Preemptive Analgesia in Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Preemptive Periacetabular or Intra-articular Bupivacaine in Addition to Postoperative Intra-articular Bupivacaine

Quadratus Lumborum Block Provides Similar or Reduced Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption Compared to Control Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the quadratus lumborum (QL) block is associated with reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to identify comparative studies of patients undergoing the QL block before hip arthroscopy. The primary outcomes of interest included postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

RESULTS

Eight studies (5 randomized, 3 nonrandomized) with 274 patients receiving the QL block were included. Control groups included no block (3 studies), sham block (2 studies), pericapsular injection of anesthetic (1 study), lumbar plexus block (1 study), and femoral nerve/fascia iliaca block (1 study). In 1 randomized and 2 nonrandomized studies, the pain scores were significantly lower, at all postoperative time points, in the QL block versus sham, no block, and femoral nerve/fascia iliaca control groups. The same 3 studies reported significantly less opioid consumption in the QL group at all measured postoperative time points. The remaining 5 studies reported mostly no significant differences in pain scores and opioid consumption at multiple postoperative time points. In no study did the QL block group have significantly more pain or opioid consumption relative to the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to a variety of control groups, the QL block provides similar or reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level I and III studies.

Study on the Analgesic Efficacy of Femoral Nerve Block for Post-Hip Arthroscopy Pain

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain management is challenging for hip arthroscopy, and the effectiveness and specific protocols of femoral nerve block (FNB) in hip surgeries remain insufficient. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the analgesic efficacy and optimal drug concentrations of FNB after hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A total of 148 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were included and randomly divided into three groups: 0.3% ropivacaine FNB group, 0.4% ropivacaine FNB group, and 0.4% ropivacaine intra-articular injection (IAI) group (positive control). The main outcomes included dynamic and static visual analog scale (VAS) scores at various time points postoperatively, total intraoperative remifentanil consumption, and cumulative consumption of morphine within 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included total intraoperative dexmedetomidine consumption, RASMAY sedation scores, and patients' satisfaction scores postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both FNB and IAI anesthesia were shown to be safe for post-hip arthroscopy analgesia. Compared with IAI anesthesia, FNB showed no significant differences in analgesic effect within 12 h postoperatively but had a better analgesic effect after 24 h and lower remifentanil consumption intraoperatively. Group 0.4% ropivacaine showed lower dynamic VAS scores within the first 12 h compared with 0.3% ropivacaine for FNB, however, there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction and sedation, and postoperative ambulation was delayed, indicating that the higher concentration of ropivacaine correlated with a longer time to ambulation. The IAI group had greater intraoperative opioid consumption and more side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with IAI anesthesia, FNB can better alleviate post-hip arthroscopy pain and reduce opioid consumption. However, it requires specialized equipment and technical support and carries a certain risk of puncture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2400091579).

Regional Anesthesia for Hip Arthroscopy

Pain after hip arthroscopy can be severe, yet we lack a consensus method for non-narcotic analgesia. Here we describe anatomic elements of hip arthroscopy and our current understanding of the relevant sensory innervation as a prelude to the evaluation of locoregional analgesic techniques. Many regional nerve blocks and local anesthetic infiltration techniques are reviewed, including 2 newer ultrasound fascial plane blocks. Further study of targeted, motor-sparing approaches, either ultrasound-guided or under direct surgical visualization is needed.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Patient Data Are Rarely Included in Randomized Controlled Trials for Femoral Acetabular Impingement and Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

Purpose

To determine the rate of reporting for sociodemographic variables in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and hip arthroscopy.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for articles relating to FAI and hip arthroscopy. Articles included in final analysis were RCTs investigating operative management of FAI. Included RCTs were analyzed for reporting of age and sex or gender as well as the following sociodemographic variables: race, ethnicity, insurance status, income, housing status, work status, and education level in the results section or any section of the paper. Data was analyzed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests with significance defined as P < .05.

Results

Forty-eight RCTs were identified from 2011 to 2023. Age was reported in 48 of 48 (100%) of included papers; sex or gender was reported in 47 of 48 (97.9%). Reporting of sociodemographic variables in any section respectively was: race (7/48, 14.6%), ethnicity (4/48, 8.33%), insurance status (0/48, 0%), income (1/48, 2.08%), housing status (0/48, 0%), work status (3/48, 6.25%), and education (2/48, 4.17%). There was no significant difference for reporting demographic variables with respect to journal or year of publication (P = .666 and P = .761, respectively). Sociodemographic variables (9/48) were reported significantly less frequently than age and sex or gender (48/48) (P < .001).

Conclusions

This study found that sociodemographic variables in FAI and hip arthroscopy RCTs are reported with much lower frequency than age and sex or gender. These findings may demonstrate the need to include patient sociodemographic data in RCTs so that their results can be better generalized and applied to the appropriate patient population.

Level of Evidence

Level II, systematic review of level I and II evidence.

Efficacy of regional anesthesia in hip preservation surgeries: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to review the current literature on perioperative pain management in hip arthroscopy, periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation. A systematic review of the literature published from January 2000 to December 2022 was performed. Selection criteria included published randomized controlled trials, prospective reviews and retrospective reviews of all human subjects undergoing hip preservation surgery. Exclusion criteria included case reports, animal studies and studies not reporting perioperative pain control protocols. Thirty-four studies included hip arthroscopy in which peripheral nerve blocks were associated with a significant reduction in pain score (P = 0.037) compared with general anesthesia alone. However, no pain control modality was associated with a significant difference in postanesthesia care unit opioid use (P = 0.127) or length of stay (P = 0.251) compared with general anesthesia alone. Falls were the most common complication reported, accounting for 37% of all complications. Five studies included periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation in which peripheral nerve blocks were associated with an 18% reduction in pain on postoperative Day 2, a 48% reduction in cumulative opioid use on postoperative Day 2 and a 40% reduction in hospital stay. Due to the low sample size of the periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation studies, we were unable to determine the significant difference between the means. Due to significant between-study heterogeneity, additional studies with congruent outcome measures need to be conducted to determine the efficacy of regional anesthesia in hip arthroscopy, periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation.

The anterior superior iliac spine is a reliable novel landmark for preemptive periacetabular analgesia in hip arthroscopy

Appropriate post-operative (post-op) pain control has been shown to reduce length of stay and facilitate day case surgery. Periacetabular injection of bupivacaine is effective in pain reduction after hip arthroscopy. This study aims to evaluate the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) as an anatomical landmark to facilitate needle insertion prior to fluoroscopy. The meeting point derived from a vertical line one fingerbreadth distal to the ASIS and a longitudinal line from the greater trochanter (GT) was used as a landmark in 30 consecutive hip arthroscopy patients for periacetabular analgesia. The distance between the tip of the needle and the acetabular roof was measured via fluoroscopy. Needle location was corrected if needed, followed by periacetabular bupivacaine injection (at anterior, lateral and posterior joint aspects). Post-op pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 4-6 h post-op and at discharge. The ASIS and GT were identified and used for periacetabular analgesia landmarks in all cases. Results revealed that 93.3% of needle entries fell within 10 mm of the lateral acetabular rim and only one case had fallen distal to it. The post-op mean VAS score was 1.03 (range 0-6, standard error - 0.30, median = 0). At hospital discharge, 90% (27/30 of patients) reported VAS score ≤ 5. Twenty-six of the 30 patients were discharged on the same day as the operation (remaining four patients stayed due to accommodation/traveling issues). The ASIS and GT can be used as an anatomical landmark for periacetabular analgesia in hip arthroscopy with reproducible needle location, significant analgesic effect and minimal radiation.

Regional Anesthesia for Hip Arthroscopy

Pain after hip arthroscopy can be severe, yet we lack a consensus method for non-narcotic analgesia. Here we describe anatomic elements of hip arthroscopy and our current understanding of the relevant sensory innervation as a prelude to the evaluation of locoregional analgesic techniques. Many regional nerve blocks and local anesthetic infiltration techniques are reviewed, including 2 newer ultrasound fascial plane blocks. Further study of targeted, motor-sparing approaches, either ultrasound-guided or under direct surgical visualization is needed.

Preemptive analgesia in hip arthroscopy: intra-articular bupivacaine does not improve pain control after preoperative peri-acetabular blockade

INTRODUCTION

Literature addressing postoperative pain management after hip arthroscopy is relatively scarce. This study aimed to assess if there was added analgesic benefit associated with postoperative intra-articular bupivacaine blockade for patients who received preoperative peri-acetabular blockade for hip arthroscopy procedures.

METHODS

52 patients were included in this comparative cohort study. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who received preoperative peri-acetabular blockade and postoperative intra-articular blockade. The control group (Group 2), consisted of 32 patients who received only preoperative peri-acetabular blockade. Postoperative pain was recorded via visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, analgesic consumption, and pain diaries for 2 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

Postoperative VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the experimental group at the 30-minute recovery room assessment (VAS scores Group 1: 1.1; Group 2: 3.00, p = 0.034). Other than the 30-minute recovery room assessment, VAS pain scores, narcotic medication consumption, and non-narcotic analgesic consumption did not differ between the 2 groups at any time point in the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not demonstrate significant clinical benefit for patients who receive postoperative intra-articular blockade in addition to preoperative peri-acetabular blockade with bupivacaine 0.5%. We recommend the use of preoperative peri-acetabular bupivacaine blockade without intra-articular blockade postoperatively for pain control in the setting of hip arthroscopy surgery.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Intraoperative Bupivacaine in Gynaecologic Surgery After 24 Hours or 9 Half-Lives

OBJECTIVE

To review all high quality available evidence regarding the effect of intraoperative bupivacaine 24 hours (or 8.9 half-lives) after intraoperative administration at time of gynaecologic surgery and to ascertain whether a second mechanism of action, beyond the initial prevention of sodium channel depolarization and blockade of nerve impulses, may be occurring.

DATA SOURCES

We searched all major databases with an algorithm designed to include all randomized trials that used any form of local bupivacaine, regardless of dose or route of administration, at the time of any gynaecologic surgery and compared its use with saline placebo.

RESULTS

As expected, we found that bupivacaine showed a significant improvement for all gynaecologic surgeries with respect to pain intensity at 6 hours after surgery when compared with a saline group (mean difference [MD] -1.28; 95% CI -1.96 to -0.61], P = 0.07). We also found a significant difference at 24 hours after surgery, giving evidence to the possibility of a second mechanism of action (MD -0.57; 95% CI -1.10 to -0.05], P = 0.01). Further subgroup analysis for pain levels at 24 hours showed significant decreases in pain for the laparoscopy (MD -0.74; 95% CI -0.93 to -0.54, P < 0.01) and laparotomy (MD -2.60; 95% CI -2.93 to -2.27, P < 0.01)) subgroups but not for the vaginal hysterectomy (MD 0.20; 95% CI -0.69 to 1.09, P = 0.66) or prolapse surgery (MD -0.11; 95% CI -0.41 to 0.19, P = 0.48) subgroups. There was no significant difference with respect to the length of hospital stay (MD -0.11; 95% CI -0.59 to 0.38, P = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

As expected, bupivacaine significantly reduced visual analog pain scores when compared with placebo at 6 hours after surgery, but also showed a significant difference at 24 hours after surgery, giving evidence of a second mechanism of action following the initial sodium channel blockade.

Adjunct Analgesia Reduces Pain and Opioid Consumption After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Patients who undergo hip arthroscopy inevitably experience pain postoperatively; however, the efficacy and safety of adjunct analgesia to prevent or reduce pain are not well-understood.

PURPOSE

To perform a comprehensive qualitative synthesis of available randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of adjunct analgesia on postoperative (1) pain, (2) opioid use, and (3) length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

PubMed, OVID/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials were queried for studies pertaining to analgesia interventions for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Two authors independently assessed article bias and eligibility. Data pertaining to changes in pain scores, additional analgesia requirements, length of hospital stay, and complications were extracted and qualitatively reported. Network meta-analyses were constructed to depict mean pain, opioid use, and LOS among the 3 analgesia categories (blocks, local infiltration analgesia, and celecoxib).

RESULTS

Fourteen level 1 studies were included; 12 (85.7%) reported pain reductions in the immediate and perioperative period after hip arthroscopy. Of the 7 studies that assessed an intervention (2 celecoxib, 1 fascia iliaca block, 1 lumbar plexus block, 1 femoral nerve block, 1 intra-articular bupivacaine, 1 extracapsular bupivacaine) versus placebo, more than half reported that patients who received an intervention consumed significantly fewer opioids postoperatively than patients who received placebo (lowest P value = .0006). Of the same 7 studies, 2 reported significantly shortened LOS with interventions, while 4 reported no statistically significant difference in LOS and 1 did not report LOS as an outcome.

CONCLUSION

The majority of studies concerning adjunct analgesia for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy suggest benefits in pain reduction early in the postoperative period. There is mild evidence that adjunct analgesia reduces postoperative opioid use and currently inconclusive evidence that it reduces length of hospital stay. Furthermore, it appears that local infiltration analgesia may provide the greatest benefits in reductions in pain and opioid consumption. We recommend the use of adjunct analgesia in appropriately selected patients undergoing hip arthroscopy without contraindication who are at a high risk of severe postoperative pain.

Prospective Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Pericapsular Injection Versus Lumbar Plexus Peripheral Nerve Block for Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy has become the standard for the operative treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. Given the high levels of postoperative pain associated with hip arthroscopy, optimal analgesia is critical to ensure patient comfort and safety after discharge.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

Our purpose was to perform a single-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing the use of pericapsular injection versus lumbar plexus blockade for postoperative pain control after arthroscopic surgery on the hip. We hypothesized that pericapsular injection would provide equivalent pain relief to that of lumbar plexus blockade while minimizing adverse effects and alleviating the dependence on a qualified individual to administer.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A total of 64 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were prospectively assessed over a 6-month period between 2017 and 2018. Patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: 32 patients received a lumbar plexus blockade by a single anesthesiologist, while 32 patients received a pericapsular injection of 30 mL of ropivacaine and 12 mg of morphine. Postoperative pain in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) as measured using the numeric rating scale, time to discharge, PACU morphine equivalents, and adverse effects were collected by PACU staff. Postoperative day 1 and 2 narcotic use was obtained through a telephone call with the patient on postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant difference in PACU pain scores at all time points, although there was a trend toward lower pain for patients receiving a pericapsular injection. PACU and short-term narcotic demand did not vary across the 2 arms. Time to discharge from the PACU did not differ. There were no major adverse events reported for either intervention.

CONCLUSION

Pericapsular injection provides equivalent analgesia when compared with lumbar plexus blockade. It is a safe intervention that allows for efficient postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03244631.

Antiproliferative effect of bupivacaine on patient-derived sarcoma cells

Sarcomas are rare tumors with limited treatment options. Although chemotherapy is standard for certain subtypes, overall survival has not improved in several decades. Bupivacaine has been shown to induce apoptosis and prevent cell growth in multiple different types of malignancies but has not been studied in sarcoma. The current study evaluated the effects of bupivacaine on multiple patient-derived sarcoma cells and a commercial sarcoma cell line. Multiple patient-derived sarcoma cell subtypes and a commercial synovial cell sarcoma cell line were exposed to bupivacaine for different durations and at different concentrations. The patient-derived cells included a high-grade conventional osteosarcoma, a high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of bone, and a high-grade synovial sarcoma. Flow cytometry and an MTT assay were used to evaluate whether a treatment effect was observed. Treatment of all the subtypes of sarcomas in this study with bupivacaine demonstrated a time- and dose-dependent increase in apoptosis and decrease in cell viability. A cell viability assay demonstrated that the IC₅₀ was between 0.04 and 0.05% and that the treatment effect occurred at clinically relevant doses in vitro. Bupivacaine was toxic to both the patient-derived cells and the commercial cell line at doses commonly used in the clinical setting. These findings provide a foundation for further in vivo studies to evaluate whether these effects will translate to the clinical setting. Although further research is necessary, bupivacaine shows promise as not only an adjunct for pain management but as a treatment modality for sarcoma.

Reduction of Postoperative Hip Arthroscopy Pain With an Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca blocks have been used for pain control after hip arthroscopy. There is little evidence regarding their effectiveness in comparison with other pain control modalities in patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliac block with intra-articular ropivacaine in controlling pain after hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2017, patients (N = 95) undergoing hip arthroscopy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The first group received an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block with 50 to 60 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine. The second group received an intra-articular injection of 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine at the completion of the surgical case. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores in the recovery room; at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge; and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and PACU narcotic usage (converted to morphine equivalent use) as well as readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain across all points did not significantly differ between the groups. Intraoperative and PACU narcotics did not differ significantly between the groups. Readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting did not significantly differ between the groups. There were no associated complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block for hip arthroscopy had no clinical advantage when compared with onetime intra-articular ropivacaine injection.

REGISTRATION

NCT02365961 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Peri-operative pain management in hip arthroscopy: a systematic review of the literature

The purpose of this article was to review current literature on peri-operative pain management in hip arthroscopy. A systematic review of the literature on pain control in hip arthroscopy published January 2008 to December 2018 was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language or articles with English translations, subjects undergoing hip arthroscopy with documented peri-operative pain control protocols in studies reporting Level I to IV evidence. Exclusion criteria were non-English articles, animal studies, prior systematic review or meta-analyses, studies not reporting peri-operative pain control protocols, studies documenting only pediatric (<18 years of age) patients, studies with Level V evidence and studies including less than five subjects. Statistical analysis was performed to assess pain protocols on narcotic consumption in PACU, VAS score on discharge, time to discharge from PACU and incidence of complications. Seventeen studies were included, comprising 1674 patients. Nerve blocks were administered in 50% of patients (n = 838 of 1674), of which 88% (n = 740 of 838) received a pre-operative block while 12% (n = 98 of 838) post-operative block. Sixty-eight complications were recorded: falls (54%, n = 37), peripheral neuritis (41%, n = 28), seizure (1.5%, n = 1), oxygen desaturation and nausea (1.5%, n = 1) and epidural spread resulting in urinary retention (1.5%, n = 1). No significant differences in narcotic consumption, VAS score at discharge, time until discharge or incidence of complication was found based on pain control modality utilized. No statistically significant difference in PACU narcotic utilization, VAS pain scores at discharge, time to discharge or incidence of complications was found between peri-operative pain regimens in hip arthroscopy.

Comparing the efficacy of pain managements after total hip arthroplasty: A network meta-analysis

The aim of our current study is to compare efficiency of various interventions implemented for pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA). PubMed and EMBASE were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting the pain scales for evaluate the efficacy of pain control after THA including at least one pair of direct control groups. Pain scale values and the associated 95% credible interval (CrI) were used to describe efficacy. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of each means of pain control was calculated to compare the relative ranking of different interventions. Thirty-five eligible literatures were involved in data analysis. The interventions for postoperative pain management we examined were psoas compartment block (PCB), posterior nerve block (PNB), fascia iliaca block (FIB), periarticular injection (PAI), femoral nerve block (FNB), lumbar plexus block (LPB), spinal anesthesia (SA), epidural analgesia (EPI), intrathecal morphine (IA), intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), onsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), local infiltration analgaesia (LIA), and reverse LIA (rLIA). In 0 to 6 hours analysis, patients under SA were found to have significantly lower pain score and SA was ranked the best. In 6 to 12 hours analysis, SA was found to be significantly more effective than other interventions and its SUCRA was the highest. No intervention showed a significant effect on reducing pain score for 12 to 24 hours and 24 to 48 hours after THA. SA is the best intervention to reduce THA postoperative pain in the first 24 hours. LPB is a better choice to reduce pain 12 to 48 hours after THA.

Role of Parecoxib Sodium in the Multimodal Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Double-blinded Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an established surgical technique and is the standard treatment for degenerative knee joint diseases. However, severe pain after TKA makes it difficult for many patients to perform early postoperative rehabilitation and functional exercise, which might result in subsequent unsatisfactory recovery of knee joint function and great reduction in patients' satisfaction and quality of life. Orthopaedic surgeons have tried a large variety of analgesics and analgesic modes to relieve patients' pain after TKA. There are many analgesic regimens available in clinical practice but all have some deficiencies. Parecoxib sodium, a highly selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), can reduce the synthesis of peripheral prostaglandin to exert the effect of analgesia, and relieve inflammation and prevent central sensitization through inhibition of peripheral and central COX-2 expression. In addition, it can be used as a preemptive analgesic without affecting platelet aggregation. However, there does seem to be conflicting evidence in the current research as to whether parecoxib sodium can be used successfully as a preemptive analgesic; the effect of preemptive analgesia with parecoxib sodium in multimodal analgesia is still controversial. This research investigated the effects of parecoxib sodium in a preemptive multimodal analgesic regimen.

METHODS

Eighty-eight patients were randomized into two groups. The experimental group received parecoxib (46 patients) and the control group received saline (42 patients), administered 30 min before the initiation of the surgical procedure. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump was applied within 48 h after surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS), drug consumption through the PCA pump, use of salvaging analgesia, range of motion (ROM) of the knee joints, and postoperative complications were observed.

RESULTS

The VAS score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) of the parecoxib group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = 0.039). There was no significant difference in the demographic profiles, duration of operation, hemorrhage in surgery, postoperative hemorrhage, postoperative drainage, VAS at different time points, function of knee joints, length of hospital stay, use of salvaging analgesia, and postoperative drug consumption through the PCA between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In preemptive multimodal analgesia regimens, parecoxib sodium can significantly decrease the VAS score in the short term, relieve pain shortly after surgery, and does not increase the incidence of complications. Parecoxib sodium is a safe and effective drug in the perioperative analgesic management for TKA.

Pain Management After Hip Arthroscopy: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy is often associated with significant postoperative pain and opioid-associated side effects. Effective pain management after hip arthroscopy improves patient recovery and satisfaction and decreases opioid-related complications.

PURPOSE

To collect, examine, and provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence from randomized controlled trials and comparative studies on pain control after hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature for postoperative pain control after hip arthroscopy was performed using electronic databases. Only comparative clinical studies with level 1 to 3 evidence comparing a method of postoperative pain control with other modalities or placebo were included in this review. Case series and studies without a comparative cohort were excluded.

RESULTS

Several methods of pain management have been described for hip arthroscopy. A total of 14 studies met our inclusion criteria: 3 on femoral nerve block, 3 on lumbar plexus block, 3 on fascia iliaca block, 4 on intra-articular injections, 2 on soft tissue surrounding surgical site injection, and 2 on celecoxib (4 studies compared 2 or more methods of analgesia). The heterogeneity of the studies did not allow for pooling of data. Single-injection femoral nerve blocks and lumbar plexus blocks provided improved analgesia, but increased fall rates were observed. Fascia iliaca blocks do not provide adequate pain relief when compared with surgical site infiltration with local anesthetic and are associated with increased risk of cutaneous nerve deficits. Patients receiving lumbar plexus block experienced significantly decreased pain compared with fascia iliaca block. Portal site and periacetabular injections provide superior analgesia compared with intra-articular injections alone. Preoperative oral celecoxib, compared with placebo, resulted in earlier time to discharge and provided significant pain relief up to 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative nerve blocks provide effective pain management after hip arthroscopy but must be used with caution to decrease risk of falls. Intra-articular and portal site injections with local anesthetics and preoperative celecoxib can decrease opioid consumption. There is a lack of high-quality evidence on this topic, and further research is needed to determine the best approach to manage postoperative pain and optimize patient satisfaction.

Extracapsular local infiltration analgesia in hip arthroscopy patients: a randomized, prospective study

Hip arthroscopy patients can experience significant post-operative pain. Many strategies to combat this pain have been explored including nerve blocks, which can be costly. An alternative option for pain management is local infiltration analgesia (LIA) which has been studied in hip and knee arthroplasty, but its ability to decrease pain in the setting of hip arthroscopy remains uncertain. A prospective randomized controlled trial of 74 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy at a single medical center was performed. Thirty-seven patients received a 20-ml extracapsular injection of 0.25% bupivacaine-epinephrine under direct arthroscopic visualization after capsular closure while 37 from the control group received no injection. Primary outcome measures were both maximum and discharge numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores while in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The LIA group had a statistically significant decrease in the maximum PACU NRS score (6.16 versus 7.35, P = 0.009), however this did not reach the level of minimal clinically important difference of 1.5. There was an insignificant difference in discharge PACU pain scores. This is the first randomized controlled trial studying extracapsular LIA in hip arthroscopy. While LIA offers an uncomplicated and low-cost approach to post-operative pain management, this specific technique did not reduce pain to a clinically significant level.

Extracapsular local infiltration analgesia in hip arthroscopy: a retrospective study

Many hip arthroscopy patients experience significant pain in the immediate postoperative period. Although peripheral nerve blocks have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating some of this pain, they come with significant costs. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) may be a significantly cheaper and efficacious treatment modality. Although LIA has been well studied in hip and knee arthroplasty, its efficacy in hip arthroscopy is unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine the efficacy of a single extracapsular injection of bupivacaine-epinephrine during hip arthroscopy in reducing the rate of elective postoperative femoral nerve blocks. A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy at a single medical center was performed. The control group consisted of 50 patients before the implementation of the current LIA protocol, whereas another 50 patients received a 20-ml extracapsular injection of 0.25% bupivacaine-epinephrine under direct arthroscopic visualization after capsular closure. In the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), patients were offered a femoral nerve block for uncontrolled pain. The rate of femoral nerve block, and total opioid consumption, was compared between groups. The proportion of patients receiving elective femoral nerve blocks was significantly less in the LIA group (34%) as compared with the control group (56%; P = 0.027). There was no significant difference in total PACU opioid consumption between groups (P = 0.740). The decreased utilization of postoperative nerve blocks observed in the LIA group suggests that LIA may improve postoperative pain management and should be considered as a potentially cost-effective tool in pain management in hip arthroscopy patients. Level of Evidence: III.