids, and physical therapy

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) utilise multimodal rehabilitation techniques to reduce post-operative pain and accelerate the rehabilitation process following surgery. Originally described following elective colonic surgery enhanced recovery pathways have gained increasing use following elective hip and knee joint replacement in recent years. Early studies have indicated that enhanced recovery pathways can reduce length of hospital stay, reduce complications and improve cost-effectiveness of joint replacement surgery. Despite this growing evidence base uptake has been slow in certain centres and many surgeons are yet to utilise enhanced recovery pathways in their practice. We look at the process and effects of implementing an enhanced recovery pathway following total hip replacement surgery at a district general hospital in the United Kingdom. A retrospective study was initially undertaken over a four-month period to assess patient demographics, length of stay, time to physiotherapy and complication rates including re-admission within 28 days. Based on national recommendations an enhanced recovery pathway protocol was then implemented for an elective total hip replacement list. Inclusion criteria were elective patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) surgery. The pathway included pre-operative nutrition optimisation, 4mg ondansetron, 8mg dexamethasone and 1g tranexamic acid at induction and 150mL ropivacaine HCL 0.2%, 30mg ketorolac and adrenaline (RKA) mix infiltration to joint capsule, external rotators, gluteus tendon, iliotibial band, soft-tissues and skin around the hip joint. The patient was mobilised four-hours after surgery where possible and aimed to be discharged once mobile and pain was under control. Following implementation a prospective study was undertaken to compare patient demographics, length of stay and complication rates including re-admission within 28 days. 34 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in each group pre and post-enhanced recovery pathway. Following implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway mean length of stay decreased from 5.4 days to 3.5 days (CI 1.94, p < 0.0001). Sub-group analysis based on ASA grade revealed that this reduction in length of stay was most pronounced in ASA 1 patients with mean length of stay reduced from 5.0 days to 3.2 days (CI 1.83, p < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the number of complications or re-admission rates following enhanced recovery pathway. The enhanced recovery pathway was quick and easy to implement with co-ordination between surgeons, anaesthetist, nursing staff and patients. This observational study of consecutive primary total hip replacement patients shows a substantial reduction in length of stay with no change in complication rates after the introduction of a multimodal enhanced recovery protocol. Both of these factors reduce hospital costs for elective THR patients and may improve patient experiences

High volume infiltration with local anaesthetics (LIA) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for postoperative pain relief may be beneficial as compared to traditional methods. Retransfusion drains are used in TKA as alternative for allogeneic blood transfusions. When combining both modalities, recollected blood may contain large doses of local anaesthetics potentially leading to systemic toxicity during retransfusion. We investigated the safety of combining LIA and retransfusion of shed blood. Twenty patients scheduled for primary TKA were included. During surgery two peri-articular injections with ropivacaine (total 375 mg) were given. Patients received an intraarticular retransfusion drain and a wound catheter for continuous infusion of ropivacaine (8 mg/hr) for 24 hours. Blood collected in the retransfusion device, was not retransfused but used for laboratory analyses. Patients’ blood samples were taken immediately after surgery, 3, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. We predicted cumulative ropivacaine concentrations using patient and shed blood samples from 6 hours postoperatively. We modelled instant retransfusion by estimating the cumulative plasma concentrations. Our safety threshold was 0.15 mg/L unbound ropivacaine in a venous plasma sample, based on literature. Total ropivacaine concentration was highest 24 hours postoperatively and unbound ropivacaine was maximal predominantly at 6 hours. Total ropivacaine concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 1.9 mg/L and unbound ropivacaine concentrations varied between 0.03 and 0.11 mg/L. At 6 hours median shed blood volume was 600 mL (range 303–869 mL). Interestingly was the difference (mean ± SD) in free fraction ropivacaine, in shed blood (68.8–4.6%) and in plasma (4.8 ± 1.1%). Assuming retransfusion, an average 13 mg (range 6–18mg) of unbound ropivacaine would have been administered intravenously. The model used to estimate cumulative ropivacaine plasma levels showed that instant retransfusion potentially would have led to unbound venous plasma concentrations of above 0.15 mg/L. Under the conditions in our study it is safe to use LIA in combination with continuous infusion of ropivacaine. However, in combination with the retransfusion of shed blood collected with the Bellovac ABT system this may lead to toxic levels. Before implementing the combination of both modalities formal testing is required

Peri-articular injections (PAI) have become an important component in many multimodal pain protocols after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Liposomal bupivacaine has emerged as a highly marketed and touted ingredient for PAI. However, the true efficacy of this material, particularly compared with less expensive PAI “cocktails” such as traditional bupivacaine or ropivacaine, has not been proven to date. Ropivacaine is considered a long-active local analgesic and in combination with epinephrine, ketorolac and clonidine has been shown to be a very effective PAI in a multimodal pain program. Liposomal bupivacaine has been similarly touted as a long-acting PAI. Initial reports provided support for liposomal bupivacaine PAI's providing similar pain relief as epidurals or femoral nerve blocks. The authors of these studies tout comparable pain control with decreased length of stay attributable to avoiding the side effects of epidurals and regional blocks. However, the ultimate clinical issue relates to how liposomal bupivacaine PAI's compares to traditional PAI cocktail ingredients such as bupivacaine and ropivacaine, which also avoid deleterious effects of regional analgesia, and at a much cheaper price point. Fortunately the highest quality research to date, which includes randomised prospective trials and retrospective controlled cohort studies, have reported consistent results. In a retrospective cohort study comparing a traditional ropivacaine and epinephrine versus liposomal bupivacaine PAI demonstrated no difference between the two groups in inpatient pain scores when used in a comprehensive multimodal pain control program. Further, two prospective randomised trials reported no difference in liposomal bupivacaine PAI compared to a traditional PAI of either bupivacaine or ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac and clonidine. Finally, there have been some authors who contend the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine PAI's is entirely dependent on a meticulous injection technique, however, comparative studies against traditional PAI ingredients with this recommended technique do not exist. In summary, the existing data supports that liposomal bupivacaine is an effective PAI that can be used to provide comparable pain relief to that achieved by regional blocks. However, liposomal bupivacaine has not been shown to provide superior pain relief when compared to traditional ropivacaine or bupivacaine PAI's in multimodal pain protocols after TKA. Further, liposomal bupivacaine is prohibitively priced at approximately six times that of ropivacaine-based PAI cocktails. Therefore, the “game changer” is likely the implementation of peri-articular injections as an essential component of multimodal pain control programs and NOT liposomal bupivacaine

The current study aims to find the role of Enhance Recovery Pathway (ERP) as a multidisciplinary approach aimed to expedite rapid recovery, reduce LOS, and minimize morbidity associated with Non Fusion Anterior Scoliosis Correction (NFASC) surgery. A retrospective analysis of 35 AIS patients who underwent NFASC with Lenke 1 and Lenke 5 curves with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up was done. Patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative analgesia, mobilization, length of stay (LOS), patient satisfaction survey score with respect to information and care, and 90 days complications were collected. The cohort included 34 females and 1 male with a mean age of 15.2 years at the time of surgery. There were 16 Lenke 1 and 19 Lenke 5 in the study. Mean preoperative major thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb's angle were 52˚±7.6˚ and 51˚±4.5˚ respectively. Average blood loss and surgical time were 102 ±6.4 ml and 168 ± 10.2 mins respectively. Average time to commencing solid food was 6.5±1.5 hrs. Average time to mobilization following surgery was 15.5± 4.3 hrs. The average duration to the stopping of the epidural was 42.5±3.5 hrs. The average dose of opioid consumption intraoperatively was 600.5±100.5 mcg of fentanyl i.v. and 12.5±4.5 mg morphine i.v. Postoperatively opioids were administered via an epidural catheter at a dose of 2 mg of morphine every 24 hours up to 2 days and an infusion of 2mcg/hr of fentanyl along with 0.12-0.15% ropivacaine. The average duration to transition to oral analgesia was 55.5±8.5 hrs .20 patients had urinary catheter and the average time to removal of the catheter was 17.5±1.4 hrs. 25 patients had a chest tube and the average time to remove of chest tube was 25.5±3.2 hrs. The average length of hospital stay was 3.1±0.5 days. No patient had postoperative ileus or requirement of blood transfusion or any other complications. No correlation was found between LOS and initial cobb angle. The application of ERP in AIS patients undergoing NFASC results in reduced LOS and indirectly the cost, reduced post-operative opioid use, and overall improve patient satisfaction score

Background. Total knee arthroplasty is associated with early postoperative pain. Appropriate pain management is important to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and positive functional outcomes. This study compares outcomes in TKA with three techniques; local infiltration analgesia, single shot femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine. Methods. Forty-five patients undergoing elective primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with were randomized into one of three groups in a double blind proof of concept study. Study arm 1 received local infiltration analgesia ropivacaine intra-operatively, an elastomeric device of ropivacaine for 24 hours post-op. Study arm 2 received a femoral nerve block of ropivacaine with placebo local infiltration analgesia and placebo intrathecal morphine. Study arm 3 received intrathecal morphine, placebo femoral nerve block and placebo local infiltration analgesia. All patients received standardized pre-operative, intraoperative and Post-operative analgesic medication. Participants were mobilized at 4 hrs, 24hrs and 48 hrs post operation. Range of Motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity scores and two minute walk test and Timed Up and Go test were performed. Postoperative use of analgesic drugs was recorded. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed at preoperative and 6 weeks post op. Results. Assessment of the efficacy of analgesia will be conducted using VAS pain scores collected preoperatively, 0–24hrs and 24–48 hours postoperatively between the three randomized groups. Frequency of use of other analgesia and need for PCA will be compared between groups at 0–24hr and 24–48hrs post operatively. The assessment of functional outcomes will be measured between the three groups by comparing the ability to mobilize the first 4 hrs after surgery, maximal flexion and extension, two minute walk test and timed up-and-go preoperatively, on postoperative day 1 and 2 and 6 weeks. Patient reported outcome measures KSS, Oxford Knee score and KOOS will be compared for the three study arms. Conclusion. Results from the study will provide important information for the management of TKA in the hospital setting. The comparison of the three commonly used analgesic techniques and mobilization outcomes are pertinent for physiotherapy and rehabilitation management, anaesthetic specialists, nursing staff, orthopaedic surgeons and patients

Total knee arthroplasty is associated with early postoperative pain. Appropriate pain management is important to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and positive functional outcomes. This study compares outcomes in TKA with three techniques; local infiltration analgesia, single shot femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine. Methods. Forty-five patients undergoing elective primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with were randomized into one of three groups in a double blind proof of concept study. Study arm 1 received local infiltration analgesia ropivacaine intra-operatively, an elastomeric device of ropivacaine for 24 hours post-op. Study arm 2 received a femoral nerve block of ropivacaine with placebo local infiltration analgesia and placebo intrathecal morphine. Study arm 3 received intrathecal morphine, placebo femoral nerve block and placebo local infiltration analgesia. All patients received standardized pre-operative, intraoperative and Post-operative analgesic medication. Participants were mobilized at 4 hrs, 24hrs and 48 hrs post operation. Range of Motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity scores and two minute walk test and Timed Up and Go test were performed. Postoperative use of analgesic drugs was recorded. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were completed at preoperative and 6 weeks post op. Results. Preliminary results of 32 participants convey the positive outcomes after total knee replacement demonstrated by the improvement in Oxford Knee Score and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score. There are marked improvements in the 2-minute walk tests at the six week time-point. At day one post-operative only 5 participants were unable to walk. Patient-controlled analgesia was used on 5 occasions on day one, 2 of which continued on day two. Sedation scores were recorded in six participants on day one and 2 on day two. Nausea was reported in 5 cases on day one and 9 on day two. Urinary catheter was needed in 5 cases on day one. Importantly the study remains blinded, therefore an analysis of the three study arms is not available and is therefore currently difficult to report on the statistical significance. There will be further assessment of the efficacy of analgesia using VAS pain scores, analgesia consumption and side effects collected preoperatively, 0–24hrs and 24–48 hours postoperatively between the three randomized groups. The assessment of functional outcomes will be measured between the three groups by comparing the ability to mobilize the first 4 hrs after surgery, maximal flexion and extension, two minute walk test and timed up-and-go preoperatively, on postoperative day 1 and 2 and 6 weeks. Conclusion. Results from the study will provide important information for the management of TKA in the hospital setting. We anticipate completion of all 45 surgeries in the next 2 months. The Blinding codes with be broken thereafter and full data analysis performed. The comparison of the three commonly used analgesic techniques and mobilization outcomes will allow enhanced management of patient's post-operative pain with earlier discharge from hospital an lower complication rates

The June 2012 Knee Roundup. 360. looks at: ACI and mosaicplasty; ACI after microfracture; exercise therapy and the degenerate medial meniscal tear; intra-articular bupivacaine or ropivacaine at knee arthroscopy; lateral trochlear inclination and patellofemoral osteoarthritis; bone loss and ACL reconstruction; assessing stability using the contralateral knee; tranexamic acid and a useful review of knee replacement

Background. The degree of postoperative pain is usually moderate to severe following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Comfort and lack of pain are important for optimal mobilization and earlier home discharge. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ropivacaine, a long- acting local anaesthetic, when infiltrated in the wound at the end of operation of THA. Methods. Seventy patients, 39 women and 31 men, ASA I-III, underwent Total Hip Arthroplasty in our clinic from January 2008 to June 2009. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group A, a solution of 100 ml Ropivacaine 2mg/ml (Naropeine 0,2%) was infiltrated in the deep tissues (capsule, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and rotators) (50 ml) while the fascia, subcutaneous tissues and skin were infiltrated with the remaining 50ml. Group B was the control group. All patients received standardized general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia and a PCA morphine using a self-administered pain pump was applied in the recovery room for 48 hours. All patients took 1gr x 3 Apotel i.v., 40mg x2 Dynastat i.v., and 4mg x2 Zofron i.v. for 48 hours postoperative. Pain scores with Visual Analogue Scale (0–10) at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, time to the first analgesic requirement and side effects were recorded. Results. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics of the patients and duration of the surgery between two groups. Morphine consumption was statistically significantly lower in group A for the first 48 hours, resulting in a lower frequency of nausea, itching and sedation. Postoperative pain levels at rest and during mobilization were statistically significantly lower in group A while median hospital stay was similar in both groups. Conclusion. Operative wound infiltration with ropivacaine reduces pain and the requirement for analgesics after hip replacement, leading to faster postoperative mobilization

Pain immediately following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often severe and can inhibit patients' rehabilitation. Recently, adductor canal blocks have been shown to provide adequate analgesia and spare quadriceps muscle strength in the early postoperative period. We devised a single injection motor sparing knee block (MSB) by targeting the adductor canal and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with a posterior knee infiltration under ultrasound. Our primary objective was to evaluate the analgesia duration of the MSB in comparison to a standard periarticular infiltration (PAI) analgesia using patients' first rescue analgesia as the end point. Secondary outcomes measured were quadriceps muscle strength and length of stay. We randomised 82 patients scheduled for elective TKA to receive either the preoperative MSB (0.5% ropivacaine, 2.5ug/ml epinephrine, 10mg morphine, and 30mg ketorolac) or intraoperative periarticular infiltration (0.3% ropivacaine, 2.5ug/ml epinephrine, 10mg morphine, and 30mg ketorolac). Duration of analgesia, postoperative quadriceps power, and length of stay were evaluated postoperatively. Analgesic duration was found to be significantly different between groups. The MSB had a mean duration of 18.06 ± 1.68 hours while the PAI group had a mean duration of 9.25 ± 1.68 hours for a mean difference of 8.8 hours (95% CI 3.98 to 13.62), p<0.01. There were no significant differences between groups in quadriceps muscle strength power at 20 minutes (p=0.91) or 6 hours (p=0.66) after block administration. Length of stay was also not significantly different between the groups (p=0.29). Motor sparing blocks provide longer analgesia than patients receiving periarticular infiltration while not significantly reducing quadriceps muscle strength or increasing length of hospital stay

This Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial outlines: how peri-articular intra-operative multimodal analgesia significantly reduces post-operative analgesia requirement. Sixty-four patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomised to receive a peri-articular intra-operative injection containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, epimorphine and epinephrine or nothing. Patients who received the injection demonstrated greater satisfaction and pain relief. Finally, patients in the injected group did not show any signs of cardio and central nervous system toxicity. Post-operative analgesia can be associated with troublesome side effects. Good peri-operative analgesia facilitates rehabilitation, improves patient satisfaction and may reduce hospital stay. The purpose of this study was to assess a novel cocktail for peri-articular analgesia after total knee replacement. Sixty-four patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomised to receive a peri-articular intra-operative injection containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, epimorphine and epinephrine or nothing. The anaesthetic analgesic regime was standardised. All patients received patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for twenty-four hours post surgery, followed by standard analgesia. VAS pain scores during activity and at rest and patient satisfaction scores were recorded pre and post operatively and at six week follow up. PCA consumption and overall analgesic requirement were measured. PCA use at six, twelve and over twenty-four hours post surgery was significantly less in patients receiving the injection (p< 0.01, p=0.016, p< 0.01). Patient satisfaction in PACU and four hours post operation was greater (p=0.016, p=0.013). VAS for pain during activity in PACU and at four hours were significantly less (p=0.04, p=0.007) in the injected group. The average ROM at six weeks was no different. Overall hospital stay and the incidence of wound complications were not different between the two groups. Peri-articular intra-operative multimodal analgesia significantly reduces post-operative analgesia requirement. Patient satisfaction and pain relief is greater in the injection group. No cardio and central nervous system toxicity was observed. Our novel cocktail of ketorolac, epimorphine, epinephrine and ropivacaine provides superior pain relief with no adverse side effects

Total arthroplasties are considered as severe and very painful operations, intra- and postoperatively. The operation is usually carried out under epidural anaesthesia via a catheter and it is logical to proceed for postoperative analgesia epidurally. In this study, two methods of epidural postoperative analgesia are compared: with infusion of a local anaesthetic alone or in combination with a small dose of opioid. Material-method: Twenty-five patients, scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplastie were studied. They were randomly allocated in two groups: in group LA they received an epidural infusion of 10 ml/h ropivacaine 0,2%, while in group OP they infused epidurally 5 ml/h of a mixture of morphine 3 ug/kg in ropivacaine 0,1%. The infusion was performed using disposable pumps. At 2–6-12–24–48 hour postoperatively, analgesia (at rest and movement, VAS 0–10), sedation (0–3) and motor blockade (Bromage 0–3) were evaluated and recorded. Additionally, side effects (pruritus, nausea-vomiting) as well as the need for rescue analgesic (paracetamol 500mg on patients demand) were recorded. Results: Demographic data of two groups were comparable. In general, postoperative analgesia was satisfactory in both groups. Pain was reported by: a) at 6 h 10% of patients in LA group (none in OP group) b) at 12 h 30% of patients in LA group and 10% in OP group c) at 24 h 10% of patients in LA group and 30% in OP group and d) at 48 h 10% of patients in LA group and 0% in OP group. The 10% of patients in OP group reported pruritus at 2 h after operation. The 10% of patients in LA group presented intence motor blockade (Bromage 3) at 12 and 24 h. in case of motor blockade the infusion was discontinued and the blockade was completely recovered after 1–2 hours. In 1 patient of LA group and 2 of OP group nausea and vomiting was observed, only at the first 2 h from the end of anaesthesia. The big percentage of patients (LA group: 12 h = 27%, 24 h = 45%• OP group: 24 h = 7%) that needed additional analgesics, is attributed to a discomfort of most patients, even under light pain. Conclusions: The epidural infusion of ropivacaine alone or in combination with low dose of morphine, can be considered effective and usefull method for postoperative analgesia in total hip or knee arthroplasties

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) can occur after elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. Effective treatment approaches for CPSP in this population have not been extensively investigated. The impact of multimodal strategies on CPSP following elective mid/hindfoot surgery is unknown due to both the heterogeneity of acute pain management and the lack of a recognized definition specific to this type of surgery. This study aimed to identify and evaluate current pain management strategies after elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. We conducted a systematic review under Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library) were electronically searched for English studies published between 1990 and July 2017. Reference lists of relevant systematic reviews were also manually searched. Comparative studies of adults undergoing elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery were included. Two reviewers independently reviewed studies and assessed their methodological quality. Of 1,159 studies, seven high-quality randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. Though all studies examined regional anesthesia techniques, intervention heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Participants were typically followed up to 48 hours post-operatively. Interventions effective at reducing postoperative pain and/or opioid consumption included inserting popliteal catheters under ultrasound instead of nerve stimulation guidance, infusing perineural dexamethasone, bupivacaine, or ropivacaine perioperatively, and adding a femoral catheter infusion to a popliteal catheter infusion. Only one study assessed pain six months following elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery, demonstrating significant pain reduction with activity with the addition of a femoral to popliteal catheter infusion. There is an overwhelming lack of evidence regarding CPSP and its management for patients undergoing elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. Although specific regional anesthesia techniques and adjuncts may be effective at reducing in-hospital pain and opioid consumption after elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery, our systematic review identified only seven studies addressing multimodal pain management in this population. Further comparative studies with longer-term follow-up are required

Introduction. Pain control following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) heavily influences timing of mobilization and rehabilitation postoperatively as well as length of hospital stay. Recently, periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine (EXPAREL®; Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California) has demonstrated pain relief comparable to femoral nerve block for postoperative analgesia in TKA with earlier mobilization and shortened hospital stay. In order to better explore the use of EXPAREL® in TKA, we standardized the postoperative analgesia to intraoperative periarticular injection of multimodal pain management, which is a recommended postoperative method of pain control in TKA. We studied the effectiveness of periarticular EXPAREL® in TKA postoperative pain control, including impact on early mobilization and length of hospital stay, compared to another local analgesic (Ropivacaine) when both are used as part of a multimodal pain management approach. Methods. We performed a double blind, randomized, controlled, prospective, IRB-approved study that enrolled 96 participants who underwent a unilateral TKA by one surgeon between May 2014 and March 2015. The two randomized groups were as follows: group 1 (control group) was given the standard intra-articular “pain cocktail” injection, consisting of ropivacaine, ketorolac, morphine, and epinephrine mixed with saline into a 100cc preparation and group 2 (study group) was given a similar intra-articular injection consisting of bupivacaine, ketorolac, morphine, and epinephrine mixed with saline into an 80cc preparation as well as an injection of EXPAREL®, 20cc of 1.3% EXPAREL®, to total 100cc. All patients included in the study were determined to be opioid naïve as described by the Food and Drug Administration criteria. Patients were treated with the same postoperative pain management protocol as well as the same post-operative physical therapy program. The consumption of oral and intravenous narcotics at specific time points as well as total use was recorded during hospital stay. We recorded Visual Analog Pain scores, hours to ambulate 100 feet and length of hospital stay (hours). Both the investigator and the patient were blinded as to which group the patient was randomized, making this a double blind study. Results. On a per hour basis, the mean use of narcotics of the two groups differed by only 0.1mg. For total narcotic use during hospital stay, the weighted sum used by patients in the EXPAREL® group, 97.7mg of hydrocodone ±42.84 mg, exceeded the weighted sum, 89.6 mg of hydrocodone ± 58.57 mg, used by patients in the control group. The difference between the two groups was not significant. The means for length of stay differed by only 26 minutes and the difference was not significant. Similarly insignificant, the means for the time to ambulate 100 feet differed by 53 minutes, with the EXPAREL® group actually taking the longer time. The two groups did not differ for Visual Analog Score for pain on day 1 or day 2 post-operatively. Conclusion. When comparing the use of EXPAREL® to another multimodal pain management approach using ropivacaine, there is no difference in post-operative opioid consumption, Visual Analong Scores for pain, amount of time to ambulate or length of hospital stay

Background. Evidence from recent trials has supported the efficacy of periarticular analgesic injection for pain control following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, no randomized controlled trial has compared the efficacy of periarticular analgesic injection with that of other regimens for simultaneous bilateral TKA. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which patients scheduled for simultaneous bilateral TKA were randomly assigned to receive periarticular analgesic injection or epidural analgesia. In the periarticular analgesic injection group, the injection contained 7.5 mg/ml ropivacaine 40 ml, 10 mg/ml morphine hydrochloride hydrate 1.0 ml, 1.0 mg/ml epinephrine 0.6 ml, methylprednisolone 80 mg, and ketoprofen 50 mg. These agents were mixed with normal saline to a combined volume of 120 ml. The 60 ml of the cocktail was injected into each knee. In the epidural analgesia group, the catheter was placed at the L2–3 or L3–4 level, and connected to an infusion pump delivering continuous infusion (flow rate: 4 ml/h) of 100 ml of 2 mg/ml ropivacaine plus 1.0 ml of 10 mg/ml morphine hydrochloride hydrate. Surgery was managed under spinal anaesthesia. Surgical techniques and postoperative medication protocols were identical in both groups. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain at rest, quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) of the score on a visual analogue scale. Results. Seventy-one patients with 142 knees were randomly assigned to receive periarticular analgesic injection or epidural analgesia. The flow chart presented in Figure 1 outlines the trial. The periarticular analgesic injection group had a significantly lower AUC at 4–24 hour compared with the epidural analgesia group (174.9 ± 181.5 versus 360.4 ± 360.6; p = 0.0073), while no difference in the AUC was noted at 24–72 hour (1388.1 ± 727.2 versus 1467.3 ± 810.1; p = 0.67). The consumption of diclofenac sodium suppositories as rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the periarticular analgesic injection group than in the epidural analgesia group on the night of surgery (0.16 ± 0.4 versus 0.70 ± 0.9; p = 0.0013). The incidence of nausea on the night of surgery and postoperative day 1 and that of pruritus were significantly lower in the periarticular analgesic injection group than in the epidural analgesia group (7.4 % versus 45.5 %; p = 0.0031, 7.4 % versus 54.5 %; P = 0.0003, and 0 % versus 15.2 %; p = 0.014, respectively). Conclusions. Compared with epidural analgesia, periarticular analgesic injection following simultaneous bilateral TKA was associated with better postoperative pain relief and decreased opioid-related side-effects. Periarticular analgesic injection is preferable to epidural analgesia for postoperative pain relief after simultaneous bilateral TKA

Introduction. Local anaesthetic has been reported to have a detrimental effect on human chondrocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Magnesium, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, may be an alternative intra-articular analgesic agent following arthroscopy. We aimed to report the dose response effect of commonly used local anaesthteitc on chondrocyte viability and also report on the effect of adding magnesium to local anaesthetic. Methods. Human chondrocytes were grown under standard conditions. Cells were exposed to either lignocaine (0.5, 1, 2%), levobupivacaine (0.125, 0.25, 0.5%), bupivacaine (0.125, −.25, 0.5%) or ropivacaine (0.1875, 0.375, 0.75%) for 15 minutes. Cells were also exposed to a local anesthetic agent with the addition of magnesium (10, 20, or 50%). Cells exposed to media or saline served as controls. The MTS assay was used to assess cell viability 24-hours after exposure. Results. One-way ANOVA showed an expected dose response in all local anaesthetic groups with the exception of lignocaine. Magnesium alone was no more toxic than normal saline (P>0.3). 50% magnesium showed similar effect on cell viability to the least toxic local anaesthetic (lignocaine 1%, P=0.31). The addition of magnesium to the local anesthetic agents resulted in greater cell viability than when cells were treated with the respective local anaesthetic alone (lignocaine (P=0.033), levobupivacaine (P=0.007), bupivacaine (P<0.001), ropivacaine (P<0.001)). Conclusion. We have shown that cell viability is greater in the presence of magnesium than selected local anaesthetics and also with the addition of magnesium to local anaesthetic compared to the local anesthetic agent alone. We believe that these findings offer support to an alternative intra-articular analgesia following arthroscopy

Dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2 agonist, has been approved for providing sedation in the intensive care unit. Along with sedative properties, it has analgesic activity through its highly selective action on alpha 2 receptors. Recent studies have examined the use of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. Studies showing effectiveness of dexmedetomidine for adductor canal block in knee surgery are small. Also, its effectiveness has not been compared to Epinephrine which is a strong alpha and beta receptor agonist. In a previous study, we showed that motor sparing knee blocks significantly increased the duration of analgesia compared with periarticular knee infiltration using local anesthetic mixture containing Epinephrine following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, we compared two local anesthetic mixtures: one containing Dexmedetomidine and the other Epinephrine for prolongation of motor sparing knee block in primary TKA patients. After local ethics board approval and gaining Notice of Compliance (NOC) from Health Canada for use of Dexmedetomidine perineurally, 70 patients between the ages 18 – 95 of ASA class I to III undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled. Motor sparing knee block − 1) Adductor canal continuous catheter 2) Single shot Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve block 3) Single shot posterior knee infiltration was performed in all patients using 60 ml mixture of 0.5% Ropivacaine, 10 mg Morphine, 30 mg Ketorolac. Patients randomized into the Dexmedetomidine group (D) received, in addition to the mixture, 1mcg/kg Dexmedetomidine and the Epinephrine (E) group received 200mcg in the mixture. The primary outcome was time to first rescue analgesia as a surrogate for duration of analgesia and secondary outcomes were NRS pain scores up to 24 hours and opioid consumption. The time to first rescue analgesia was not significantly different between Epinephrine and dexmedetomidine groups, Mean and SD 18.45 ± 12.98 hours vs 16.63 ± 11.80 hours with a mean difference of 1.82 hours (95% CI −4.54 to 8.18 hours) and p value of 0.57. Pain scores at 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours were comparable between groups. Mean NRS pain scores Epinephrine vs Dexmedetomidine groups were 1.03 vs 0.80 at 4 hours, 1.48 vs 3.03 at 6 hours, 3.97 vs 4.93 at 12 hours, 5.31 vs 6.18 and 6.59 v 6.12 at 24 hours. Opioid consumption was also not statistically significant between both groups at 6, 12 18, 24 hours (p values 0.18, 0.88, 0.09, 0.64 respectively). Dexmedetomidine does not prolong the duration of knee motor sparing blocks when compared to Epinephrine for total knee arthroplasty. Pain scores and opioid consumption was also comparable in both groups. Further studies using higher dose of dexmedetomidine are warranted