Pediatric anesthesia & critical care
Regional anesthesia and functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in adolescent patients: Society of Pediatric Anesthesia Improvement Network (SPAIN)
Authors' conclusion
Regional anesthesia did not impair functional outcomes after adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged 12–17 years undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructionenrolled
- Participants
- 519 patients
- Exposure
- Anterior and posterior nerve blocks vs anterior block alone vs no block
- Outcome
- Functional recovery: Lysholm Knee Score (0-100; higher = better function) and Limb Symmetry Index (≥90% = readiness to return to sport)
- Follow-up
- POD 1, day 3, week 6, month 6 (Lysholm); 6-9 months (Limb Symmetry Index)
Methodological detailsmulticentre, 15 institutions
- Multicentre
- 15 institutions
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Lysholm Score · week 6
Anterior and posterior blocks
83
median
No block or anterior block alone
78
median
P = 0.041
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Median
| Outcome | 12-15 years | Older adolescents | OR | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suboptimal Limb Symmetry Index (<90%) by younger age | 2.54 | P = 0.03 | ||
| Lysholm Score by age (subgroup) | 89 | 86 | P < 0.05 |
Limb Symmetry Index ≥90% · 6-9 months
- Achieved Limb Symmetry Index ≥90%
- 67%
Other predictors of function
- Females reported lower scores than males at several time points
- High early postoperative pain (NRS ≥7) predicted lower function through week 6
- Positive temperament and lower preoperative anxiety/depression scores predicted better outcomes
Original publication
Regional anesthesia and functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in adolescent patients: Society of Pediatric Anesthesia Improvement Network (SPAIN). Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 29 October 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →