Periarticular Injection After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Liposomal Bupivacaine vs a Modified Ranawat Suspension: A Prospective, Randomized Study

The purpose of this study is to compare liposomal bupivacaine to a modified (Ranawat) local injection for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

This is a prospective, randomized study of 105 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA. Group A patients received a periarticular injection with liposomal bupivacaine and group B with a mixture of ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine. There were 54 patients in the group A (liposomal bupivacaine) and 51 in group B.

There were no differences in the groups with respect to age, sex, and preoperative knee scores. There were no differences with respect to postoperative narcotic usage and knee range of motion.

Liposomal bupivacaine as a periarticular injection after TKA demonstrated similar pain levels, narcotic usage, and range of motion compared to a modified Ranawat suspension but improved walking distance.