Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block and IPACK Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty

No peripheral block was applied. Standard multimodal analgesia method was applied.

Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block is performed with the patient in a supine position. A high-frequency (6-14 MHz) linear ultrasound probe is positioned transversely to locate the femoral artery in the inguinal crease. The hyperechoic femoral nerve is usually visualized lateral to the femoral artery, between the iliopsoas and fascia iliaca. The probe is manoeuvred in a cranial and caudal direction to capture high-quality images of the femoral nerve and fascia iliaca. Identification of the triangular-shaped sartorius muscle and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is achieved by lateral movement of the probe. Post-skin disinfection, the needle tip is directed just beneath the fascia iliaca. Local anaesthetic is administered following negative pressure aspiration into the area. The local anaesthetic spreads towards the femoral nerve medially and towards the iliac process laterally.

During the iPACK procedure, the patient assumes a supine position with the lower extremity flexed at the knee and abducted at the hip (in frog-leg position). The ultrasound transducer is placed in the lower third of the medial thigh, and then pushed backward and downward to visualize the gap between the popliteal artery and the femoral shaft, straight above the femoral condyles. After ensuring that the needle tip is placed 2 cm beyond the lateral border of the artery, local anaesthetic solution is administrated in divided doses to infiltrate the tissue space. The needle is then withdrawn after confirming negative aspiration.