Background and Aims Periarticular infiltration (PAI) and adductor canal block (ACB) have become popular modes of pain management after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of ACB combined with PAI in comparison with PAI alone for pain control and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty.

Methods This study is a prospective observational study that is conducted at a single university hospital in Belgium. Thirty six patients operated on for primary knee arthroplasty in the enhanced recovery pathway were included. Patients who received the ACB combined with PAI (n=18) were compared with those who received the PAI alone (n=18). The primary outcome is visual analog scale score (VAS) at recovery room to patient mobilization at 24 hours after surgery, whereas the secondary outcomes include satisfaction, opioid consumption, length of hospital stay and complications. The study is approved by the Ethics committee of CHU Charleroi, Belgium (CCB: B325201942327, on 27/11/2019).

Results In the ACB+PAI, the VAS are better than the group of PAI alone at 12 hours after surgery and at the mobilization (24 hours after surgery) (p- value=0,011; 0,001). The morphine consumption is clearly reduced during this period in the group ACB+PAI (p-value=0,006; 0,009). Patient satisfaction is also better when BCA is added (p-value=0,008). The length of hospital stay is less long in the ACB+PAI group (p-value=0,007). No significant difference in complications.

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Abstract EP198 Figure 1

Committee ethics file

Conclusions The adductor canal block provides better control of analgesia , with more satisfied patients compared to the PAI alone group.