Comparison of Femoral Nerve Block by Neurostimulator Accompanied with Ultrasound and Without Ultrasound in Knee Artroplsty

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare femoral nerve catheterisations made accompanying with neurostimulator without any guide or with ultrasound guide for the precedure period, postoperative effects and complication. Material and Method: Following ethical and patient approval, 40 patients on which total knee arthroplastie applied and ASA I-III aged between 45-85 years were included into the study. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups and subjected to femoral nerve catheterisation accompanying with neurostimulator using ultrasound guide or without any ultrasound guide. Total processing time of catheterisation, the period of sensible and motor block settelment and minimun stimulator currency were recorded. After compliting the surgery under general anaesthesia all patients were given bupivacain with controlled patient analgesia via their catheter. Total local anaesthetic agent consumption, additional tramadol amount needed as a saving analgesic, requirend times and maximum knee flexion degree in 24 hours were noted. Demographic data, surgical venture time of the patients and complications were also recorded. Results: Significant differences for demographic data and surgical venture time were similar to each other. There were no significant differences for the time of block application, the time of starting and settlement of motor and sensible block, total local anaesthetic consumbtion in 24 hours, savior analgesic requirement and maximum knee flexion within 24 hours. Discussion: Femoral nerve block provided same level of procedure performans and effective postoperative analgesia in the patient undergoing total knee arthroplastie with ultrasound guide or without any guide