Clinical Evaluation of the Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Femoral Nerve Block Efficacy in Unilateral Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery - Report - MDSpire

Clinical Evaluation of the Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Femoral Nerve Block Efficacy in Unilateral Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery

  • By

  • Gong, yao

  • Zhang, li

  • He, qi

  • Wei, Wei

  • Zhang, cuo mao ji

  • April 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Assessment of the Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Predictor for the Effectiveness of Femoral Nerve Block

Overview

This study evaluates the Perfusion Index (PI) as a predictor of femoral nerve block efficacy in patients undergoing unilateral arthroscopic meniscal surgery. Results indicate that a PI value above 1.755 correlates with successful nerve block, providing a reliable and objective measure for anesthesiologists.

Background

Effective pain management is crucial in orthopedic surgeries, particularly in knee procedures where femoral nerve blocks are commonly employed. The ability to objectively assess the success of these blocks can enhance patient outcomes and streamline surgical protocols. The Perfusion Index, derived from pulse oximetry, may serve as a valuable tool in this context.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
AUROC of PI at T60.993 (95% CI: 0.982-1.000)
Sensitivity96.7%
Specificity93.3%
Youden Index0.934
Cut-off Value1.755
Mean PI at T6 (Blocked Side)2.83±0.72

Key Findings

  • The Perfusion Index (PI) significantly differed between blocked and non-blocked sides at all time points (P<0.001).
  • PI values on the blocked side peaked at T6, showing a mean increase of 2.16 times the baseline.
  • Male patients exhibited higher PI values than female patients on the blocked side (P<0.001).
  • A PI value above 1.755 indicates a successful femoral nerve block.
  • No significant changes in PI were observed on the non-blocked side (P>0.05).

Clinical Implications

Anesthesiologists can utilize the Perfusion Index as a rapid and objective measure to assess the success of femoral nerve blocks. This can facilitate timely adjustments to anesthetic protocols, ultimately improving patient care and aligning with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles.

Conclusion

The study supports the use of the Perfusion Index as a reliable indicator for femoral nerve block efficacy in knee arthroscopic surgeries. This tool can enhance anesthetic management and improve surgical outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Efficacy of a Lower-Dose Femoral Nerve Block for Managing Perioperative Pain After ACL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Comparative Efficacy of Single-Injection Nerve Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Femoral Nerve Block, Femoral Triangle Block, and Adductor Canal Block
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Intraoperative Evaluation of Meniscal Vascularization Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Techniques
  4. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Comparative Analysis of Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
  5. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Clinical practice guidelines for postoperative pain management in adults (2024 edition)
  6. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Predictive Ability of Perfusion Index for Determining the Success of Adductor Canal Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
  7. Clinical practice guidelines for postoperative pain management in adults (2024 edition) - PMC
  8. Predictive Ability of Perfusion Index for Determining the Success of Adductor Canal Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty | MDPI

Original Source(s)

Clinical Evaluation of the Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Femoral Nerve Block Efficacy in Unilateral Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery

  • by Gong, yao , Zhang, li , He, qi , Wei, Wei , Zhang, cuo mao ji

  • April 30, 2026

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