Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of a new nerve block puncture needle for nerve block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods A total of 106 patients undergoing TKA were enrolled, and randomly divided into conventional group (n=53) and study group (n=53). Conventional nerve block puncture needle was used in the conventional group, and a new nerve block puncture needle was used in the study group. The needle insertion effects, block effects, pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), stress responses heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and safety were observed in both groups.

Results The number of needle insertions, corrections and the duration of needle insertion were significantly lower or shorter in the study group compared with the conventional group (P < 0.05). The success rate of one-time puncture in the study group was 81.13%, which was significantly higher than 62.26% in the conventional group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the onset time, duration and success rate of block between the two groups (P>0.05). During needle insertion, the HR, MAP and VAS scores were significantly lower in the study group compared with the conventional group (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events related to nerve blockade was significantly lower in the study group than that in the conventional group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The application of the novel nerve block needle in patients undergoing TKA exhibits good effects and high effectiveness, which can reduce stress responses and the risk of adverse events related to needle insertion.