Single shot “3-in-1” femoral nerve blockade with 0.25% or 0.375% levobupivacaine provides similar postoperative analgesia for total knee replacement

Materials and methods: Forty consenting patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty were included in this prospective randomized study. Spinal anesthesia was achieved with 15 mg plain bupivacaine at the L3-4 or L4-5 interspace. After resolution of the spinal anesthesia, patients were randomized into 2 groups: “3-in-1” femoral nerve blocks were performed using 30 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine (Group 1, n = 20) or 0.375% levobupivacaine (Group 2, n = 20). Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). The total morphine consumption and the side effect profile were compared during the postoperative period.