A compression bandage improves local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty

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.