Knee arthroscopy and arthrotomy under local anesthesia.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Knee arthroscopy and arthrotomy are common orthopedic procedures.
• Evaluating the efficacy of local anesthesia for these interventions is crucial for patient comfort and procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and safety of local anesthesia for knee arthroscopy, with or without subsequent arthrotomy.
• To evaluate patient and staff perceptions of pain and procedural tolerance.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 64 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy under local anesthesia.
• 14 patients subsequently underwent arthrotomy.
• Pain assessment by patients and anesthetic personnel; supplementary analgesia administered as needed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pain scores between arthroscopy alone and arthroscopy followed by arthrotomy.
• 50% of patients reported no pain; only one patient found the procedure very painful.
• No procedures were abandoned due to pain; supplementary fentanyl was required in some cases.

Conclusions:

• Local anesthesia is a safe, practical, and well-tolerated method for diagnostic knee arthroscopy, arthroscopic surgery, and minor arthrotomy.
• It provides adequate pain control, minimizing the need for procedural abandonment.