A compression bandage improves local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: High-volume local infiltration analgesia has been shown to be an effective pain treatment after knee replacement, but the role of bandaging to prolong analgesia has not been evaluated.

Methods: 48 patients undergoing fast-track total knee replacement with high-volume (170 mL) 0.2% ropivacaine infiltration analgesia were randomized to receive a compression or a non-compression bandage, and pain was assessed at rest and with mobilization at regular intervals for 24 h postoperatively.

Results: Pain at rest, during flexion, or on straight leg lift was lower for the first 8 h in patients with compression bandage than in those with non-compression bandage and with a similar low use of oxycodone. Mean hospital stay was similar (2.8 days and 3.3 days, respectively).

Interpretation: A compression bandage is recommended to improve analgesia after high-volume local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty.