Nerve blocks of the lower limb as a component of analgesia after knee arthroplasty
https://doi.org/10.51523/2708-6011.2026-23-1-03
Abstract
Objective. To assess the effect of nerve blocks on pain relief and motor function of the lower limb after total knee arthroplasty.
Materials and methods. The study included 63 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Group 1 consisted of 29 patients who underwent blockades of the peripheral nerves of the lower limb (n.tibialis, n.saphenus, n. to vastus medialis, n.obturatorius and anterior cutaneous branches of the femoral nerve) after surgery. Group 2 consisted of 34 patients without blocks. Pain syndrome was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after surgery. The Medical Research Council Muscle Scale (MRC) was used to assess the strength of the quadriceps of femor in 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 hours after surgery.
Results. Throughout all postoperative stages of the study, significantly lower pain scores were found in the group of patients who underwent nerve blockade after total knee arthroplasty, p<0.05. Significant differences in quadriceps strength between the groups were found only in 3 hours after surgery: in the group 1 – 3 [2; 4] points, and in the group 2 – 4 [3; 5] points (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Nerve blocks of the lower limb effectively reduce pain after knee arthroplasty, and in 20.7% of cases allow early mobilization of patients.
About the Authors
N. E. Viktorovich
Mogilev Clinical Hospital of Emergency Care; Gomel State Medical University
Belarus
Belarus
Nikita E. Viktorovich, Anesthesiologist and Resuscitator of the Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Department №1; Assistant at the Branch of Departments of Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation, and Urology
Mogilev
Gomel
D. P. Markevich
Mogilev Clinical Hospital of Emergency Care; Gomel State Medical University
Belarus
Belarus
Denis P. Markevich, Anesthesiologist and Resuscitator (Head) of the Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Department № 1; Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Department, Head of the Branch of Departments of Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation, and Urology
Mogilev
Gomel
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Review
For citations:
Viktorovich N.E., Markevich D.P. Nerve blocks of the lower limb as a component of analgesia after knee arthroplasty. Health and Ecology Issues. 2026;23(1):28-34. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.51523/2708-6011.2026-23-1-03
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