New nerve block may cut opioid use after knee surgery

This study looked at whether adding a specific nerve block (genicular and anterior femoral cutaneous nerve block) to standard care can lower pain and the need for strong painkillers after total knee replacement. 244 adults having knee replacement surgery took part. Half received the extra nerve block, half did not. The goal was to see if the nerve block group used fewer opioids and had less pain in the first 24 hours after surgery.