CLINICAL STUDY OF CONTINUOUS FEMORAL NERVE BLOCK WITH ROPIVACAINE OR LIDOCAINE ON POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AND REHABILITATION AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Objective: To observe the effect of continuous femoral nerve block with ropivacaine on postoperative pain and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods: Sixty ASA I~II patients undergoing unilateral TKA under general anesthesia were selected.They were randomly divided into three groups according to the postoperative analgesia regimens.The patients in group A were given continuous intravenous tramadol,the patients in group B and C received intermitted injection of 0.5% lidocaine or 0.2% ropivacaine through nerve block catheter.Postoperative analgesia therapy lasted for 3 days.Visual analogue score(VAS) pain scores,mobilization and complications were recorded.Results: The VAS pain scores at postoperative 6,24,32,48、56 and 72h in group B and C were significantly lower than those in group A.Frequency and duration of walking were higher and longer in group B and C than those in group A. Compared with group A,a significantly lower incidence of side effects was noted in group B and C.Conclusion: The continuous femoral nerve block with ropivacaine provides better pain relief with greater safety and fewer side effects.So it is considered to be an ideal analgesia method for TKA surgery.