Adductor canal block for post-operative analgesia after total knee replacement: a randomized controlled trial to study the effect of addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine

Total knee replacement is almost alwaysassociated with severe post-operative pain. The current aim of adequateanalgesia and early ambulation is directed at decreased hospital stay andincreased patient satisfaction. Multimodal analgesia such as central andperipheral nerve blocks, NSAIDS, paracetamol, opioids, etc. is most suitablefor this surgery. However, in elderly patients there are concerns about the useof opioids and NSAIDs. The recent success of adductor canal block in providingpost-operative analgesia, along with the prospects of early ambulation hasevoked interest in studying the effects of local anesthetics like ropivacaine,and some adjuvants like dexmedetomidine. Both ropivacaine and dexmedetomidinehave been effectively and safely used in the past in other peripheral nerveblocks.The aim of this study is to compare the durationof analgesia of adductor canal block using ropivacaine with and without dexmedetomidineafter total knee replacement.The secondary outcomes will be the total 24hr opioid consumption, success of early ambulation, level of patient satisfaction,and any adverse effects following the study intervention.