Distribution of Injectate and Sensory-Motor Blockade After Adductor Canal Block

Anesth Analg. 2016 Jan;122(1):279-82. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001025.

Abstract

Background: The analgesic efficacy reported for the adductor canal block may be related to the spread of local anesthetic outside the adductor canal.

Methods: Fifteen patients undergoing knee surgery received ultrasound-guided injections of local anesthetic at the level of the adductor hiatus. Sensory-motor block and spread of contrast solution were assessed.

Results: Sensation was rated as "markedly diminished" or "absent" in the saphenous nerve distribution and "slightly diminished" in the sciatic nerve territory without motor deficits. Contrast solution was found in the popliteal fossa.

Conclusions: The spread of injectate to the popliteal fossa may contribute to the analgesic efficacy of adductor canal block.

Publication types

  • Clinical Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage*
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects
  • Anesthetics, Local / pharmacokinetics*
  • Belgium
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Contrast Media / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / innervation*
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Male
  • Mepivacaine / administration & dosage*
  • Mepivacaine / adverse effects
  • Mepivacaine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Nerve Block / adverse effects
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Pain Threshold / drug effects*
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Contrast Media
  • Mepivacaine