Behnam Safa

Research Synopsis

Dr. Safa's research is focused on comparing the postoperative functional recovery and analgesic efficacy of a single-shot sciatic nerve block versus the posterior capsule/fat pad infiltration of local anesthetic for total knee arthroplasty. Studies have supported the use of femoral nerve block for analgesia and improved functional outcome after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of Dr. Safa’s study is to see if the same is true for sciatic nerve block for the back of the knee. This study will also look at an alternative approach to make the back of the knee pain-free, which involves injecting local anesthesia directly into the posterior capsule at the end of surgery.

Recent Publications

1. Ben Safa, Jeffrey Gollish, Lynn Haslam, Colin J.L. McCartney. Comparing the Effects of Single Shot Sciatic Nerve Block Versus Posterior Capsule Local Anesthetic Infiltration on Analgesia and Functional Outcome After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty, June 2014,Volume 29, Issue 6, Pages 1149–1153
2. Ben Safa, Lynn Haslam, Jeffrey Gollish, Colin McCartney. “A prospective, randomized trial, comparing analgesic efficacy and postoperative functional recovery of either single shot sciatic nerve block or posterior capsule infiltration combined with femoral block for total knee arthroplasty”. Abstract #: 176, America Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 36th Annual Regional Anesthesia Meeting and Workshops. Reg Anesth Pain Med Spring 2011.
3. Safa B, Lee C, Riddick D. Role of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor in the suppression of cytochrome P-450 2C11 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Toxicol Lett. 1997;90:163–175.
4. Riddick D, Jones E, Safa B, Lee C, Bhathena A. The aromatic hydrocarbon receptor: A ligand activated transcription factor with multiple biological roles. Paper presented at: Society of Toxicology of Canada 30th Annual Symposium; 1997 Dec. 4–5; Montréal, Québec.
5. Riddick D, Safa B, Lee C. Role of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor in the suppression of cytochrome P-450 2C11 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Paper presented at: 10th International Symposium on Microsomes and Drug Oxidation; 1996 July 21–24; Los Angeles, California.

Appointments

Affiliate Scientist, Sunnybrook Research Institute

Courses

Course Number: Clinical teaching/training of anesthesia residents/clinical clerks
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Course Number: Acute Pain Seminars: Clinical Clerks
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Course Number: PGY2 Lecture series coordinator
Course Name: Anesthesia for orthopedic/plastics/ENT
Course Number: Lecturer PGY2 Lecture series
Course Name: Anesthesia for orthopedic surgery
Course Number: Regional Anesthesia Rounds
Course Name: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center