Accelerated recovery protocol in total knee replacement patients: reducing pain and opioid consumption with adductor canal block

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (ACB) on postoperative pain control, opioid consumption, and discharge time in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) operations performed in accordance with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at Pamukkale University Hospital after obtaining ethical approval. A total of 60 patients who underwent TKA under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I received only local infiltration analgesia (LIA), while group II received both LIA and an ACB. The groups were compared in terms of postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score at rest and during first ambulation, comparison of tramadol use, dosage, and side effects, time to first ambulation, ambulation distance, quadriceps muscle strength scores, and patient satisfaction and hospital discharge times. Results: Group II showed consistently lower VAS scores compared with group I at all time points, including rest, walking, and sleep (p