Background: Femoral nerve block combined with general anesthesia is commonly used for patients undergoing knee arthroscopy in ambulatory care centers. An ideal analgesic agent would selectively (differentially) block sensory fibers, with little or no effect on motor nerves. Ropivacaine is considered to cause less motor block than others. This study investigated the median effective concentration (EC₅₀) of ropivacaine for differential femoral nerve block in adults either younger or older than 60 years.
Methods: Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III and scheduled for knee arthroscopy were categorized as 18- to 60-years-old (Group 1), or older than 60 years (Group 2). Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia combined with femoral nerve block via 22 mL ropivacaine. The EC₅₀ of ropivacaine for differential femoral nerve block was determined using the up-and-down method and probit regression. The primary outcome was the EC₅₀ (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the 2 groups. Data on the sensory block, analgesic effect, complications, and hemodynamics during surgery were also recorded.
Results: The EC₅₀ of 22 mL ropivacaine for differential femoral nerve block of Group 1 (0.124%, 95% CI 0.097– 0.143%) was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (0.088%, 95% CI 0.076– 0.103%). The sensory block and hemodynamic data of the 2 groups were comparable. None of the patients experienced neurological complications.
Conclusion: The EC₅₀ of ropivacaine administered for differential femoral nerve block during knee arthroscopy was lower in patients older than 60 years, relative to younger adults.
Keywords: femoral nerve block, ropivacaine, motor block, age groups, EC₅₀