Comparison Between Single Shot Peripheral Nerve Block and Continuous Infusion Via a On-Q Pump in Extremity Fracture Operations: a Randomized Prospective Control Trial

Detailed Summary

Peripheral nerve blocks have been well studied in the literature with generally good results for controlling post operative pain following orthopaedic surgery. Regional anesthesia has many benefits. It provides excellent intraoperative anesthesia and muscle relaxation as well as analgesia that continues into the post-operative period. These regional blocks are also effective in controlling pain in the immediate post-operative period. However, as the block wears off, patients begin experiencing increased pain. Compared to patients treated without regional blocks, these patients will often experience a "rebound pain"--pain occurring 12-24 hours after surgery that is subjectively worse than that in patients treated without regional blocks. Therefore, the investigators propose to use a continuous infusion of anesthetic in order to provide sustained pain control post-operatively. Preoperatively, patients will be randomized into a single shot peripheral nerve block versus a continuous infusion of peripheral nerve block. Post-operatively, pain will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (1-100) prior to being discharged from PACU. Time to discharge and amount of pain medication taken will be recorded. Patients will be contacted at certain time intervals postoperatively to assess their pain scale and pain medication intake. Patients will be seen for routine post-operative follow-up visits where they will be assessed for satisfaction, pain, residual neurological symptoms, and signs of infection.

Study Details

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Interventions