Interspace between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Two Case Series

Abstract

This case series describes the use of Interspace between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) block to provide motor-sparing analgesia for two consecutive patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) by the same surgeon. Case 1 demonstrates the use of a proximal IPACK block as a post-operative rescue block for a patient who still experienced severe pain despite having received a femoral nerve block and parenteral opioids. Case 2 describes the use of a modified IPACK block as part of a multimodal approach with opioid and motor sparing effects. In both cases, the IPACK block provided satisfactory pain relief in the immediate postoperative period without motor weakness, making it an effective analgesic method for day surgery. With the IPACK block shown to be an effective nerve block for ACLR, we explore other advantages, limitations and further research required to better define the role of this block.

Surgeon-Directed Arthroscopic Infiltration Between the Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) Block: Technical Description

“… 9 , 10 , 11 These blocks have been shown as successful for reducing pain following various knee arthroscopy procedures, highlighting their applicability. 12 , 13 The technique presented here is directly controlled and directed by the surgeon and is a simple, fast, and safely reproducible way to perform an IPACK block under arthroscopic control. Additional considerations for the use of this technique can be found in Table 1 and Table 2 .…”