Analysis of Inpatient Falls After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Continuous Femoral Nerve Block

Anesth Analg. 2018 Jul;127(1):224-227. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000002703.

Abstract

Continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) is thought to increase the risk of falls after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous studies have failed to consider the timing of cFNB removal in relation to inpatient falls. We investigated all inpatient falls after TKA over a 3-year period using our institutional safety report database. Ninety-five falls were reported from a total of 3745 patients. The frequency of falls after TKA persisted at a similar rate despite removal of cFNB and likely regression of femoral nerve block. Other modifiable risk factors may play a more prominent role in falls risk after TKA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Femoral Nerve*
  • Humans
  • Inpatients*
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome