Publication:

Efficacy of local anaesthetic cocktail infiltration in a total knee replacement: a prospective, randomized study

Background The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of local anaesthetic cocktail infiltration in pain management during a total knee arthroplasty.

Methods In this study we had 25 patients each in study and control group. The study group was infiltrated with the local anesthetic cocktail just before final implantation. Pain was documented by a visual analogue scale in a double blinded manner. Statistical significance was calculated using an unpaired “t” test.

Results In study group, pain levels were significantly lower as compared to control group for the first 48 hours after surgery with a ‘p’ value of 0.0224 (<0.05). The need of intravenous tramadol for breakthrough pain on the second day was significantly lower in study group as compared to control group with a ‘p’ value of 0.033(<0.05).

Conclusions This study shows that the local high volume anaesthetic infiltration is effective in reducing immediate postoperative pain and the need of IV opioids for the first 48 hours after surgery.