Chronic postoperative pain (CPP) can occur in elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery patients. Multimodal pain management has been reported to reduce postoperative pain and opioid use, which may prevent the development of CPP. However, few studies have examined the impact of multimodal pain management strategies on CPP following complex elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to 1) evaluate current pain management strategies and 2) determine current definitions, incidence, and prevalence of CPP after elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library) were manually and electronically searched for English language studies published between 1990 and July 2017. For the first aim, we included comparative studies of adults undergoing elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery that investigated pre-, peri- or postoperative pain management. For the second aim, we included observational studies examining CPP definition, incidence, and prevalence. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full texts. Conflicts were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Reviewers also independently assessed the quality of studies meeting inclusion criteria using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. For the first aim, 1159 studies were identified by the primary search, and seven high quality randomized controlled trials were included. Ankle arthroplasty or fusion and calcaneal osteotomy were the most common procedures performed. The heterogeneity of study interventions, though all regional anesthesia techniques, precluded meta-analysis. Most investigated continuous popliteal, sciatic and/or femoral nerve blockade. Participants were typically followed up to 48 hours postoperatively to examine postoperative pain levels and morphine consumption in hospital. Interventions effective at reducing postoperative pain and/or morphine consumption included inserting popliteal catheters using ultrasound instead of nerve stimulation guidance, perineural dexamethasone, and adding continuous femoral blockade to continuous popliteal blockade. Using more than one analgesic was generally more effective than using a single agent. Only two studies examined longer term pain management. One found no difference in pain levels and opioid consumption at two weeks with perineural or systemic dexamethasone use. The other found that pain with activity was significantly reduced at six months postoperatively with the addition of a femoral catheter infusion to a popliteal catheter infusion. For the second aim, only two studies of the 747 identified were selected. One prospective observational study defined CPP as moderate-to-severe pain at one year after foot and ankle surgery, and reported 21% and 43% of patients as meeting their definition at rest and with activity, respectively. The other study was a systematic review that reported 23–60% of patients experienced residual pain after total ankle arthroplasty. There is no standardized definition of CPP in this population, and incidence and prevalence are rarely reported and vary largely based on definition. Although regional anesthesia may be effective at reducing in-hospital pain and opioid consumption, evidence is very limited regarding longer-term pain management and associated outcomes following elective mid/hindfoot and ankle surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons prescribe more opioids than any other surgical speciality. Opioids remain the analgesic of choice following arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery. There is growing evidence that opioid-sparing protocols may reduce postoperative opioid consumption while adequately addressing patients’ pain. However, there are a lack of prospective, comparative trials evaluating their effectiveness. The objective of the current randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-modal, opioid-sparing approach to postoperative pain management in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery. The NO PAin trial is a pragmatic, definitive RCT (NCT04566250) enrolling 200 adult patients undergoing outpatient shoulder or knee arthroscopy. Patients are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an opioid-sparing group or standard of care. The opioid-sparing group receives a three-pronged prescription package consisting of 1) a non-opioid prescription: naproxen, acetaminophen and pantoprazole, 2) a limited opioid “rescue prescription” of hydromorphone, and 3) a patient education infographic. The control group is the current standard of care as per the treating surgeon, which consists of an opioid analgesic. The primary outcome of interest is oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption up to 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcomes are postoperative pain scores, patient satisfaction, quantity of OMEs prescribed and number of opioid refills. Patients are followed at both 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Data analysts and outcome assessors are blinded to the treatment groups. As of December 1, 2021 we have enrolled 166 patients, reaching 83% of target enrolment. Based on the current recruitment rate, we anticipate that enrolment will be completed by the end of January 2022 with final follow-up and study close out completed by March of 2022. The final results will be released at the Canadian Orthopaedic Association Meeting in June 2022 and be presented as follows. The mean difference in OME consumption was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The mean difference in OMEs prescribed was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The mean difference in Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and patient satisfaction are XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The absolute difference in opioid refills was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The results of the current study will demonstrate whether an opioid sparing approach to postoperative outpatient pain management is effective at reducing opioid consumption while adequately addressing postoperative pain in patients undergoing outpatient shoulder and knee arthroscopy. This study is novel in the field of arthroscopic surgery, and its results will help to guide appropriate postoperative analgesic management following these widely performed procedures

To determine the effect of Dexamethasone on post-operative pain management in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty in terms of numerical pain rating scale and total opoid consumption.

This Randomized Controlled Trail (RCT) was conducted for 02 years (7th September 2015 to 6th September 2017). All patients undergoing primary Unilateral Total Knee Replacement (TKR) for Osteoarthritis knee were included in the study. Patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.6), Hepatic/Renal failure, corticosteroids/ Immunosuppression drug usage in the last 06 months, known psychiatric illnesses were excluded from the study. All patients were operated by consultant Orthopaedic surgeon under Spinal Anaesthesia and tourniquet control using medial para-patellar approach. Patients were randomly divided into 02 groups, A and B. 79 patients were placed in each group. Group A given 0.1mg/kg body weight Dexamethasone Intravenously 15 minutes prior to surgery and another dose 24 hours post-operatively while in group B (control group) no Dexamethasone given. Post-operative pain using the numerical pain rating scale (NRS) and total narcotics consumed converted to morphine dose equivalent noted immediately post-op, 12-, 24- and 48-hours post-operatively. Data analysis done using SPSS version 23.

A total of 158 patients were included in the study. Of the total, 98 (62.02%) were females and 60 (37.98%) males. Average BMI of patients 26.94 ±3.14 kg/m2. Patients in group A required less post-operative analgesics (p < 0 .01) and had a better numerical pain rating scale score (p < 0 .01) as compared to group B. Pain scores at 24- and 48-hours post-op were significantly less for Dexamethasone group (p < 0 .01).

Use of Dexamethasone per- and post-operatively reduces the pain and amount of analgesics used in patients undergoing TKA.

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Introduction

Achieving a well-balanced midflexion and flexion soft tissue envelope is a major goal in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The definition of soft tissue balance that results in optimal outcomes, however, is not well understood. Studies have investigated the native soft tissue envelope in cadaveric specimen and have shown loosening of the knee in flexion, particularly on the lateral side. These methods however do not reflect the post TKA environment, are invasive, and not appropriate for intra-operative use. This study utilizes a digital gap measuring tool to investigate the impact of soft tissue balance in midflexion and flexion on post-operative pain.

Controlling postoperative pain and nausea after total joint arthroplasty remains an important challenge. We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial with 120 patients to determine if the addition of perioperative dexamethasone to a multimodal regimen improves antiemetic and analgesic control, enhances mobility, and shortens hospital length of stay after total hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients administered 10 mg of intravenous dexamethasone intraoperatively consumed less daily rescue anti-emetic and analgesic medication, reported superior VAS nausea and pain scores, ambulated further distances, and had a significantly shorter length of stay compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A second, 24-hour postoperative dose of 10 mg intravenous dexamethasone provided significant additional pain and nausea control and further reduced length of stay (p < 0.05). No adverse events were detected with the administration of the intraoperative and/or postoperative dexamethasone

Background/Introduction

As a new generation of robotic systems is introduced into the world of arthroplasty, Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) represents a growing proportion of a reconstructive surgeon's operative volume. This study aims to compare the post-operative readmission rate, pain scores, costs, as well as the effects on surgeon efficiency one year after adoption of these technologies into clinical practice.

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful treatment for end stage osteoarthritis of the knee joint. However, post-operative pain can lead to patient dissatisfaction and poorer outcomes. Cooled radiofrequency nerve ablation (CRNA) has reportedly been effective at treating pain osteoarthritic knee pain by targeting the periarticular nerves of the knee. We undertook a prospective, controlled pilot study to determine if CRNA provides effective post-operative analgesia when utilised intra-operatively during total knee arthroplasty.

Participants were recruited from January 2019 to February 2020. Those meeting inclusion criteria underwent TKA with intraoperative CRNA to 6 target sites prior to the cementing of implants. The primary outcomes were pain scores and opiate usage in the first 4 days post-operatively, then weekly up to 6 weeks. A total of 62 patients were screened and allocated sequentially; 18 were recruited to the control group and 12 recruited to the study group. The two groups did not have any significant difference in demographics.

There were no clinically significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain scores nor opiate usage. There were complications as a result of the intervention.

This study demonstrated no benefit of using intraoperative CRNA for improving post-operative pain scores or reducing opiate use after TKA.

Orthopaedic surgeons prescribe more opioids than any other surgical speciality. Opioids remain the analgesic of choice following arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery. There is growing evidence that opioid-sparing protocols may reduce postoperative opioid consumption while adequately addressing patients’ pain. However, there are a lack of prospective, comparative trials evaluating their effectiveness. The objective of the current randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-modal, opioid-sparing approach to postoperative pain management in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery. The NO PAin trial is a pragmatic, definitive RCT (NCT04566250) enrolling 200 adult patients undergoing outpatient shoulder or knee arthroscopy. Patients are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an opioid-sparing group or standard of care. The opioid-sparing group receives a three-pronged prescription package consisting of 1) a non-opioid prescription: naproxen, acetaminophen and pantoprazole, 2) a limited opioid “rescue prescription” of hydromorphone, and 3) a patient education infographic. The control group is the current standard of care as per the treating surgeon, which consists of an opioid analgesic. The primary outcome of interest is oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption up to 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcomes are postoperative pain scores, patient satisfaction, quantity of OMEs prescribed and number of opioid refills. Patients are followed at both 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Data analysts and outcome assessors are blinded to the treatment groups. As of December 1, 2021 we have enrolled 166 patients, reaching 83% of target enrolment. Based on the current recruitment rate, we anticipate that enrolment will be completed by the end of January 2022 with final follow-up and study close out completed by March of 2022. The final results will be released at the Canadian Orthopaedic Association Meeting in June 2022 and be presented as follows. The mean difference in OME consumption was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The mean difference in OMEs prescribed was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The mean difference in Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and patient satisfaction are XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The absolute difference in opioid refills was XX (95%CI: YY-YY, p=X). The results of the current study will demonstrate whether an opioid sparing approach to postoperative outpatient pain management is effective at reducing opioid consumption while adequately addressing postoperative pain in patients undergoing outpatient shoulder and knee arthroscopy. This study is novel in the field of arthroscopic surgery, and its results will help to guide appropriate postoperative analgesic management following these widely performed procedures

Introduction. Day stay surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is an increasingly common practice and has driven clinicians to come up with postoperative pain regimes that allow same day mobilisation and a safe and timely discharge. There is a paucity of literature surrounding the use of intraosseous (IO) ropivacaine used as a Bier's block to provide both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgery. Methods. This patient blinded, pilot study randomised 15 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction to receive either IO ropivacaine 1.5 or 2.0 mg/kg; or 300 mg of ropivacaine as local infiltration (standard of care). Toxic plasma levels of ropivacaine have been defined in the literature and therefore the primary outcome for this study was arterial plasma concentration of ropivacaine as a means to determine its safety profile. Samples were taken via an arterial line at prespecified times after tourniquet deflation. Secondary outcomes that we were interested in included immediate postoperative pain scores using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and perioperative opioid equivalent consumption. Results. Participants had a mean age of 27.8 (SD 9.2) years and 87% (13/15) were male. All patients in the intervention group receiving IO ropivacaine had plasma concentrations well below the threshold for central nervous system (CNS) toxicity (0.60 µg/ml). The highest plasma concentration was achieved in the intervention group receiving 1.5 mg/kg dose of ropivacaine reaching 3.59 mg/ml. This would equate to 0.22 µg/ml of free plasma ropivacaine. There were no differences across the three groups regarding pain scores or perioperative opioid consumption. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that IO administration of 0.2% ropivacaine is both safe and effective in reducing perioperative pain in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. There may be scope to increase the IO dose further or utilise other analgesics via the IO regional route to improve perioperative pain relief

Abstract. Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of LIA compared to ACB in providing pain relief and reducing opiates usage in hamstring graft ACL reconstructions. Materials and Methods. In a consecutive series of hamstring graft ACL reconstructions, patients received three different regional and/or anaesthetic techniques for pain relief. Three groups were studied: group 1: general anaesthetic (GA)+ ACB (n=38); group 2: GA + ACB + LIA (n=31) and group 3: GA+LIA (n=36). ACB was given under ultrasound guidance. LIA involved infiltration at skin incision site, capsule, periosteum and in the hamstring harvest tunnel. Analgesic medications were similar between the three groups as per standard multimodal analgesia (MMA). Patients were similar in demographics distribution and surgical technique. The postoperative pain and total morphine requirements were evaluated and recorded. The postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scores (VAS) at 0hrs, 2hrs, 4hrs, weight bearing (WB) and discharge (DC). Results. There was no statistically significant difference in opiates intake amongst the three groups. When comparing VAS scores; there were no statistical difference between the groups at any of the time intervals that VAS was measured. However, the GA+LIA group hospital's LOS (m=2.31hrs, SD=0.75) was almost half that of GA+ACB group (m=4.24hrs, SD=1.08); (conditions t(72)=8.88; p=0.000). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse effects amongst the groups. Conclusion. The LIA technique provided equally good pain relief following hamstring graft ACL reconstructions when compared to ACB, while allowing for earlier rehabilitation, mobilisation and discharge

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries, often requiring operative intervention to restore joint stability, improve alignment, and reduce the risk of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. However, ankle fracture surgeries (AFSs) are associated with significant postoperative pain, typically requiring postoperative opioid analgesics. In addition to putting patients at risk of opioid dependence, the adverse effects of opioids include nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status which may delay recovery. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) offer notable benefits to the postoperative pain profile when compared to general or spinal anaesthesia alone and may help improve recovery. The primary objective of this quality improvement (QI) study was to increase PNB administration for AFS at our institution to above 50% by January 2021. A root cause analysis was performed by a multidisciplinary team to identify barriers for PNB administration. Four interventions were chosen & implemented: recruitment and training of expert anesthesiologists in regional anesthesia techniques, procurement of additional ultrasound machines, implementation of a dedicated block room with training to create an enhanced learning environment, and the development of an educational pamphlet for patients outlining strategies to manage rebound pain, instructions around the use of oral multimodal analgesia, and the potential for transient motor block of the leg. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who received PNB for AFS. Secondary outcome measures included total hospitalization length of stay (LOS), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (mean oral morphine equivalent [OME]), proportion of patients requiring opioid analgesic in PACU, and proportion of patients experiencing post-operative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) requiring antiemetic in PACU. Thirty-day post-operative emergency department (ED) visits were collected as a balance measure. The groups receiving PNB and not receiving PNB included 78 & 157 patients, respectively, with no significant differences in age, gender, or ASA class between groups. PNB administration increased from less than 10% to 53% following implementation of the improvement bundle. Mean total hospital LOS did not vary significantly across the PNB and no PNB groups (1.04 days vs. 1.42 days, P = 0.410). Both mean PACU and mean 24-hour postoperative opioid analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the PNB group compared to the no PNB group (OME in PACU 38.96mg vs. 55.42mg [P = 0.001]; 24-hour OME 44.74mg vs. 37.71mg [P = .008]). A greater proportion of patients in the PNB group did not require any PACU opioid analgesics compared to those in the no PNB group (62.8% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients experiencing PONV and requiring antiemetic both in the PACU did not vary significantly across groups. Thirty-day postoperative ED visits did not vary significantly across groups. By performing a root cause analysis and implementing a multidisciplinary, patient-centered QI bundle, we achieved significant increases in PNB administration for AFS. As a result, there were significant improvements in the recovery of patients following AFS, specifically reduced use of postoperative opioid analgesia. This multi-faceted approach provides a framework for an individualized QI approach to increase PNB administration and achieve improved patient outcomes following AFS

Atypical femoral fracture non-union (AFFNU) is both, rare (3–5 per 1000 proximal femur fractures) and difficult to treat. Lack of standardised guidelines leads to a variability in fixation constructs, use of bone grafting and restricted weight bearing protocols, which are not evidence based. We hypothesised that there is no change in union rates without the use of bone grafting and immediate weight bearing post-operatively does not lead to increased complications. Materials & Methods. A retrospective review of all consecutively treated AFFNU cases between March 2015 to December 2019 was carried out. 9 patients with a mean age of 63.87 years and M:F ratio of 7:2 met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcome variable was radiographic union at 12 months after revision surgery. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Fixation construct, neck-shaft angle, use of bone graft and immediate postoperative weight bearing protocols were recorded. Results. Radiographic union was achieved in 7 of 9 patients (78%) after first revision surgery. 1 patient achieved union after 2nd revision surgery and 1 patient died in the early post-operative period due to pulmonary embolism. No bone grafting was used in any of the patients and weight-bearing as tolerated was allowed from the first post-operative day. The mean neck-shaft angle after non-union surgery was 136 degrees. Conclusions. In this case series, the union rate was comparable to those reported in literature previously and achieved without any form of bone grafting. To our knowledge, this is the only case series where no bone grafting was used in the management of AFFNU. Limited by a small sample size and retrospective study design, still, this study brings into question the efficacy of practice of bone grafting and restricted weight-bearing in the management of AFFNU. Bone grafting is associated with the risk of infection at donor site, postoperative pain, and morbidity, while early weight bearing is critical in elderly patients. There is no evidence supporting restricted weight-bearing and it should not be adopted as the default practice as it may even be detrimental to patients

Aims. To compare the efficacy of decompression alone (DA) with i) decompression and fusion (DF) and ii) interspinous process device (IPD) in the treatment of lumbar stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Outcomes of interest were both patient-reported measures of postoperative pain and function, as well as the perioperative measures of blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, and reoperation. Methods. Data were obtained from electronic searches of five online databases. Included studies were limited to randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) which compared DA with DF or IPD using patient-reported outcomes such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), or perioperative data. Patient-reported data were reported as part of the systematic review, while meta-analyses were conducted for perioperative outcomes in MATLAB using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Forest plots were generated for visual interpretation, while heterogeneity was assessed using the I. 2. -statistic. Results. A total of 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. Of these, eight compared DA with DF and six studies compared DA with IPD. Patient-rated outcomes reported included the ODI and ZCQ, with mixed results for both types of comparisons. Overall, there were few statistically significant and no clinically significant differences in patient-rated outcomes. Study quality varied greatly across the included articles. Meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes revealed DF to result in greater blood loss than DA (MD = 406.74 ml); longer operation duration (MD = 108.91 min); and longer postoperative stay in hospital (MD = 2.84 days). Use of IPD in comparison to DA led to slightly reduced operation times (MD = –25.18 min), but a greater risk of reoperation compared to DA (RR = 2.70). Conclusion. Currently there is no evidence for the use of DF or IPD over DA in both patient-rated and perioperative outcomes. Indeed, both procedures can potentially lead to greater cost and risk of complications, and therefore, a stronger evidence base for their use should be established before they are promoted as routine options in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis

Avulsion of the proximal hamstring tendon from the ischial tuberosity is an uncommon but significant injury. Recent literature has highlighted that functional results are superior with surgical repair over non-surgical treatment. Limited data exists regarding the optimal rehabilitation regime in post-operative patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the early interim patient outcomes following repair of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions between a traditionally conservative versus an accelerated rehabilitation regimen. In this prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) 50 patients underwent proximal hamstring tendon avulsion repair, and were randomised to either a braced, partial weight-bearing (PWB) rehabilitation regime (CR = 25) or an accelerated, unbraced, immediate full weight-bearing (FWB) regime (AR group; n = 25). Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT), visual analog pain scale (VASP), Tegner score, and 12-item Short Survey Form (SF-12). Patients also filled in a diary questioning postoperative pain at rest from Day 2, until week 6 after surgery. Primary analysis was by per protocol and based on linear mixed models. Both groups, with respect to patient and characteristics were matched at baseline. Over three months, five complications were reported (AR = 3, CR = 2). At 3 months post-surgery, significant improvements (p<0.001) were observed in both groups for all outcomes except the SF-12 MCS (P = 0.623) and the Tegner (P = 0.119). There were no significant between-group differences from baseline to 3 months for any outcomes, except for the SF-12 PCS, which showed significant effects favouring the AR regime (effect size [ES], 0.76; 95% CI, 1.2-13.2; P = .02). Early outcomes in an accelerated rehabilitation regimen following surgical repair of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions, was comparable to a traditionally conservative rehabilitation pathway, and resulted in better physical health-related quality of life scores at 3 months post-surgery. Further long term follow up and functional assessment planned as part of this study

Despite the widespread success of total hip arthroplasty (THA), postoperative pain management remains a concern. Opioids have classically been administered for pain relief after THA, but their side effect profile, in addition to the cognizance of the growing opioid epidemic, has incited a shift toward alternative pain modalities. Although the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is a promising addition, its impact on immediate THA outcomes has not previously been investigated. Thus, in the present study, we evaluate the effects of adjunctive diclofenac on: 1) postoperative pain intensity, 2) opioid consumption, 3) discharge destination, 4) length of stay, and 5) patient satisfaction in primary THA patients. A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients who underwent primary THA by a single surgeon between May 1 and September 31, 2017. Patients were stratified into a study group (n=25), who were treated with postoperative diclofenac in addition to the standard pain control regimen, and a control group (n=88), who did not receive adjunctive diclofenac. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)/analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and chi-square/logistic regression analysis were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Patients receiving adjunctive diclofenac were more likely to be discharged home than to inpatient facilities (O.R. 4.02, p=0.049). In addition, patient satisfaction with respect to how well and how often pain was controlled (p= 0.0436 and p=0.0217, respectively) was significantly greater in the diclofenac group. Finally, patients who received diclofenac had lower opioid consumption on postoperative days one and two (−67.2 and −129 mg, respectively, p=0.001 for both). The rapid growth of THA as an outpatient procedure has intensified the urgency of improving postoperative pain management. The present study demonstrates that THA patients receiving adjunctive diclofenac were more likely to be discharged home, had reduced opioid consumption, and experienced greater satisfaction. This will, in turn, decrease complications and total hospital costs, leading to a more cost-effective pain control regimen. In order to further investigate the optimal regimen, future studies comprising larger cohort, as well as a comparison of diclofenac to other NSAIDs, are warranted

A tourniquet is usually used during ankle arthroscopy to allow for improved visibility and reduced operation time. However, clinical studies on knee arthroscopy have not demonstrated this to be true. In addition, Zengerink and van Dijk emphasized a limited tourniquet time in ankle arthroscopy as a possible factor to lower the complication rate even more. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of tourniquet use on arthroscopic visualization, operative time, postoperative intra-articular bleeding, postoperative pain scores and outcome of anterior ankle arthroscopy. A consecutive series of 50 patients who were scheduled for anterior ankle arthroscopy were randomized to have the surgery done either without the tourniquet inflated (25 patients) or with the tourniquet inflated (25 patients). The patients were evaluated by the course of the surgery, postoperative intra-articular bleeding, pain during the early postoperative period and by using the subjective and objective functional scores to evaluate the condition of the ankle before and 3 and 6 months after the surgery. The statistical analysis was performed with the normality of distribution tested by both Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric methods were then used to test statistical hypotheses, while the statistical significance (alpha, Type I error) was set at .05. Fourty-nine patients were present at the final follow-up, 6 months after the surgery. The results between the groups were comparable regarding the duration of the operative procedure, consumption of sterile saline, visualisation and functional scores. Notable difference between the groups in favour of the non-tourniquet group was present regarding postoperative bleeding, but was not statistically significant. Statistically significant difference in favour of the non-tourniquet group was found regarding postoperative pain during several days in the early postoperative period. Our study has shown that anterior ankle arthroscopy may be performed adequately without the use of a tourniquet and that it has the same operative course as in cases in which the tourniquet is used and functional outcomes which are not worse than in cases in which the tourniquet is used

Aim. External fixator knee arthrodesis is a salvage procedure mainly used in cases of end-stage infected total knee replacement (iTKR). A stable fixation combined with bone-ends compression is basic to achieve knee fusion in such a scenario but providing enough stability can be challenging in the presence of severe bone loss after multiple previous procedures. Compared with monoplanar configuration, a biplanar frame achieves improved coronal stiffness, while providing the advantages of good access to the wound and allowance of early ambulation. Our primary hypothesis stated that a biplanar frame would achieve higher and quicker fusion rate than a monolateral configuration. Method. We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining patients managed with biplanar external fixator knee fusion due to non-revisable iTKR between 2014 and 2018. We compared this group of patients with a historical cohort-control patient who had been previously published by our unit in 2013, since we switched from a monoplanar to a biplanar configuration for the management of this kind of complex end-stage iTKR. Primary end-points were fusion rate, time to achieve bone fusion and infection eradication rate. Limb-length discrepancy, pain level, patient satisfaction, and health-related quality of life were also evaluated. Results. A total of 29 cases were finally included; 8 patients were managed with a bilateral external fixator and 21 patients were managed with a monoplanar external fixator. In the biplanar configuration group, infection was eradicated in 100% of the patients, and fusion was achieved in all cases after 5.24 months on average. In comparison, in the monolateral configuration group, infection was eradicated in 18 (86%) out of 21, whereas fusion was achieved in 17 (81%) of the patients after a mean of 10.3 months (range, 4–16). Such difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In both groups, postoperative pain was mild (VAS score 2,25 and 3,4, respectively) and patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction once fusion was achieved. Conclusions. External fixation knee fusion is a useful limb-salvage procedure in end-stage cases of knee PJI. According to our data, the use of a biplanar configuration allows us to reduce in half (10.3 vs 5.2 months, p<0.05) the time needed to achieve the solid bone fusion in such a complex scenario. In this cohort of previously multi-operated patients, the satisfaction is high, and the level of pain is low if a solid bone fusion free of infection is achieved

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is often utilized to improve pain and dysfunction associated with end-stage osteoarthritis. Previous research has suggested that depression may negatively impact patient reported pain and function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pre-operative depressive symptoms, using the Center for Epidemiologic Scale for Depression (CES-D) scale, on patient reported function and pain at one, three and six months following TJA, after controlling for the impact of age, sex, pain, joint replaced, and other comorbidities. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of 710 patients aged 40 years and older who underwent elective primary TJA in the Edmonton zone. Participants were recruited pre-operatively and reported socio-demographics, comorbid conditions and medications (including depression medications where appropriate), each participant also completed the Western Ontario McMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and the CES-D scale preoperatively. Participants then completed the WOMAC and CES-D scale again at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Risk-adjusted longitudinal data analysis using a linear mixed regression model was performed, controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, chronic pain, comorbidity, social support and employment status. THA participants had a mean age of 65.9±10.1 years and included 175 (57%) female while TKA participants had a mean age of 67.9±10.1 years and included 249 (61%) females. ‘Possible’ depressive symptoms (CES-D score 16–19) were identified in 58 (8.1%) participants while ‘probable’ depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥20) were identified in 68 (9.6%) participants. The mean WOMAC pain and function scores, when analyzed using the linear mixed regression model, demonstrated improvement from baseline at one, three, and six months (p < 0 .001 for both pain and function models as well as over time). However, in the patients with possible and probable depressive symptoms, WOMAC pain scores were 7.6±1.5 and 11.7±1.3 worse respectively than those without depressive symptoms after controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, chronic pain, comorbidities and social support. Similarly, WOMAC function scores in the patients with possible and probable depressive symptoms were 8.8±1.4 and 14.2±1.2 worse respectively than those without depressive symptoms after controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, comorbidities and employment status. Depressive symptoms negatively affect postoperative pain and function measured using WOMAC scales even after risk adjustment up to six-months post TJA. Screening for depressive symptomology both pre- and postoperatively may provide an opportunity to identify and manage depressive symptoms to improve postoperative pain and function

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is often utilized to improve pain and dysfunction associated with end-stage osteoarthritis. Previous research has suggested that depression may negatively impact patient reported pain and function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative depressive symptoms, using the Center for Epidemiologic Scale for Depression (CES-D) scale, on patient reported function and pain at one, three and six months following TJA, after controlling for the impact of age, sex, pain, joint replaced, and other comorbidities. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of 710 patients aged 40 years and older who underwent elective primary TJA in the Edmonton zone. Participants were recruited pre-operatively and reported socio-demographics, comorbid conditions and medications (including depression medications where appropriate), each participant also completed the Western Ontario McMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and the CES-D scale preoperatively. Participants then completed the WOMAC and CES-D scale again at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Risk-adjusted longitudinal data analysis using a linear mixed regression model was performed, controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, chronic pain, comorbidity, social support and employment status. THA participants had a mean age of 65.9±10.1 years and included 175 (57%) female while TKA participants had a mean age of 67.9±10.1 years and included 249 (61%) females. ‘Possible’ depressive symptoms (CES-D score 16–19) were identified in 58 (8.1%) participants while ‘probable’ depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥20) were identified in 68 (9.6%) participants. The mean WOMAC pain and function scores, when analyzed using the linear mixed regression model, demonstrated improvement from baseline at one, three, and six months (p < 0 .001 for both pain and function models as well as over time). However, in the patients with possible and probable depressive symptoms, WOMAC pain scores were 7.6±1.5 and 11.7±1.3 worse respectively than those without depressive symptoms after controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, chronic pain, comorbidities and social support. Similarly, WOMAC function scores in the patients with possible and probable depressive symptoms were 8.8±1.4 and 14.2±1.2 worse respectively than those without depressive symptoms after controlling for age, sex, joint replaced, comorbidities and employment status. Depressive symptoms negatively affect postoperative pain and function measured using WOMAC scales even after risk adjustment up to six-months post TJA. Screening for depressive symptomology both pre- and postoperatively may provide an opportunity to identify and manage depressive symptoms to improve postoperative pain and function

Great strides have been made in perioperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leading to reduced length of hospital stay, cost reduction, improved patient satisfaction, and more rapid recovery without affecting the rates of readmission after surgery. To assure a happy patient, early recognition of patients at risk for persistent postoperative pain prior to surgery is key. Patients on chronic pain medication should be evaluated by pain management specialists with the intention of reducing overall narcotic requirement prior to TKA. Patients with high anxiety levels, pain catastrophizing, and Kinesphobia are at increased risk for increased pain and poor outcomes and should be referred for cognitive behavioral therapy and coping strategies. Finally, patients with hypersensitivity syndromes localised in the soft tissue around the knee should undergo desensitization protocols prior to TKA. Patient education on the risk of increased postoperative pain is crucial to manage expectations and optimise modifiable risk factors prior to TKA. To assure a happy patient indicated for TKA, a comprehensive pain management strategy divided into pre-, intra-, and post-operative periods should be employed