Effect of continuous femoral nerve block and epidural analgesia on rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty surgery

[Objective]To compare the effects of continuous femoral nerve block(CFNB) and epidural analgesia(CEA) on rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) surgery. [Methods]Fifty patients undergoing unilateral TKA surgery were randomly divided into group CFNB(n=25) and group CEA(n=25).All patients were received unilateral spinal anesthesia with 0.5% dicaine and given analgesia with 0.2 % ropivacaine with 1ug/ml sufentanil.VAS pain scores during rest and continuous passive movement(CPM) at each time point was recorded.Other parameter such as the angle of initiative flections,blood loss at 6 h post operation,the concentration of serum hemoglobin at 24 h,48 h and side effect were recorded.[Results]The VAS pain scores during test had no significant difference between two groups.The VAS scores of CPM at 24 h and 48 h in group CFNB were obvious lower(3.68±0.93 and 3.93±0.78) than those in group CEA.The initiative flections were similar at 12 and 24 hours after operation.The concentration of hemoglobin at 6 h after operation was lower than that before operation.After reinfusion it was increased but did not reach the level before operation.The incidence of side effects was not noted in both groups.[Conclusion]After TKA surgery,the continuous femoral nerve block can provide better pain relief.No adverse impact on rehabilitation movement of operated legs or blood loss and has less side effect.Therefore,it should be considered an alternative analgesia method after TKA.