Comparing iPACK with Femoral Triangle Block Versus Surgical Local Infiltration Analgesia in Unilateral Total Knee Replacement Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two types of anesthetic techniques for patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty TKA. The study evaluates whether the combination of an iPACK block with a femoral triangle block is as effective as the surgical local infiltration analgesia LIA for pain control after knee replacement surgery. The goal is also to see if the iPACK technique reduces risks like accidental nerve damage or local anesthetic toxicity compared to the traditional LIA method. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group receives the iPACK block with femoral triangle block using ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance after spinal anesthesia, and the other group receives surgical LIA with ropivacaine. The iPACK group gets 12 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine for the femoral triangle block and 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine for the iPACK block, while the LIA group receives 120 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine for surgical infiltration. During the study, pain will be measured using the Numerical Rating Scale NRS at 8 hours and throughout the first 24 hours after surgery. Functional recovery tests and quality of life questionnaires will be done at baseline and follow-ups up to 6 months. Researchers will also monitor the need for rescue pain relief, rate of popliteal block, and time to discharge. The study includes double-blind monitoring and randomization, with participation lasting through hospital stay and follow-up visits.

BLOCK-study: Better Local Orthopedic Pain Control After Knee Arthroplasty