Introduction. Multimodal pain management strategies are now commonplace in perioperative management of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although controversy remains regarding the role of adductor canal blocks (ACB) in this algorithm. Proposed benefits include theoretical decreased role of perioperative narcotic pain medication, improved function with physical therapy postoperatively, shorter duration of hospital stay and improved patient satisfaction. Those opposed cite increased cost and risk of complications including inadvertent motor blockade. The purpose of this study was to independently evaluate the effect of adductor canal block on short-term post-operative outcomes including (1) length of stay (LOS), (2) post-operative narcotic utilization, and (3) function with physical therapy in the era of modern TKA. Methods. Our institutional database was utilized to retrospectively identify a cohort of consecutive patients from January 2014-January 2018 who had undergone unilateral primary TKA with a single surgeon utilizing a preoperative single-shot ACB in addition to a standardized multimodal pain regimen versus those that only received the same multimodal pain regimen (no-ACB). The primary reason that a patient did not receive a preoperative block was lack of availability of the block team The time period of interest was selected based on the implementation of our current pain protocols. The multimodal pain regimen consists of: preoperative Tylenol, a periarticular injection intraoperatively including 0.5% Marcaine and Toradol, IV Toradol postoperatively, Percocet, Celebrex and IV narcotic medication for breakthrough pain. These 2 groups were compared utilizing independent sample T-tests with primary endpoints of interest being LOS (in total hours and as %day 1 discharges (%POD1)), distance ambulated with inpatient therapy on postoperative day 1, and inpatient narcotic use as measured in morphine equivalents per hour. A sub-cohort of patients with adductor canal block was then selected based on time of surgery to control for time of discharge and hours in the hospital to isolate the effect of the block. Results. There were 624 patients in the ACB group, with a mean age of 64.5 years. The group without ACB consisted of 69 patients, with a mean age of 67.2 years. The no-ACB group was slightly older (p=0.024) but not significantly different in terms of BMI (32.6 vs 31.7, p=0.291). The ACB group ambulated significantly further with inpatient therapy on postoperative day 1 (75.8 vs 59.9 ft, p=0.008), had a shorter LOS in both total hours and %POD1 (34.8 vs 40.6 hours, p=0.01, 83% vs 66.6%, p=0.01). Finally, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in narcotic utilization postoperatively (2.361 vs 2.0 97, p=0.088). The subcohort of patients that had adductor canal blocks who had their surgery in the afternoon (n=157) were compared to the remainder of the patients to control for LOS data and no statistical differences were seen in either total hospital hours or %POD1. Conclusion. Adductor canal blocks did not decrease post-operative pain medication utilization. The modest improvement in distance ambulated with therapy on POD1 (16 ft) and length of stay (16% greater POD1 discharges) of hospitalization may not support the cost effectiveness of this intervention

Pain, swelling and inflammation are expected during the recovery from total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. The severity of these factors and how a patient copes with them may determine the ultimate outcome of a TKA. Cryotherapy and compression are frequently used modalities to mitigate these commonly experienced sequelae. However, their effect on range of motion, functional testing, and narcotic consumption has not been well-studied. A prospective, multi-center, randomised trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a cryopneumatic device on post-operative TKA recovery. Patients were randomised to treatment with a cryopneumatic device or ice with static compression. A total of 280 patients were enrolled at 11 international sites. Both treatments were initiated within three hours post-operation and used at least four times per day for two weeks. The cryopneumatic device was titrated for cooling and pressure by the patient to their comfort level. Patients were evaluated by physical therapists blinded to the treatment arm. Range of motion (ROM), knee girth, six minute walk test (6MWT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were measured pre-operatively, two- and six-weeks post-operatively. A visual analog pain score and narcotic consumption was also measured post-operatively. At two weeks post-operatively, both the treatment and control groups had diminished ROM and function compared to pre-operatively. Both groups had increased knee girth compared to pre- operatively. There was no significant difference in ROM, 6MWT, TUG, or knee girth between the 2 groups. We did find a significantly lower amount of narcotic consumption (509 mg morphine equivalents) in the treatment group compared with the control group (680 mg morphine equivalents) at up to two weeks postop, when the cryopneumatic device was being used (p < 0.05). Between two and six weeks, there was no difference in the total amount of narcotics consumed between the two groups. At six weeks, there was a trend toward a greater distance walked in the 6MWT in the treatment group (29.4 meters versus 7.9 meters, p = 0.13). There was a significant difference in the satisfaction scores of patients with their cooling regimen, with greater satisfaction in the treatment group (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in ROM, TUG, VAS, or knee girth at six weeks. There was no difference in adverse events or compliance between the two groups. A cryopneumatic device used after TKA appeared to decrease the need for narcotic medication from hospital discharge to 2 weeks post-operatively. There was also a trend toward a greater distance walked in the 6MWT. Patient satisfaction with the cryopneumatic cooling regimen was significantly higher than with the control treatment.

Aims

Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of a periarticular injection protocol continues to be a highly debated topic in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated the effect of discontinuing the use of LB in a periarticular protocol on immediate postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to use pharmacogenetics to determine the frequency of genetic variants in our total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients that could affect postoperative pain medications. Pharmacogenetic testing evaluates patient DNA to determine if a drug is expected to have a normal clinical effect, heightened effect, or no effect at all on the patient. It also predicts whether patients are likely to experience side effects from medicine. We further sought to determine if changing the multimodal programme based on these results would improve pain control or reduce side effects.

Aims

Postoperative range of movement (ROM) is an important measure of successful and satisfying total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Reduced postoperative ROM may be evident in up to 20% of all TKAs and negatively affects satisfaction. To improve ROM, manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) may be performed. Historically, a limited ROM preoperatively was used as the key harbinger of the postoperative ROM. However, comorbidities may also be useful in predicting postoperative stiffness. The goal was to assess preoperative comorbidities in patients undergoing TKA relative to incidence of postoperative MUA. The hope is to forecast those who may be at increased risk and determine if MUA is an effective form of treatment.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the general postoperative opioid consumption and rate of appropriate disposal of excess opioid prescriptions in patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims

Adductor canal block (ACB) has emerged as an alternative to femoral nerve block (FNB) for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The optimal duration of maintenance of the ACB is still questionable. The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic benefits and physiotherapy (PT) outcomes of single-shot ACB to two different regimens of infusion of the continuous ACB, 24-hour and 48-hour infusion.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in opioid use after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), to identify predictors of prolonged use and to compare the rates of opioid use after UKA, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).