A comparative study between continuous adductor canal block versus epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management in total knee arthroplasty patients

This study compares the postoperative analgesic efficacy of continuous adductor canal block (CACB) and continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) in patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia. A total of 80 ASA I–II patients aged 40–75 years will be allocated into two groups of 40 each. Group A will receive ultrasound-guided CACB with continuous infusion of 0.125% levobupivacaine with fentanyl, while Group B will receive continuous epidural infusion of the same drug combination. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Secondary outcomes include need for rescue analgesia, total opioid consumption, range of motion, day of ambulation, patient satisfaction scores, hemodynamic stability, and any complications encountered. The study aims to evaluate whether CACB provides effective pain relief with better preservation of motor function and fewer adverse effects compared to epidural analgesia, thereby supporting improved postoperative recovery after knee arthroplasty.