The effect of a single dose of bupivacaine on donor site pain after anterior iliac crest bone harvesting

Maxillary bone augmentation with calvarial bone graft for immediate full-arch rehabilitation: Insights from a 10-year proof-of-concept retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the long-term outcomes of full-arch rehabilitation using immediate dental implant placement and continuous functional loading with full-fixed dental prostheses (FFDPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients received temporary implants (n = 327) at maxillary augmentation with calvarial bone. A provisional acrylic FFDP was immediately loaded onto these implants. After 6 months, the temporary implants were replaced with definitive implants (n = 326) and immediately loaded with a second provisional FFDP (N = 55). Subsequently, a baseline radiograph was taken following a 6-month healing period. The second bridge was then substituted with a definitive FFDP. Primary outcomes included peri-implant marginal bone level (MBL) and definitive implant survival. Secondary outcomes evaluated provisional implant and prostheses survival, complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The provisional implants had a survival rate of 97.9%. One patient was excluded from further analysis due to loss of temporary implants and first FFDP. The definitive implant survival rate after 10 years was 92.2%, with a moderate but significant decrease in MBL between baseline radiography and 10 years later (-0.08 ± 0.18 vs. -0.24 ± 0.44). However, large individual variations were observed, with 65.8% of implants showing no bone loss and 9.2% showing loss ≥0.5 mm. Sinusitis was experienced by 14.3% of patients upon surgery. Patient satisfaction was high or reported no issues after protocol completion (80%). One patient lost all six definitive implants and definitive FFDP 8.2 years after implant placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The described protocol can be regarded as a long-term, highly successful method for full-arch rehabilitation of atrophied maxillae while enabling continuous masticatory and speaking functionality.

Harvesting anterior iliac crest or calvarial bone grafts to augment severely resorbed edentulous jaws: a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes

The aim of this systematic review was to compare patient-reported outcomes after harvesting calvarial or anterior iliac crest bone grafts to repair severe jaw defects and enable implant placement. The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, and OpenGrey were searched for studies on patient satisfaction, pain, disturbances in daily functioning, sensory alterations, donor site aesthetics, and complication rates. Of the 1946 articles identified, 43 reporting 40 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria; the studies were one randomized controlled clinical trial, one retrospective controlled clinical trial, and 23 prospective and 15 retrospective cohort studies. A meta-analysis of two studies (74 patients) showed no difference in satisfaction (mean difference (MD) - 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.17 to 0.92; P = 0.813) or postoperative pain (directly postoperative: MD -2.32, 95% CI -5.20 to 0.55, P = 0.113; late postoperative: MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.11, P = 0.825) between donor sites. However, the level of evidence is limited, due to the retrospective, non-randomized design of one study. Postoperative gait disturbances were highly prevalent among the anterior iliac crest patients (28-100% after 1 week). The incidence rates of sensory disturbances and other complications were low, and the donor site aesthetic outcomes were favourable for both graft types. To conclude, harvesting bone grafts from the calvarium or anterior iliac crest to augment the severely resorbed edentulous jaw results in similar patient satisfaction. However, the findings for postoperative pain and disturbances in daily living suggest a trend in favour of calvarial bone grafts if harvested using an adjusted technique.

Does the Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Reduce Morbidity Following Iliac Crest Bone Harvest in Pediatric Patients With Alveolar Clefts?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block can reduce donor site morbidity among pediatric patients undergoing iliac crest bone grafting for repair of their alveolar cleft.

DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study was carried out at the Division of Dentistry at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Medical charts of patients who underwent alveolar cleft bone grafting between January 2011 and January 2021 were reviewed and they were divided into two groups, intraoperative TAP block and intraoperative local anesthesia infiltration (control group). The outcomes measured were patients' post-operative pain at the donor site, in-hospital narcotics requirements and length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients were included. There were no significant differences in pain scale among the TAP group and control group [1.9 (SD 2.5) and 1.3 (SD 2.1), respectively (p = 0.23)]. The mean length of stay for both groups was 1 day. Interestingly, there was a significant higher proportion of patients who required in-hospital opioids (morphine) in the TAP block group when compared to the control group (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest there may be no role for a TAP block in reducing pain and improving opioid stewardship.

The Role of Regional Anesthesia in the Development of Chronic Pain: a Review of Literature

Purpose of Review

The acute management of pain using regional anesthesia techniques may prevent the development of persistent postsurgical pain (PPP), ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life in postsurgical patients. The purpose of this review is to describe the current literature regarding the role of regional anesthesia techniques in the perioperative setting to address and prevent PPP.

Recent Findings

Data was collected and analyzed using results from randomized controlled studies stratified into categories based on different surgical subspecialties. Conclusions were drawn from each surgical category regarding the role of regional anesthesia and/or local analgesia in acute and chronic pain management on the long-term results seen in the studies analyzed.

Summary

Preoperative consultations and optimized perioperative analgesia using regional anesthesia and local analgesia play a fundamental role preventing and treating postoperative pain after many types of surgery by managing pain in the acute setting to mitigate the future development of PPP. Additional studies in different surgical subspecialties are needed to confirm the role regional anesthesia plays in chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) prevention.

The Effect of Single-Dose Bupivacaine on Postoperative Iliac Crest Graft Donor Site Pain

Background

Postoperative donor site pain remains a major source of morbidity following iliac crest bone graft harvesting (ICBGH).

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of single-dose infiltration of bupivacaine on donor site pain following ICBGH.

Subjects and Methods

This study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial of 30 adult individuals that required an ICBG as part of the treatment for mandibular reconstruction. Individuals were divided into two groups, to receive a single-dose subcutaneous infiltration of either 0.25% bupivacaine or 0.9% normal saline at the iliac crest graft incision site following ICBGH. Length of incision at the ICBGH site, dimensions of harvested graft, time taken for the iliac crest harvest surgery, total daily dose of postoperative analgesics, pain from the ICBGH site as well as gait disturbance were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There was a progressive decrease in pain score from the 1^st to the 4^th postoperative day, with no significant difference between the two groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of dynamic median pain score at the early postoperative period as well as at the 4^th and 12^th week postoperative period. The analgesic consumption between the two groups also did not show any significant difference.

Conclusion

Local injection of single dose of 0.25% bupivacaine did not offer additional benefit in the management of postoperative iliac crest donor site pain following ICBGH.

"Longitudinal Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in maxillary mini dental implant overdentures after 3 years in function"

OBJECTIVES

Longitudinal evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) during treatment of flaplessly placed, one-piece mini-dental-implants (MDIs) for maxillary overdentures is rarely investigated, nor is the impact of MDI failures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study evaluated the 3-year outcome of 5-6 MDIs in the edentulous maxilla in patients above 50 years with dentate mandible. Provisional dentures were provided before final prosthetic connection was established at 6 months. Postoperative discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue score (VAS). OHRQoL was investigated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 at baseline (preoperatively), postoperatively, post-prosthetic connection and after 3 years in function.

RESULTS

164 (78.4%) of the 204 placed MDIs were still in situ after 3 years, in 29/31 patients. Two patients lost 5/6 MDIs resulting in two prosthetic failures (6.45%). With regard to pain, a score of 4.1/10 (SD 2.8) was recorded on day 1, and 1.1/10 (SD 1.7) on day 7. A decrease in total OHIP-14 scores was observed postoperatively (15.6; SD 12.8) as compared to baseline (21.3; SD 13.1), with improvement of OHRQoL. Furthermore, this was statistically significant at connection of the final prosthesis (7.3; SD 6.7) (p = .006). The OHIP-14 improved less (p = .011) when experiencing one or more implant losses (9.5; SD: 9.85), in comparison with no implant loss (20.7; SD: 13.97). A failure of one MDI did not affect OHIP-14 score (p = .658); however, multiple failures did (p = .007).

CONCLUSION

Maxillary MDI overdenture treatment yields significant OHRQoL improvement when at least 5 MDIs survive, preserving functional comfort.

The Evolution of Iliac Bone Graft Donor Site Analgesia in Cleft Patients: Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Is Safe and Efficacious

BACKGROUND

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been increasingly used as a means of abdominal wall analgesia. This study aims to determine if TAP block analgesia provides a benefit in cleft patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting with iliac crest cancellous bone graft.

METHODS

Two groups of 20 consecutive patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting with iliac crest cancellous bone with either TAP block or indwelling catheter pain pump were examined in a retrospective fashion. Demographic data, pharmacologic use, and hospital length of stay were examined.

RESULTS

Mean lengths of stay were identical between both groups. Patients in both groups received similar cumulative doses of morphine equivalents, codeine, ibuprofen, and ondansetron at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. Transversus abdominis plane block patients received greater amounts of Tylenol at both 6 and 24 hours (P = 0.0015 and P = 0.0106). Pain scores did not differ significantly across our groups at 6 or 24 hours postoperatively. No adverse events were reported with the TAP block procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing TAP blocks receive the benefit of a single stage procedure without an indwelling catheter and similar 6- and 24-hour morphine usage. Given the safety profile of the procedure, its effectiveness and comfort without indwelling catheter, we advocate for TAP block analgesia as an adjunct therapy in the management of postoperative pain in this population.

Local anesthetics and regional anesthesia versus conventional analgesia for preventing persistent postoperative pain in adults and children: A Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis update

BACKGROUND

Regional anesthesia may mitigate the risk of persistent postoperative pain (PPP). This Cochrane review, published originally in 2012, was updated in 2017.

METHODS

We updated our search of Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL to December 2017. Only RCTs investigating local anesthetics (by any route) or regional anesthesia versus any combination of systemic (opioid or non-opioid) analgesia in adults or children, reporting any pain outcomes beyond three months were included. Data were extracted independently by at least two authors, who also appraised methodological quality with Cochrane 'Risk of bias' assessment and pooled data in surgical subgroups. We pooled studies across different follow-up intervals. As summary statistic, we reported the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals and calculated the number needed to benefit (NNTB). We considered classical, Bayesian alternatives to our evidence synthesis. We explored heterogeneity and methodological bias.

RESULTS

40 new and seven ongoing studies, identified in this update, brought the total included RCTs to 63. We were only able to synthesize data from 39 studies enrolling 3027 participants in a balanced design. Evidence synthesis favored regional anesthesia for thoracotomy (OR 0.52 [0.32 to 0.84], moderate-quality evidence), breast cancer surgery (OR 0.43 [0.28 to 0.68], low-quality evidence), and cesarean section (OR 0.46, [0.28 to 0.78], moderate-quality evidence). Evidence synthesis favored continuous infusion of local anesthetic after breast cancer surgery (OR 0.24 [0.08 to 0.69], moderate-quality evidence), but was inconclusive after iliac crest bone graft harvesting (OR 0.20, [0.04 to 1.09], low-quality evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

Regional anesthesia reduces the risk of PPP. Small study size, performance, null, and attrition bias considerably weakened our conclusions. We cannot extrapolate to other interventions or to children.

Comparison of Intra-Socket Bupivacaine Administration Versus Oral Mefenamic Acid Capsule for Postoperative Pain Management Following Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

PURPOSE

Surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Postoperative pain is a common and predictable occurrence after maxillofacial surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted with a crossover design in which each patient served as his or her own control. Forty-six patients with similar bilateral impacted lower third molars were selected. In each patient, the intervention and control sides of the mandible were randomly determined at the end of surgery. If the removed tooth was in the intervention side, then the patient would receive bupivacaine and a placebo of mefenamic acid. If the impacted tooth was in the control side, then the patient would receive a mefenamic acid capsule and a placebo of bupivacaine. Pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t test and a P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of 46 participants originally recruited, 43 were included in the present study. The mean postoperative pain score in patients who received bupivacaine was increased to a maximum 4 hours, with marked improvements after this time. The mean intensity of pain after administration of bupivacaine was lower than that of mefenamic acid capsules at different time points. Statistical analysis showed a relevant difference in pain intensity between the 2 study groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study showed that local administration of bupivacaine relieves postoperative pain after surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth.

Management of postoperative pain in maxillofacial surgery

In this review we describe the evidence base for postoperative analgesia after maxillofacial surgery. We discuss the implications of poorly managed pain, risk factors for the development of severe pain, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological analgesic strategies to manage it.

Local anaesthetics and regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia for preventing persistent postoperative pain in adults and children

BACKGROUND

Regional anaesthesia may reduce the rate of persistent postoperative pain (PPP), a frequent and debilitating condition. This review was originally published in 2012 and updated in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To compare local anaesthetics and regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia for the prevention of PPP beyond three months in adults and children undergoing elective surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase to December 2016 without any language restriction. We used a combination of free text search and controlled vocabulary search. We limited results to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We updated this search in December 2017, but these results have not yet been incorporated in the review. We conducted a handsearch in reference lists of included studies, review articles and conference abstracts. We searched the PROSPERO systematic review registry for related systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs comparing local or regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia with a pain outcome beyond three months after elective, non-orthopaedic surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data and adverse events. We contacted study authors for additional information. We presented outcomes as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), based on random-effects models (inverse variance method). We analysed studies separately by surgical intervention, but pooled outcomes reported at different follow-up intervals. We compared our results to Bayesian and classical (frequentist) models. We investigated heterogeneity. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

In this updated review, we identified 40 new RCTs and seven ongoing studies. In total, we included 63 RCTs in the review, but we were only able to synthesize data on regional anaesthesia for the prevention of PPP beyond three months after surgery from 39 studies, enrolling a total of 3027 participants in our inclusive analysis.Evidence synthesis of seven RCTs favoured epidural anaesthesia for thoracotomy, suggesting the odds of having PPP three to 18 months following an epidural for thoracotomy were 0.52 compared to not having an epidural (OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.84, 499 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Simlarly, evidence synthesis of 18 RCTs favoured regional anaesthesia for the prevention of persistent pain three to 12 months after breast cancer surgery with an OR of 0.43 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.68, 1297 participants, low-quality evidence). Pooling data at three to 8 months after surgery from four RCTs favoured regional anaesthesia after caesarean section with an OR of 0.46, (95% CI 0.28 to 0.78; 551 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Evidence synthesis of three RCTs investigating continuous infusion with local anaesthetic for the prevention of PPP three to 55 months after iliac crest bone graft harvesting (ICBG) was inconclusive (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.09; 123 participants, low-quality evidence). However, evidence synthesis of two RCTs also favoured the infusion of intravenous local anaesthetics for the prevention of PPP three to six months after breast cancer surgery with an OR of 0.24 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.69, 97 participants, moderate-quality evidence).We did not synthesize evidence for the surgical subgroups of limb amputation, hernia repair, cardiac surgery and laparotomy. We could not pool evidence for adverse effects because the included studies did not examine them systematically, and reported them sparsely. Clinical heterogeneity, attrition and sparse outcome data hampered evidence synthesis. High risk of bias from missing data and lack of blinding across a number of included studies reduced our confidence in the findings. Thus results must be interpreted with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that there is moderate-quality evidence that regional anaesthesia may reduce the risk of developing PPP after three to 18 months after thoracotomy and three to 12 months after caesarean section. There is low-quality evidence that regional anaesthesia may reduce the risk of developing PPP three to 12 months after breast cancer surgery. There is moderate evidence that intravenous infusion of local anaesthetics may reduce the risk of developing PPP three to six months after breast cancer surgery.Our conclusions are considerably weakened by the small size and number of studies, by performance bias, null bias, attrition and missing data. Larger, high-quality studies, including children, are needed. We caution that except for breast surgery, our evidence synthesis is based on only a few small studies. On a cautionary note, we cannot extend our conclusions to other surgical interventions or regional anaesthesia techniques, for example we cannot conclude that paravertebral block reduces the risk of PPP after thoracotomy. There are seven ongoing studies and 12 studies awaiting classification that may change the conclusions of the current review once they are published and incorporated.

Morbidity of anterior iliac crest and calvarial bone donor graft sites: a 1-year randomized controlled trial

Autogenous bone graft harvesting is still commonly considered the gold standard for the reconstruction of a severely resorbed maxillary alveolar ridge; however, the preferred donor site remains a subject of debate. This study compared the morbidity of calvarial and iliac crest donor sites after harvesting. Twenty edentulous patients with an insufficient volume of maxillary bone for reliable implant placement were assigned randomly to either calvarial (n=10) or anterior iliac crest (n=10) bone harvesting groups. All patients underwent a maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure combined with widening of the alveolar process using buccal bone blocks. Donor site morbidity was assessed before, during, and at 1year after the surgery through patient questionnaires, physical examination, and medical records. No perioperative complications occurred. The anterior iliac crest group reported minor postoperative pain after harvesting. The scars after calvaria harvesting were significantly longer (P=0.003), but this was not bothersome for the group of patients. Long-term pain was negligible and satisfaction was high in both groups. Both the calvaria and anterior iliac crest are associated with low long-term donor site morbidity and high patient satisfaction. Thus, patient-centred decision-making is appropriate when selecting the preferred harvesting method for that patient.

Local anaesthetics and regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia for preventing persistent postoperative pain in adults and children

BACKGROUND

Regional anaesthesia may reduce the rate of persistent postoperative pain (PPP), a frequent and debilitating condition. This review was originally published in 2012 and updated in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To compare local anaesthetics and regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia for the prevention of PPP beyond three months in adults and children undergoing elective surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase to December 2016 without any language restriction. We used a combination of free text search and controlled vocabulary search. We limited results to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We updated this search in December 2017, but these results have not yet been incorporated in the review. We conducted a handsearch in reference lists of included studies, review articles and conference abstracts. We searched the PROSPERO systematic review registry for related systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs comparing local or regional anaesthesia versus conventional analgesia with a pain outcome beyond three months after elective, non-orthopaedic surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data and adverse events. We contacted study authors for additional information. We presented outcomes as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), based on random-effects models (inverse variance method). We analysed studies separately by surgical intervention, but pooled outcomes reported at different follow-up intervals. We compared our results to Bayesian and classical (frequentist) models. We investigated heterogeneity. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

In this updated review, we identified 40 new RCTs and seven ongoing studies. In total, we included 63 RCTs in the review, but we were only able to synthesize data on regional anaesthesia for the prevention of PPP beyond three months after surgery from 41 studies, enrolling a total of 3143 participants in our inclusive analysis.Evidence synthesis of seven RCTs favoured epidural anaesthesia for thoracotomy, suggesting the odds of having PPP three to 18 months following an epidural for thoracotomy were 0.52 compared to not having an epidural (OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.84, 499 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Simlarly, evidence synthesis of 18 RCTs favoured regional anaesthesia for the prevention of persistent pain three to 12 months after breast cancer surgery with an OR of 0.43 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.68, 1297 participants, low-quality evidence). Pooling data at three to 8 months after surgery from four RCTs favoured regional anaesthesia after caesarean section with an OR of 0.46, (95% CI 0.28 to 0.78; 551 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Evidence synthesis of three RCTs investigating continuous infusion with local anaesthetic for the prevention of PPP three to 55 months after iliac crest bone graft harvesting (ICBG) was inconclusive (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.09; 123 participants, low-quality evidence). However, evidence synthesis of two RCTs also favoured the infusion of intravenous local anaesthetics for the prevention of PPP three to six months after breast cancer surgery with an OR of 0.24 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.69, 97 participants, moderate-quality evidence).We did not synthesize evidence for the surgical subgroups of limb amputation, hernia repair, cardiac surgery and laparotomy. We could not pool evidence for adverse effects because the included studies did not examine them systematically, and reported them sparsely. Clinical heterogeneity, attrition and sparse outcome data hampered evidence synthesis. High risk of bias from missing data and lack of blinding across a number of included studies reduced our confidence in the findings. Thus results must be interpreted with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that there is moderate-quality evidence that regional anaesthesia may reduce the risk of developing PPP after three to 18 months after thoracotomy and three to 12 months after caesarean section. There is low-quality evidence that regional anaesthesia may reduce the risk of developing PPP three to 12 months after breast cancer surgery. There is moderate evidence that intravenous infusion of local anaesthetics may reduce the risk of developing PPP three to six months after breast cancer surgery.Our conclusions are considerably weakened by the small size and number of studies, by performance bias, null bias, attrition and missing data. Larger, high-quality studies, including children, are needed. We caution that except for breast surgery, our evidence synthesis is based on only a few small studies. On a cautionary note, we cannot extend our conclusions to other surgical interventions or regional anaesthesia techniques, for example we cannot conclude that paravertebral block reduces the risk of PPP after thoracotomy. There are seven ongoing studies and 12 studies awaiting classification that may change the conclusions of the current review once they are published and incorporated.

Analysis of postoperative pain at the anterior iliac crest harvest site: a prospective study of the intraoperative local administration of ropivacaine

Study Design

This was a prospective randomized comparative study.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to objectify donor site-related pain following anterior iliac crest graft harvesting, in patients who have undergone multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating (ACDFP); and to assess the effect of an intraoperative local single injection of ropivacaine on postoperative pain.

Overview of Literature

Multilevel ACDFP can be associated with a high non-union rate. Autogenous iliac bone has been used to increase union rates, although a high incidence of donor site-related pain has been reported.

Methods

Forty consecutive patients who required 3-level or 4-level ACDFP were prospectively assessed for donor site-related pain. Pain levels were assessed daily for five days postoperative using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were randomly assigned to group A or B. In group A patients, 7-10 mL of ropivacaine (0.2%) was injected into the iliac crest after iliac crest graft harvesting. Morphine usage via patient controlled analgesia was calculated. At six months postoperative, patient complaints at the harvest site were documented.

Results

Patients were randomly assigned to group A or B. In group A, ropivacaine was locally administered at the site of the iliac crest graft harvest after fascia closure. In group B, no additional treatments were administered. The average patient age in group A was 56±7.6 years, whereas the average age of patients in group B was 52.6±10.4 years. Group A had an average of 0.6±0.7 previous surgeries per patient, whereas group B had an average of 0.8±1.0 previous surgeries per patient. The average number of levels fused in group A was 3.6±0.7, whereas the average number of levels fused in group B was 3.7±0.9 (all p>0.05). In group A, the mean ropivacaine volume administered was 8.4±1.5 mL. No patient complaints regarding chronic pain, were reported six months postoperatively. No complications were encountered from the harvest site, and all patients underwent successful 3-level and 4-level ACDFP. Statistical analysis showed significant differences for VAS on postoperative day 1 (p=0.004) and day 2 (p=0.005).

Conclusions

VAS assessment showed overall moderate perioperative morbidity in terms of donor site-related pain, which was reduced by administering ropivacaine.

Bupivacaine for pain reduction after iliac crest bone graft harvest

Iliac crest bone graft remains the gold standard in achieving spinal arthrodesis, but chronic pain from graft harvest occurs in up to 39% of patients. Studies have shown that a single administration of local anesthetic reduces short-term pain, but they have not adequately investigated possible longer-term benefits. The goal of this study was to determine whether local administration of bupivacaine after iliac crest bone graft harvesting reduces pain and improves patient-reported outcomes. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical study, 40 patients were identified who underwent posterior spine fusion with iliac crest bone graft and were randomized to receive either bupivacaine (treatment group, n=20) or saline (control group, n=20) at the iliac crest bone graft site. Pain at the harvest site was determined by a series of 12 visual and numeric pain scale assessments. Short Form-12 mental and physical component scores, EuroQol-5D, and Oswestry Disability Index assessments were made, along with determination of patient satisfaction and self-reported outcome of surgery. Baseline pain and outcome assessments were statistically similar (P>.05). Average pain scores were lower for all 12 assessments in the treatment group at mean follow-up of 5 weeks (significant differences in 6 assessments) and 20 weeks (significant differences in 2 assessments). No significant differences were found in Short Form-12 and EuroQol-5D scores. For patients who underwent lumbar fusion, the treatment group had significantly improved Oswestry Disability Index scores (mean±SD=10.8±7.1 vs 18.7±5.9, P=.012). Significantly more patients in the treatment group reported that surgery met all expectations (90% vs 50%, P=.016). This study is the 1st to show that a single administration of bupivacaine at the iliac crest bone graft harvest site during posterior spine fusion surgery can result in improved outcomes and reduced pain far beyond the anesthetic duration of activity.