Perineural Dexmedetomidine and Femoral Nerve Block

Perineural Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine-induced Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Block.

The duration of sensory block after single dose of long acting local anesthetics is not sufficient to avoid the postoperative use of opioids. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists such as clonidine have been shown to increase the duration of peripheral nerve block. Dexmedetomidine is a more potent and selective α-2-adrenoceptor compared to clonidine. To the best of our knowledge, the use of Dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to local anesthetic was not previously reported for femoral nerve block.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all patients with ASA physical status I or II, scheduled for diagnostic knee arthroscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are refusing regional block, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, renal or hepatic dysfunction, inflammation or infection at the puncture site, and history of allergic reaction to study medications