[Levobupivacaine vs. ropivacaine for continuous femoral analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].
BACKGROUND
Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine are both used for continuous femoral analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; however it is unknown whether both drugs are equally effective regarding pain control, preservation of mobility and patient satisfaction.


METHODS
In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial 84 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with quadruple hamstring tendons were studied. For postoperative pain therapy levobupivacaine 0.125%, ropivacaine 0.2% or placebo control with NaCl 0.9% at a rate of 6 ml/h were used for 48 h using a femoral nerve catheter. All patients also received an i.v. patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) pump with piritramide.


RESULTS
Patient satisfaction was significantly higher and night rest was better in both treatment groups compared to the placebo group but there appeared to be no major differences between the two local anesthetics. Opioid consumption was significantly higher in the placebo group compared to the levobupivacaine group but not the ropivacaine group. The pain scores showed a trend towards higher scores in the placebo group throughout but the difference only reached statistical significance on postoperative day 1. No statistical significant differences in motor block were found between the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative analgesia for ACL reconstruction during the first 48 h using femoral block with a continuous infusion of levobupivacaine 0.125% or ropivacaine 0.2% in combination with an IVPCA is similarly effective and better than a placebo. Both studied drugs seem to be equally appropriate for this purpose.
Klinik für Anästhesiologie m. S. operative Intensivmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Deutschland.
M
M
Schuster
L
L
Engelhardt
W
W
Erler
B
B
Dienert
M
M
Wagner
J
J
Birnbaum
T
T
Volk
D000328:Adult; D000577:Amides; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000077554:Levobupivacaine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010892:Pirinitramide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D055815:Young Adult
D000577:Amides; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D010892:Pirinitramide; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D000077554:Levobupivacaine; D002045:Bupivacaine
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