Effects of ultrasound-guided adductor canal block on postoperative quality of recovery after arthroscopy knee surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery patients may experience discomfort, distress and pain following surgery with approximately 70% incidence of postoperative moderate-to-severe pain reported. These factors could affect the recovery of patients and extend discharge. Many studies have indicated that femoral nerve block(FNB) could relieve pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, FNB has been associated with quadriceps weakness, the risk of falling and delayed mobilization. In recent years, the adductor canal block(ACB) was shown to relieve pain and reduce morphine consumption after arthroscopic knee surgery with minor effects on muscle strength. A meta-analysis indicated that ACB provides better ambulation ability and pain control when compared with FNB and improve functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Although these advantages should be evaluated, the effects of ACB on the quality of recovery from patient’s perspective were not documented. The aim of the current trial was to assess the effect of pre-operative ultrasound-guided ACB on the quality of recovery after arthroscopic knee surgery.