Early versus delayed postoperative adductor canal block in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: We hypothesized that patients who received an adductor canal block (ACB) in the operating room following unilateral total knee arthroplasty would have a lower oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption during the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) phase 1 recovery period compared to patients who received an ACB in the PACU. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent robotic-assisted unilateral total knee arthroplasty under general anesthesia between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021, and received postoperative ACB either in the operating room or the PACU. Results: < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Patients who received an ACB in the operating room did not have a lower OME consumption than patients who received an ACB in the PACU but did have a shorter PACU length of stay.