This study compares the efficacy of ''3-in-1 block'' versus femoral ne
rve block for knee arthroscopy. One-hundred patients had a 3-in-1 bloc
k; 180 patients had a femoral nerve block. The 3-in-1 block provided a
nesthesia in 75 patients; 20 patients needed supplementary local anest
hesia. Five patients required a general anesthesia to complete the ope
ration. The femoral nerve block was effective in 88 patients; 90 patie
nts needed intravenous flunitrazepam and/or fentanyl; 2 patients neede
d general anesthesia. The 3-in-1 block provided more satisfactory musc
le relaxation and a longer postoperative analgesia than femoral nerve
block. No side effects were recorded in either group. Our results sugg
est that the 3-in-1 block is the most effective technique of regional
anesthesia for knee arthroscopy.