Is single-dose local anesthetic chondrotoxic?

Abstract

Intraarticular injection of local anesthetics is widely used in the pain management during and following arthroscopic surgery. In recent years, basic scientific studies have demonstrated local anesthetic chondrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro in both human and animal cartilage. T here a re some evidences suggesting a higher risk for chondrotoxicity with a longer exposure to a higher concentration of local anesthetics. The outcome of a single intraarticular injection of local anesthetics remains unclear and requires further investigation.