Evaluation of adductor canal blockage in postoperative analgesia and early functional results in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
PAM Milhomem, EL Da Costa, CLM Braga, GG Ribeiro, TAC De Souza, ID De AraújoObjectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adductor canal block on postoperative analgesia and early functional outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Methods
A prospective study design was used with a group of patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with adductor canal block and another control group without the block. Postoperative pain levels, the need for additional analgesics, knee function and range of motion were assessed.
Results
Patients undergoing adductor canal block had significantly lower levels of postoperative pain (mean of 2.3 ± 0.5 on the pain scale) compared to the control group (mean of 4.1 ± 0. 7 on the pain scale). Furthermore, the adductor block group had a lower need for additional analgesics in the first 24 hours after surgery. Regarding functional results, there was no significant difference in knee function or range of motion between the groups.
Conclusion
Adductor canal block has been shown to be effective in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, reducing the need for additional analgesics in the first hours after surgery. However, there was no significant impact on early knee functional outcomes. This study provides moderate-level evidence on the usefulness of adductor block for postoperative analgesia in ACL surgery.