BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the novel needle-over-cannula vs. the Braun continuous peripheral nerve block catheter set (Contiplex A) in postoperative analgesics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to Braun continuous peripheral nerve block catheter set group (Braun Group, n=30) or the novel needle-over-cannula group (Cannula Group, n=30). All the patients in the 2 groups received continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) for postoperative analgesics.

RESULTS: We found no significant difference in analgesic effect between the 2 groups. The time of catheter or cannula insertion was shorter in the Cannula Group than in the Braun Group. Four (13.32%) out of 30 patients had failed catheter insertions in the Braun Group compared to none in the Cannula Group. Twelve (46%) out of 26 patients in the Braun Group had serious local anesthetic leakage at puncture sites during 12 h compared to none in the Cannula Group.

CONCLUSIONS: The novel needle-over-cannula is effective, convenient, and safe in CFNB after TKA.

Keywords: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee, Analgesics - administration & dosage, catheters, Femoral Nerve - drug effects, Needles, Nerve Block - methods, Postoperative Care, Single-Blind Method