Perioperative combined administration of tranexamic acid and dexamethasone in total knee arthroplasty-benefit versus harm?

Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Reducing Pain and Inflammation and Accelerating Total Hip Arthroplasty Postoperative Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone in reducing pain and accelerating recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

DESIGN

A prospective randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 98 patients who underwent THA received either low-dose (10 mg) dexamethasone (dexa group) or isotonic saline (placebo group). C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) score at rest and walking, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), nausea VAS score, postoperative identity-consequence fatigue scale rating, antiemetic use, postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and complications were also recorded and compared.

FINDINGS

Inflammatory marker (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively in the dexa group were lower than that in the placebo group (P < .05). After 24 hours of rest, the dynamic pain VAS scores in the dexa group were lower than those in the placebo group (P < .05). The incidence of PONV, nausea VAS score, and identity-consequence fatigue scale score in the dexa group were lower than those in the placebo group (P < .05), and the dosages of analgesics and antiemetics were also lower (P < .05). In addition, PLOS in the dexa group was shorter than that in the placebo group (P < .05). No significant difference in perioperative complications between the two groups was observed (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose dexamethasone in the THA perioperative period can effectively reduce inflammatory marker levels, pain, nausea, postoperative fatigue, opioid analgesic use, and shorten PLOS without increasing complications.

The Use of Biomarkers to Quantify Clinical Response to Total Knee Arthroplasty Interventions: A Systematic Review

The primary objective of this review was to determine whether the attenuation of the postoperative inflammatory response (PIR) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leads to a notable improvement in clinical outcome scores. The secondary objective of this review was to determine the optimal approach in using inflammatory biomarkers, clinical inflammatory assessments, and imaging to quantify the PIR. A systematic literature search of eight major databases was conducted using a predetermined search strategy. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), knee surface temperature (KST), and clinical outcome data were collected and graphically displayed. Eighty-six percent of the studies that reported a statistically significant decrease in inflammatory biomarkers in their treatment group demonstrated a concordant notable improvement in clinical outcome scores. Mean CRP, IL-6, ESR, and KST values peaked on postoperative day (POD) 2, POD1, POD7, and POD 1-3, respectively. The PIR is correlated with early pain and function recovery outcomes. Future studies comparing TKA surgical methodologies and perioperative protocols should assess PIR by incorporating inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP and IL-6, and clinical inflammatory assessment adjuncts, to provide a more comprehensive comparison.

Effects of combined dexamethasone and tranexamic acid in lower limb total arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of combined Tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (DEX) in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL database were systematically searched for randomized studies that utilized TXA and DEX administration of TXA in THA or TKA.

RESULTS

A total of three randomized studies enrolling 288 patients were eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis. DEX + TXA group demonstrated statistical significantly lesser usage of oxycodone (OR: 0.34, p < 0.0001), metoclopramide (OR: 0.21, p < 0.00001), lesser incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR: 0.27, p < 0.0001), better postoperative range of motion (MD: 2.30, p < 0.00001) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD: 0.31, p = 0.03). Comparable results were seen in total blood loss, transfusion rate and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, the combination of TXA and DEX has positive impacts on the usage of oxycodone and metoclopramide, postoperative range of motion, postoperative nausea and vomiting and reduces the length of hospital stay.

Tranexamic acid in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) approaches have revolutionized the management of sinonasal and intracranial pathology. Maintaining surgical hemostasis is essential as bleeding can obscure the visibility of the surgical field, thus increasing surgical duration, risk of complications, and procedural failure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) acts to reduce bleeding by inhibiting fibrin degradation. This review aims to assess whether TXA improves surgical field quality and reduces intraoperative blood loss compared with control.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception until September 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Data were pooled using a random-effect model, with continuous data presented as mean differences and dichotomous data presented as odds ratios.

RESULTS

Seventeen ESS randomized controlled trials (n = 1377) and one ESBS randomized controlled trial (n = 50) were reviewed. Significant improvement in surgical field quality was achieved with both systemic TXA (six studies, p < 0.00001) and topical TXA (six studies, p = 0.01) compared with the control. Systemic TXA (eight studies) and topical TXA (three studies) both achieved a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss compared with the control (p < 0.00001). There were significant differences in operative times (p < 0.001) but no significant difference in perioperative outcomes (p = 0.30).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that the administration of TXA in ESS can improve surgical field quality and reduce intraoperative blood loss. TXA use did not result in increased perioperative complications including thrombotic events.

Efficacy of combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone against postoperative pain and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore whether combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone could improve postoperative pain, swelling, and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study, 90 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized into a dexamethasone group, which received dexamethasone (10 mg) by periarticular infiltration during surgery, as well as intravenous dexamethasone (10 mg) before tourniquet release and at 12 h postoperatively; or a control group, which received equal volumes of isotonic saline instead of dexamethasone. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, as assessed on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were postoperative consumption of morphine hydrochloride for rescue analgesia, postoperative swelling ratio of the thigh, knee, and tibia; functional recovery in terms of total range of motion (ROM) of knee and daily ambulation distance; postoperative inflammation biomarkers levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6; and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Resting VAS scores at postoperative 6, 12, and 24 h, and VAS scores during motion at postoperative 2, 6, 12, and 24 h were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group. The dexamethasone group also showed significantly less morphine consumption during the first 24 h after surgery and cumulatively during hospitalization, milder limb swelling at 24 and 48 h postoperatively, greater flexion and total ROM on postoperative day 1, and longer ambulation distance on postoperative days 1 and 2, and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers on postoperative days 1 and 2. The dexamethasone group had significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, the combination of intravenous and topical dexamethasone can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after TKA, it also can improve functional recovery and reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Systemic glucocorticoids as an adjunct to treatment of postoperative pain after total hip and knee arthroplasty: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative analgesic effects of systemic glucocorticoids given as an adjunct to treatment are largely undetermined in alloplastic procedures.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the beneficial and harmful effects of peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid treatment for pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

DESIGN

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses, trial sequential analyses and GRADE. Primary outcome was 24 h intravenous (i.v.) morphine (or equivalent) consumption with a predefined minimal important difference (MID) of 5 mg. Secondary outcomes included pain at rest and during mobilisation (MID, VAS 10 mm), adverse and serious adverse events (SAEs).

DATA SOURCES

We searched EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed and Google Scholar up to October 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

RCTs investigating peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid versus placebo or no intervention, for analgesic pain management of patients at least 18 years undergoing planned THA or TKA, irrespective of publication date and language.

RESULTS

We included 32 RCTs with 3521 patients. Nine trials were at a low risk of bias. Meta-analyses showed evidence of a reduction in 24 h cumulative morphine consumption with glucocorticoids by 5.0 mg (95% CI 2.2 to 7.7; P  = 0.0004). Pain at rest was reduced at 6 h by 7.8 mm (95% CI 5.5 to 10.2; P  < 0.00001), and at 24 h by 6.3 mm (95% CI 3.8 to 8.8; P  < 0.00001). Pain during mobilisation was reduced at 6 h by 9.8 mm (95% CI 6.9 to 12.8; P  < 0.00001), and at 24 h by 9.0 mm (95% CI 5.5 to 12.4, P  < 0.00001). Incidence of adverse events was generally lower in the glucocorticoid treatment group. SAEs were rarely reported. The GRADE rated quality of evidence was low to very low.

CONCLUSION

Peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid treatment reduced postoperative morphine consumption to an individually relevant level following hip and knee arthroplasty. Pain levels were reduced but were below the predefined MID. The quality of evidence was generally low.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42019135034.

The Efficacy and Safety of Corticosteroids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Direct Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are commonly used intraoperatively to treat pain and reduce opioid consumption and nausea associated with primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in primary TJA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published before February 2020 on corticosteroids in TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids.

RESULTS

Critical appraisal of 1,581 publications revealed 23 studies regarded as the best available evidence for analysis. Intraoperative dexamethasone reduces postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and nausea and vomiting. Multiple doses lead to further reduction in pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting. There is insufficient evidence on the risk of adverse events with perioperative dexamethasone in TJA.

CONCLUSION

Strong evidence supports the use of a single dose or multiple doses of intravenous dexamethasone to reduce postoperative pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting after primary TJA. There is insufficient evidence on perioperative dexamethasone in primary TJA to determine the optimal dose, number of doses, or risk of postoperative adverse events.

Tranexamic acid in total knee replacement and total hip replacement - a single-center retrospective, observational study

Background

Numerous strategies are used to decrease the risk of the need for [allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT)], including [tranexamic acid (TXA)].

Objective

In a single-center retrospective observational study, we have assessed the impact of TXA on the need and average volume of blood used during transfusion.

Methods

We have reviewed medical records of a total of 491 patients undergoing arthroplasty in our hospital from Dec 2016 to Dec 2019.

Results

226 patients were administered TXA IV, and 265 did not receive an additional intervention. In the TXA group, 7/226 patients required ABT vs. 41/265 in the non-TXA group (p<0,001). The Non-TXA group required a significantly higher blood transfusion volume than the TXA group (mean 82,42 mL vs. 12,74 mL; p<0,001).

Conclusion

We conclude that two doses of 1g TXA administered [intravenously (IV)] before incision and during skin suturing reduce the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing JRS.

Effect of dexamethasone as an analgesic adjuvant to multimodal pain treatment after total knee arthroplasty: randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of one and two doses of intravenous dexamethasone in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Randomised, blinded, placebo controlled trial with follow-up at 90 days.

SETTING

Five Danish hospitals, September 2018 to March 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

485 adult participants undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

INTERVENTION

A computer generated randomised sequence stratified for site was used to allocate participants to one of three groups: DX1 (dexamethasone (24 mg)+placebo); DX2 (dexamethasone (24 mg)+dexamethasone (24 mg)); or placebo (placebo+placebo). The intervention was given preoperatively and after 24 hours. Participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were blinded. All participants received paracetamol, ibuprofen, and local infiltration analgesia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was total intravenous morphine consumption 0 to 48 hours postoperatively. Multiplicity adjusted threshold for statistical significance was P<0.017 and minimal important difference was 10 mg morphine. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain.

RESULTS

485 participants were randomised: 161 to DX1, 162 to DX2, and 162 to placebo. Data from 472 participants (97.3%) were included in the primary outcome analysis. The median (interquartile range) morphine consumptions at 0-48 hours were: DX1 37.9 mg (20.7 to 56.7); DX2 35.0 mg (20.6 to 52.0); and placebo 43.0 mg (28.7 to 64.0). Hodges-Lehmann median differences between groups were: -2.7 mg (98.3% confidence interval -9.3 to 3.7), P=0.30 between DX1 and DX2; 7.8 mg (0.7 to 14.7), P=0.008 between DX1 and placebo; and 10.7 mg (4.0 to 17.3), P<0.001 between DX2 and placebo. Postoperative pain was reduced at 24 hours with one dose, and at 48 hours with two doses, of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

Two doses of dexamethasone reduced morphine consumption during 48 hours after total knee arthroplasty and reduced postoperative pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03506789.

Synergistic Effect of a Prolonged Combination Course of Tranexamic Acid and Dexamethasone Involving High Initial Doses in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The optimal regimes of tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (DXM) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a prolonged course of intravenous TXA and DXM involving a high initial dose in TKA. Patients who underwent primary TKA at our center were randomized to receive one of four regimes: control (group A), prolonged course of TXA (B), prolonged course of DXM (C), or the combination of a prolonged course of TXA and DXM (D). The four groups were compared in primary outcomes (fibrinolytic and inflammatory markers, knee function, postoperative pain levels, and consumption of opioids) and secondary outcomes (blood loss, maximal drop in hemoglobin, coagulation, fasting blood glucose, and complications). A total of 162 patients were enrolled. On postoperative days 2 and 3, fibrinolytic markers were lower in groups B and D than in groups A and C; inflammatory markers were lower in groups C and D than in groups A and B. Inflammatory markers were lower in group B than in group A on postoperative day 3. Postoperative pain levels and oxycodone consumption were lower, and knee function was better in groups C and D. The four groups did not differ in any of the secondary outcomes. A prolonged course of intravenous TXA and DXM involving high initial doses can effectively inhibit postoperative fibrinolytic and inflammatory responses, reduce pain, and improve knee function after TKA.

A Comprehensive Single-Center Analysis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Orthognathic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a major clinical end-point for directing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in facial plastic surgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PONV and evaluate strategies for PONV reduction in orthognathic surgery patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed among patients receiving orthognathic surgery at our institution from 2011 to 2018. Patient demographics, surgical operative and anesthesia notes, medications, and nausea/vomiting were assessed for each patient. The amount of opioid analgesia given both perioperatively and postoperatively was recorded and converted into morphine equivalents (MEQ). Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for PONV. Post hoc analyses were employed to compare PONV among patients based on MEQ dosage and antiemetic prophylaxis regimes.

RESULTS

A total of 492 patients were included; mean age was 23.0 years (range: 13-60); 54.4% were female. The majority of patients received concurrent Le Fort I osteotomy, BSSO, and genioplasty (70.1%). During hospitalization, 59.4% of patients experienced nausea requiring antiemetic medications and 28.4% experienced emesis. Stepwise regression yielded Apfel scores (P = 0.003) and postoperative opioids (P = 0.013) as the strongest predictors of PONV. Post hoc analyses showed that undertreatment with prophylactic antiemetics (based on Apfel) predicted increased PONV (+12.9%, P = 0.020), and that lower postoperative MEQs (<28.0) predicted decreased PONV (-11.8%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings confirm the high incidence of PONV among orthognathic surgical patients and stratify previously reported PONV risk factors. More aggressive utilization of antiemetic medications and decreased dependence on opioid analgesia may decrease nausea/vomiting following orthognathic surgery.

Postoperative Infection Risk in Total Joint Arthroplasty After Perioperative IV Corticosteroid Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

BACKGROUND

Perioperative corticosteroid administration is associated with reduced postoperative nausea, pain, and enhanced recovery after surgery. However, potential complications including wound and periprosthetic joint infections remain a concern for surgeons after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

A systematic review of the search databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE was made in January 2021 to identify comparative studies evaluating infection risk after perioperative corticosteroid administration in TJA. PRISMA guidelines were used for this review. Meta-analysis was used to assess infection risk in accordance with joint and corticosteroid dosing regimen used.

RESULTS

201 studies were returned after initial search strategy, with 29 included for review after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were categorized as using low- or high-dose corticosteroid with single or repeat dosing regimens. Single low-dose corticosteroid administration was not associated with an increased risk of infection (P = .4; CI = 0.00-0.00). Single high-dose corticosteroid was not associated with an increased infection risk (P = .3; CI = 0.00-0.01) nor did repeat low-dose regimens result in increased risk of infection (P = .8; CI = -0.02-0.02). Studies assessing repeat high-dosing regimens reported no increased infection, with small numbers of participants included. No significant risk difference in infection risk was noted in hip (P = .59; CI = -0.03-0.02) or knee (P = .2; CI = 0.00-0.01) arthroplasty. Heterogeneity in patient profiles included in studies to date was noted.

CONCLUSION

Use of perioperative corticosteroid in TJA does not appear to be associated with increased risk of postoperative infection in patients with limited comorbidities. Further research is warranted to evaluate postoperative complications after TJA in these at-risk patient populations.

Analgesia effects of IPACK block added to multimodal analgesia regiments after total knee replacement: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Currently, no meta-analysis exists elucidate the analgesic effect of adding IPACK block to our current multimodal analgesia regimen after total knee replacement (TKR). The purpose of this study is to systematically review the level I evidence in the literature to ascertain whether IPACK block can bring additional analgesic benefits to existing multimodal analgesia regimens.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Only level I randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our study. The primary outcome was the pain scores with rest and activity. Secondary outcomes included cumulative opioid consumption, cumulative distance ambulated, and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Five RCTs with a total of 467 patients were included. The most important finding in our study was that although IPACK block supplementation improved pain scores at 12 hours with rest or activity after surgery, no such benefit was observed at subsequent time points during the postoperative period. Interestingly, IPACK supplementation did not reduce opioid consumption, especially in the first 24 hours after surgery. Furthermore, other postoperative outcomes, including cumulative distance ambulated and LOS, were also not improved by the addition of an IPACK.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of an IPACK block to multimodal analgesia regiments does not reduce the postoperative opioid consumption nor improve functional performance. However, it may be an appropriate method to improve immediate analgesic effects after TKR.

Perioperative Systemic Dexamethasone Reduces Length of Stay in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The objective of this review is to examine the effect of perioperative systemic corticosteroids at varying doses and timings on early postoperative recovery outcomes following unilateral total knee and total hip arthroplasty. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2020. Studies comparing the outcome of adult patients receiving a systemic steroid to patients who did not receive steroids were included.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included, incorporating 1957 patients. Perioperative corticosteroids reduced hospital LOS (mean difference [MD] = -0.39 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.61 to -0.18). A subsequent dose of corticosteroid at 24 hours further reduced LOS (MD = -0.33, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.11). Corticosteroids resulted in reduced levels of pain on postoperative day (POD) 0 (MD = -1.99, 95% CI -3.30 to -0.69), POD1 (MD = -1.47, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.79), and POD2. Higher doses were more effective in reducing pain with activity on POD0 (P = .006) and 1 (P = .023). Steroids reduced the incidence of PONV on POD1 (log odds ratio [OR] = -1.05, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.84) and POD2, with greater effect at higher doses (P = .046). Corticosteroids did not increase the incidence of infection (P = 1.000), venous thromboembolism (P = 1.000), or gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P = 1.000) but were associated with an increase in blood glucose (MD = 5.30 mg/dL, 95% CI 2.69-7.90).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative corticosteroids are safe, facilitate earlier discharge, and improve patient recovery following unilateral total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Higher doses (15-20 mg of dexamethasone) are associated with further reductions in dynamic pain and PONV, and repeat dosing may further reduce LOS.

Which is the better choice? A clinical cohort study protocol evaluating the differences between standard medial parapatellar and minimally invasive approaches in total knee replacement

BACKGROUND

There is still a lack of consensus on the best approach for total knee replacement (TKR). We carried out this present retrospective cohort study to assess the overall safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive approach without the use of computer navigation in comparison with conventional TKR.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who receiving the primary TKR in the same institution from 2014 to 2016 was conducted. The inclusion criteria for the study indicated that the patient required a unilateral or bilateral TKR was between 18 and 80 years' old, provided informed consent, was followed up for at least 2 years, and was in stable health. There was no treatment for any condition or condition that might pose a risk of excessive surgery. The same TKR standard rehabilitation program was provided to all patients. Data were collected on patient demographics, anesthesia style, American Society of Anesthesiology scores, tourniquet duration, and surgical drainage loss. Our primary outcome measure was discharge time. Secondary outcomes included duration of surgery, incidence of postoperative complications, imaging location 6 weeks after surgery, Oxford Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, and knee ROM. Complications were recorded and classified as surgical site, thromboembolic, systemic, or requiring reoperation.

RESULTS

It was assumed that there is a remarkable difference in postoperative outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The limitations of our present research include the inherent limitations in any retrospective cohort research, including the observation bias and possibility of selection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry6349).

The efficacy of ketamine in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Appropriate pain management is essential to improve the postoperative recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is a paucity of literature on ketamine for TKA procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ketamine in patients undergoing primary TKA.

METHODS

This study was designed as a prospective, double blind, single center, randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to either the ketamine or placebo groups, using a set of random numbers for the allocation sequence. All patients underwent TKA without patella resurfacing under spinal anesthesia. Preoperative workup, surgical technique, and postoperative management were standardized for all the patients. The primary outcome of this noninferiority study is opioid consumption within the first 24 hours following surgery, pain scores, distance ambulated, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, and complications.

RESULTS

The results of this study were expected to provide useful information on the effectiveness and safety of ketamine for immediate postoperative analgesia after TKA surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5575).