[Continuous femoral nerve block to control postoperative pain in outpatient orthopedic surgery]. / Bloqueo femoral continuo para control del dolor postoperatorio en cirugía ortopédica ambulatoria.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain is one of the most frequent complications of outpatient orthopedic surgery. We therefore studied the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the continuous femoral nerve block as an analgesic technique for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a single-blind prospective study of ASA 1-2 patients who received a continuous femoral nerve block with 0.125% bupivacaine through an elastomeric pump to treat postoperative pain as part of a multimodal approach. Postoperative pain was assessed on a verbal numerical scale from the immediate postoperative period until 48 hours after the operation. Side effects and patient satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were enrolled. The continuous femoral nerve block was effective in the first 24 hours following surgery 90% of patients had mild or no pain, and 92% required no rescue medication. It also proved safe, as there were no significant side effects. CONCLUSION: The continuous femoral nerve block with 0.125% bupivacaine is a safe, effective option for the management of postoperative pain in outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.