The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Postoperative Opioid Use After Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Opioid Requirements Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double Blind, Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluates the effect of a femoral nerve block on opioid requirements following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This is a double blind, prospective randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Schedule for primary elective anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
• Tolerance to bupivacaine
• Tolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who received a femoral nerve block more than 1 hour prior to surgery
• Complex associated injuries or pre-existing conditions that will delay time to ambulation
• Children with tibial avulsion fractures
• Allergic and/or sensitive to bupivacaine and/or NSAIDs
• 30% over ideal body weight
• Acute ACL reconstruction (done less than 2 weeks after injury)
• Pre-existing femoral nerve injury
• Psychiatric patients on psychotropic agents
• History of drug or alcohol dependence or recreational drug use
• Refusal to provide informed consent