Adductor Canal Nerve Block Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Adductor Canal Nerve Block Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Prospective Study Comparing High vs. Low Volume Bolus of 0.33% Ropivacaine

The purpose of this study is that an adductor canal nerve block (putting numbing medicine near the nerve) has been shown to produce excellent pain relief with less pain medication use after knee replacement surgery.The investigators will be comparing the amount of pain relief following knee replacement surgery when you have a nerve block in place. There will be approximately 66 subjects participating in this study. After surgery subjects will receive numbing medication every 6 hours for 48 hours. Subjects will also receive a morphine PCA (patient controlled analgesia) after surgery and pain medication by mouth every 4 hours around the clock with the option to receive more pain medication if needed. Subjects will participate in the study up to 3 days.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Is the subject undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty?
2. Is the subject 18 to 99 years of age?
3. Is the subject ASA class 1, 2, or 3?
4. Does the subject have a BMI less than 35?
5. Can the subject consent in the English language?

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Does subject have an allergy to drugs used in this study;
2. Does subject have a daily intake of opiate medications that are considered stronger than hydrocodone?
3. Does subject have a history of alcohol or drug abuse
4. Has subject had a previous total knee arthroplasty?
5. Has subject had any neurologic deficits in the lower extremity being studied?