BILATERAL FASCIA ILIACA CATHETERS FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL AFTER BILATERAL TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY - A CASE-REPORT AND DESCRIPTION OFA CATHETER TECHNIQUE

Background and Objectives. The pain following total knee arthroplasty can be associated with significant morbidity, especially in the elderl y. Regional anesthetic techniques attenuate or eliminate postoperative pain, which may reduce this morbidity. Methods. A 74-year-old patient with history of an epidural abscess underwent elective bilateral tota l knee arthroplasty for degenerative joint disease. Bilateral lumbar p lexus catheters were placed via the fascia iliaca compartments. Lidoca ine was infused postoperative through both catheters, and serum lidoca ine levels were followed. Results. The patient received significant po stoperative pain relief based on physical and subjective examination. There were no complications or untoward effects related to the techniq ue. Conclusion. Lumbar plexus blockade with continuous local anestheti c infusion via the fascia iliaca compartment is an effective means of providing postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty when e pidural analgesia is contraindicated.