Efficacy of perineural dexamethasone with ropivacaine in adductor canal block for post‑operative analgesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial

Adductor canal block (ACB) is an effective analgesic alternative to femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine for ACB is able to prolong analgesia and reduce pain. Study participants were randomized into groups receiving ACB with either 0.5% ropivacaine + normal saline (control group; n=93) or 0.5% ropivacaine + 8 mg dexamethasone (dexamethasone group; n=93). All patients were subjected to identical peri‑operative management. Patients were assessed for the duration of analgesia by the return of pinprick sensation. A numerical rating scale, ranging from 0 to 10, was used to assess post‑operative pain at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 h. Opioid use was recorded. Serum C‑reactive protein and interleukin‑6 levels were measured at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The results revealed that the duration of sensory block was significantly longer in the dexamethasone group (23.42±3.35 vs. 14.67±2.96 h in control group, P<0.05). The dexamethasone group also had significantly lower pain scores at 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.001), and at 48 h, pain was comparable in the two groups. Reduction in post‑operative pain was associated with a decrease in serum C‑reactive protein. Morphine use in the first 24 h after surgery was also lower in the dexamethasone group (4.23±1.80 vs. 8.42±2.44 mg in control group, P<0.05). In conclusion, addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine for ACB was able to prolong the duration of analgesia and decreased early post‑operative pain following TKA.