Migration rate of proximal adductor canal block catheters placed parallel versus perpendicular to the nerve after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Perineural catheters placed parallel to the nerve course are reported to have lower migration rates than those placed perpendicular to it. However, catheter migration rates for a continuous adductor canal block (ACB) remain unknown. This study compared postoperative migration rates of proximal ACB catheters placed parallel and perpendicular to the saphenous nerve. METHODS: Seventy participants scheduled for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned for parallel or perpendicular placement of the ACB catheter. The primary outcome was the migration rate of the ACB catheter on postoperative day (POD) 2. Catheter migration was defined as being unable to confirm saline administration via the catheter around the saphenous nerve at the mid-thigh level under ultrasound guidance. Secondary outcomes included active and passive range of motion (ROM) of the knee on postoperative rehabilitation. RESULTS: Sixty-seven participants were included in the final analyses. The catheter migrated significantly less often in the parallel group (5 of 34 (14.7%)) than in the perpendicular group (24 of 33 (72.7%)) (p<0.001). The mean (SD) active and passive knee flexion ROM (degrees) improved significantly in the parallel than in the perpendicular group (POD 1: active, 88.4 (13.2) vs 80.0 (12.4), p=0.011; passive, 95.6 (12.8) vs 85.7 (13.6), p=0.004; POD 2: active, 88.7 (13.4) vs 82.2 (11.5), p=0.036; passive, 97.2 (12.8) vs 91.0 (12.0), p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Parallel placement of the ACB catheter provided a lower postoperative catheter migration rate than perpendicular placement of the ACB catheter along with corresponding improvements in ROM and secondary analgesic outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000045374.

A case report of seizure during emergence from general anesthesia after lumbar spinal surgery-common cases can develop potentially life-threatening adverse intracranial events.

BACKGROUND: Adverse intracranial events after spinal surgery were related with intracranial hypotension due to surgical injury of dura mater. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old woman received posterior lumbar interbody fusion under general anesthesia. Immediately after the patient was transitioned to the supine position and muscular relaxants were reversed, she developed generalized seizure. The seizure was immediately suppressed with propofol. Brain computed tomography was unremarkable. Although she returned to the surgical suite, an evident point of dural laceration was not found. The dura was covered with fibrin glue. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on postoperative day 1. By postoperative day 2, the seizure had resolved. The cause of her seizure was suspected to be SAH due to intracranial hypotension. Seizure was masked by ongoing anesthesia and muscle relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: Although spinal surgeries are common procedure, we must carefully consider its related potentially life-threatening adverse events.