Comparison of two delivery methods of local anesthetic distribution after intra-articular knee injection.
We studied the intra-articular distribution of radiopaque dye to compare the efficacy of a continuous low-volume infusion with an intermittent high-volume bolus infusion. Knee arthroscopy patients were randomized with 10 cc of dye infused over 2.5 hours versus 10 cc bolus of dye. Radiographs were independently evaluated. Eleven knees (low-volume infusion) filled an average of 3 of 7 compartments, while 10 knees (bolus group) had complete filling of all seven compartments (P < .001). This study supports high-volume bolus injections of local anesthetics to achieve consistent distribution to all knee compartments while enhancing pain control.
Jones
Richard E
RE
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Veterans Administration Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA.
Gottlieb
Jamie
J
Kaiser
Bryan
B
Folk
Jason
J
Van Hal
Marvin
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000379:methods; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000379:methods*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000779:Anesthetics, Local