Impact of analgesic technique on immediate patient-reported outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

The choice of analgesic technique for total knee arthroplasty affects its rehabilitation and surgical outcomes. This study evaluates this choice on short-term postoperative quality of life.

In this prospective observational study, patients were categorised into two groups: epidural analgesia or peripheral nerve blocks. The medical and intraoperative data of 36 adult patients undergoing scheduled total knee arthroplasty was collected. The researchers applied the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), EuroQoL 5 Dimension Score (EQ-5D) and Clinical Frailty Scale questionnaires, preoperatively and at 48 hours postoperatively.

Both groups showed postoperative improvement in pain, mobility and perceived health status. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups across any of the outcome measures, suggesting comparable postoperative results.

Although epidural analgesia has traditionally been favoured, no clear advantage was identified. These results support the consideration of both techniques in clinical practice and highlight the need for further research on long-term, patient-centred recovery indicators.