Beyond the Scalpel: Functional Outcomes of Surgeon-Delivered Adductor Canal Block in Fifty Knees
Author : Dr. Swapnil B Choukhande, Dr. Sandeep V Gavhale, Dr. Vijay Chandele, Dr. Sawan I, Dr. Susovan Mandal and Dr. Suyash Raka
Abstract :
Introduction: Adequate pain control after total knee replacement (TKR) is essential to enable early mobilization and optimize functional recovery. Adductor canal block (ACB) provides effective analgesia while preserving quadriceps strength. This study reports functional outcomes of surgeon-administered ACB in 50 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral TKR.
Case Series: Fifty patients undergoing unilateral primary TKR between January 2023 and June 2023 received surgeon-administered ACB intraoperatively. Pain relief, time to mobilization, walking distance, and functional outcomes were prospectively recorded.
Results: Mean VAS pain score was 2.1 ± 0.7 at 6 h, 2.8 ± 0.9 at 12 h, 3.2 ± 1.0 at 24 h, and 2.5 ± 0.8 at 48 h. All patients achieved bedside mobilization within 12–24 h (mean 18.4 ± 3.6 h). The mean distance ambulated on day 2 was 38.2 ± 10.6 m. Oxford Knee Score improved from a preoperative mean of 22.6 ± 4.1 to 38.7 ± 3.5 at 6 weeks and 44.3 ± 2.9 at 3 months. No block-related complications were noted.
Conclusion: Surgeon-administered ACB is a safe, reproducible, and effective technique that provides reliable analgesia and facilitates early rehabilitation after TKR.
Keywords: Adductor canal block, surgeon-administered block, total knee replacement, functional outcomes, case series.
Clinical Message: Surgeon-administered ACB is a practical and effective method for pain control in TKR, ensuring reliable analgesia and early rehabilitation without added risks.
Keywords :
Adductor canal block, surgeon-administered block, total knee replacement, functional outcomes, case series.
