Anterior Nerves of the Knee Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block for Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common orthopedic procedures, and effective postoperative analgesia is essential for early mobilization and patient comfort. Femoral nerve block provides effective analgesia after knee surgery but can cause quadriceps weakness. The anterior nerves of the knee (ANK) block is a recently described, motor-sparing fascial plane block targeting the sensory nerves of the anterior knee. This prospective, randomized, single-blind study compares ultrasound-guided ANK block with ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block in adult patients undergoing elective knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia, with respect to postoperative analgesic consumption, pain scores, intraoperative hemodynamics and time to first mobilization.

Inclusion Criteria: \- Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II * Scheduled for elective knee arthroscopy * Surgery performed under spinal anesthesia * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate * Allergy to local anesthetics or study analgesics * Infection at the block site * Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy * Pre-existing neurological deficit or motor weakness in the operated limb * Chronic pain or regular opioid use * Inability to cooperate with pain assessment * Emergency surgery * Contraindication to spinal anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: \-