The aim of this study was to determine the optimal regimen for
the management of pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by
comparing the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of different protocols
implemented at a large, urban, academic medical centre. Between September 2013 and September 2015, we used a series of
modifications to our standard regimen for the management of pain
after TKA. In May 2014, there was a department-wide transition from
protocols focused on femoral nerve blocks (FNB) to periarticular
injections of liposomal bupivacaine. In February 2015, patient-controlled analgesia
(PCA) was removed from the protocol while continuing liposomal bupivacaine
injections. Quality measures and hospital costs were compared between
the three protocols.Aims
Patients and Methods