Dexmedetomidine in Different Dose Levels as Adjuvant to Bupivacaine-induced Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Block.

The Effects of Different Dose Levels of Peri-neural Dexmedetomidine on the Pharmacodynamic and Side Effects Profiles of 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 in different dose levels 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 arthroscopic knee surgery

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