High-volume infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: High-volume infiltration analgesia may be effective with a low risk of side effects in hip and knee arthroplasty. The present placebo-controlled study was carried out to evaluate the analgesic effect of high-volume infiltration analgesia in bilateral total knee arthroplasty, along with a detailed description of the infiltration technique.

METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 12 patients undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty, saline or high-volume (170 ml) ropivacaine (0.2%) with epinephrine was infiltrated around each knee, with repeated doses administered through an intra-articular catheter for 24 h and pain and opioid requirements assessed for 48 h in a fast-track setting.

RESULTS: Pain at rest and during movement was significantly reduced for up to 32 h with the high-volume local anesthetic infiltration technique. No major side effects were observed. The median hospital stay was 4 days.

CONCLUSION: High-volume infiltration analgesia is effective in knee arthroplasty and, due to its simplicity, may be preferable compared with other analgesic techniques in knee arthroplasty.