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The efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine in parasacral ischial plane block for pain management after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Pan X, Ye P, Zheng T, Gong C, Zheng C, Zheng X

Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025

23 participants · 5 citations

Abstract

Background: Utilizing liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for postoperative analgesia post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is prevalent. However, its effectiveness in pain control, specifically in the parasacral ischial plane block (PIPB) post-TKA, remains unknown.

Methods: This single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial recruited patients scheduled for unilateral TKA. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 133 mg (Group A) or 266 mg (Group B) LB using the block randomization method. The PIPB effectiveness was assessed by evaluating changes in sensory and motor functions. The primary outcome was the cumulative area under the curve (AUC) of the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at rest within 72 h postoperatively. All patients were included in the analyses of analgesic efficacy, rehabilitation quality, and adverse events.

Results: Between January 30, 2024, and May 1, 2024, 45 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to Group A (n = 22) and Group B (n = 23). A significant between-group difference was observed in the NRS-AUC0-72 h at rest postoperatively (132.3 ± 19.7 vs. 97.3 ± 19.1, p = 0.001), but none was observed in NRS-AUC0-72 h during activity (p = 0.642). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant between-group differences in the median onset times of sensory [60 vs. 35(min), p < 0.0001] and motor blocks [85 vs. 50(min), p < 0.0001]. The onset time of sensory block was notably shorter than that of motor block in both groups. No…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 23 participants or records.

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