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Published in: BMC Anesthesiology 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Does using a femoral nerve block for total knee replacement decrease postoperative delirium?

Authors: Sakura Kinjo, Eunjung Lim, Laura P Sands, Kevin J Bozic, Jacqueline M Leung

Published in: BMC Anesthesiology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

The effect of peripheral nerve blocks on postoperative delirium in older patients has not been studied. Peripheral nerve blocks may reduce the incidence of postoperative opioid use and its side effects such as delirium via opioid-sparing effect.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent total knee replacement. Baseline cognitive function was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Postoperative delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method postoperatively. Incidence of postoperative delirium was compared in two postoperative management groups: femoral nerve block ± patient-controlled analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia only. In addition, pain levels (using numeric rating scales) and opioid use were compared in two groups.

Results

85 patients were studied. The overall incidence of postoperative delirium either on postoperative day one or day two was 48.1%. Incidence of postoperative delirium in the femoral nerve block group was lower than patient controlled analgesia only group (25% vs. 61%, P = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to postoperative pain level or the amount of intravenous opioid use.

Conclusions

Femoral nerve block reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium. These results suggest that a larger randomized control trial is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Metadata
Title
Does using a femoral nerve block for total knee replacement decrease postoperative delirium?
Authors
Sakura Kinjo
Eunjung Lim
Laura P Sands
Kevin J Bozic
Jacqueline M Leung
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Anesthesiology / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2253
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2253-12-4

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