Preoperative Peripheral Nerve Blocks Are Not Independently Associated With Improved Functional Outcome, Patient Satisfaction, Or Risk Of Chronic Pain At One Year Following Knee Arthroplasty

Description

In this episode of AI Talks with Bone & Joint, hosts Amy and Simon delve into a critical study on preoperative peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and their implications for knee arthroplasty. The research, led by N D. Clement and published in February 2025, explores whether these nerve blocks enhance functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, or lower the risk of chronic pain at the one-year mark after knee replacement surgery. Despite their popularity for pain management, findings reveal that PNBs do not correlate with improved long-term results and may even contribute to a marginally worsened outcome in knee-specific metrics. The conversation highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of pain management strategies, considering not only immediate postoperative experiences but also the holistic needs of patients, including mental health influences on recovery. The episode calls for further research to uncover the complexities surrounding effective long-term recovery post-surgery.

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