Continuous Femoral Nerve Blockade versus Continuous Epidural Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Relief in Knee Surgeries

Abstract Background The progression of osteoarthritis is characteristically slow, occurring over several years or decades. Over this period, the patient can become less and less active and thus more susceptible to morbidities related to decreasing physical activity (including potential weight gain). Early in the disease process, the joints may appear normal. However, the patient’s gait may be antalgic if weight-bearing joints are involved. Objective Compare the benefits of continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) with those of continuous epidural analgesia CEPA for postoperative pain management after Knee surgeries. Methods This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Ain Shams University Hospitals after obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee of Ain Shams University during a period of three months. Patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA for osteoarthritis, were recruited at least one day prior to the scheduled surgery, male and female patients. Results There was significant difference in terms of pain scoring between continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) in the first 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours but non significant difference in incidence of side effects Conclusion Our study showed that CEA had optimal analgesia and pain control than CFNB in management of post operative pain after total knee replacement.