Comparative Evaluation of Analgesic Efficacy of Adductor Canal Block Versus Intravenous Diclofenac in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Adductor canal block is a new and promising approach for providing postoperative pain relief in arthroscopic knee surgery. AIM: The aim is to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of adductor canal block and intravenous (i.v.) diclofenac in patients undergoing knee arthroscopic surgeries. SET AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized double-blinded comparative study comprising 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status Classes I and II patients posted for unilateral knee arthroscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each. Patients were given general anaesthesia with fentanyl, propofol, and vecuronium. Ultrasound (USG) guided adductor canal block with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine was given in Group A patients and patients in Group B received i.v. diclofenac before extubation. After adequate recovery, patients were shifted to postanesthetic care unit. Visual Analogue Scale score was assessed at rest, on standing and on walking 3 m. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's independent t-test was employed for comparing continuous variables. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, whichever is appropriate, was applied for comparing categorical variables. RESULTS: The mean duration of analgesia was longer in Group A as compared to Group B and mean consumption of rescue analgesic was lower in Group A. Both were statistically significant. No significant postoperative complications or local side effects related to the block were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Adductor canal block provides a longer duration of postoperative analgesia promotes early mobilization and has a good safety profile in unilateral knee arthroscopic surgeries.