The efficacy of pregabalin and adductor canal block on opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and fast-tracking were described in a recent study.

51 patients aged 18–70 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I–II, scheduled to undergo elective anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were enrolled for the study and randomized into groups P, A, and C, who received 150 mg of preoperative oral pregabalin, postoperative adductor canal blockade, and neither adductor canal block nor pregabalin, respectively. 

The results revealed similar demographic characteristics and hemodynamic data between the 3groups. Group A and P demonstrated a markedly lower Postoperative opioid consumption than group C. Group P demonstrated a significantly slower regression of sensory block. Group C showed earlier first analgesic requirement than groups P and A. Group P showed greater fast-track scores at 8 h and 12 h than group C; while group A showed similar fast-track scores to the other 2groups. All groups showed a similar rate of postoperative adverse effects.

Thus, Preoperative pregabalin (150 mg) reduces postoperative opioid consumption similar to adductor canal block in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It also delays the first analgesic requirement, prolongs spinal sensory block duration and lessens high fast-tracking scores achievement time.