Ultrasound Guided Adductor Canal Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block for Quadriceps Strength and Fall-risk

The Effects of Ultrasound Guided Adductor Canal Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block on Quadriceps Strength and Fall-risk: a Blinded Randomized Trial of Volunteers

Our objective was to determine if an ultrasound guided ACB can preserve quadriceps strength, thus minimizing weakness of knee extension compared with ultrasound guided femoral nerve block. Our primary outcome was the percent of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of knee extension preserved at 30 mins after either an ACB or FNB. Secondary outcomes included MVIC of knee extension at 60 min, hip adduction at 30 and 60 mins, and assessment of fall risk with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at 30 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (>18yrs)
• ASA 1-2

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI >30
• Allergy to local anesthetics
• Pre-existing gait disturbance
• Pre-existing neuropathy