Chronic post-surgical pain after knee arthroplasty: a role of peripheral nerve blocks

Introduction Peripheral nerve blocks are an efficient method of pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is no report of their impact on chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). Methods This prospective observational study aimed to assess adductor canal block (ACB) and IPACK block (blocks vs. no blocks) on opioid consumption, postoperative pain score, chronic post-surgical pain 2 years after TKA. Results 166 patients (82 vs. 84) were analyzed. Opioid consumption was less in the group with blocks (9.74 +/- 3.87 mg vs. 30.63 +/- 11.52 mg) (p < 0.001). CPSP was present in 20.24% of patients in the group without blocks and 6.1% of patients with blocks (p = 0.011). Predictor variables of CPSP included pain before surgery (cut-off of 5.5), pain at rest (cut-off of 2.35), pain during active movement (cut-off: 2.5), and opioid consumption (cut-off: 8 mg). Conclusion Peripheral nerve blocks provide adequate analgesia, significantly decrease opioid consumption, improve functional outcomes, and reduce CPSP 2 years after surgery.