Sixty four patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) were randomized to receive a peri-articular intra-operative multi modal drug injection or to receive no injection. All patients received patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for 24 hours after surgery. Patients receiving the peri-articular injection showed significantly less PCA consumption 6 hours postoperatively (P<
0.002). The 24 hour PCA requirement post surgery was also less (P<
0.009). The VAS score for pain on activity in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) was significantly less for injected patients (P<
0.04). The VAS satisfaction score for injected patients in the PACU and 4 hours post-operatively showed no statistical difference. Peri-articular intra-operative injection with multimodal drugs can significantly reduce post-operative patient controlled analgesia requirements and pain on activity in patients undergoing total hip replacement with no apparent increase in risk.
This Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial outlines: how peri-articular intra-operative multimodal analgesia significantly reduces post-operative analgesia requirement. Sixty-four patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomised to receive a peri-articular intra-operative injection containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, epimorphine and epinephrine or nothing. Patients who received the injection demonstrated greater satisfaction and pain relief. Finally, patients in the injected group did not show any signs of cardio and central nervous system toxicity. Post-operative analgesia can be associated with troublesome side effects. Good peri-operative analgesia facilitates rehabilitation, improves patient satisfaction and may reduce hospital stay. The purpose of this study was to assess a novel cocktail for peri-articular analgesia after total knee replacement. Sixty-four patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomised to receive a peri-articular intra-operative injection containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, epimorphine and epinephrine or nothing. The anaesthetic analgesic regime was standardised. All patients received patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for twenty-four hours post surgery, followed by standard analgesia. VAS pain scores during activity and at rest and patient satisfaction scores were recorded pre and post operatively and at six week follow up. PCA consumption and overall analgesic requirement were measured. PCA use at six, twelve and over twenty-four hours post surgery was significantly less in patients receiving the injection (p<
0.01, p=0.016, p<
0.01). Patient satisfaction in PACU and four hours post operation was greater (p=0.016, p=0.013). VAS for pain during activity in PACU and at four hours were significantly less (p=0.04, p=0.007) in the injected group. The average ROM at six weeks was no different. Overall hospital stay and the incidence of wound complications were not different between the two groups. Peri-articular intra-operative multimodal analgesia significantly reduces post-operative analgesia requirement. Patient satisfaction and pain relief is greater in the injection group. No cardio and central nervous system toxicity was observed. Our novel cocktail of ketorolac, epimorphine, epinephrine and ropivacaine provides superior pain relief with no adverse side effects.