Current and innovative pain management techniques in total knee arthroplasty

Periarticular Infiltration Compared to Single Femoral Nerve Block in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study

Objective  To compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia and single femoral nerve block (FNB) with subjects undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia and periarticular infiltration (PAI). Materials and Methods  A total of 100 patients undergoing primary TKA were randomized into two groups. Group 1 included patients undergoing surgery under FNB associated with spinal anesthesia, while group 2 included patients undergoing TKA under IPA and spinal anesthesia. The assessment of these subjects in the early postoperative period included pain, active flexion, active extension, elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Results  There was no significant difference in the types of analgesia concerning pain, the elevation of the extended limb, and morphine use. Active flexion and extension were better in the PAI group ( p  = 0.04 and p  = 0.02 respectively). Conclusion  We conclude that the techniques are similar regarding pain control, limb elevation, and morphine use. The use of IPA provided better active flexion and extension during the hospital stay compared to single FNB in patients undergoing TKA.

Ropivacaine-Epinephrine-Clonidine-Ketorolac Cocktail as a Local Anesthetic for Lumbar Decompression Surgery: A Single Institutional Experience

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to discuss our initial experience with a multimodal opioid-sparing cocktail containing ropivacaine, epinephrine, clonidine, and ketorolac (RECK) in the postoperative management of lumbar decompression surgeries.

METHODS

Patients were either administered no local anesthetic at the incision site or were administered a weight-based amount of RECK into the paraspinal musculature and subdermal space surrounding the operative site once the fascia was closed. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients 18 years of age or older undergoing lumbar laminectomy and lumbar diskectomy surgeries between December 2019 and April 2021. Outcomes including total opioid use, measured as morphine milligram equivalent, length of stay, and postoperative visual analog scores for pain, were collected. Relationships between variables were analyzed with Student's t-test, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients undergoing 52 lumbar laminectomy and 69 lumbar diskectomy surgeries were identified. For lumbar laminectomy, patients who were administered RECK had decreased opioid use in the postoperative period (11.47 ± 12.32 vs. 78.51 ± 106.10 morphine milligram equivalents, P = 0.019). For patients undergoing lumbar diskectomies, RECK administration led to a shorter length of stay (0.17 ± 0.51 vs. 0.79 ± 1.45 days, P = 0.019) and a lower 2-hour postoperative pain score (3.69 ± 2.56 vs. 5.41 ± 2.28, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The RECK cocktail has potential to be an effective therapeutic option for the postoperative management of lumbar decompression surgeries.

A artroplastia total de joelhos bilateral simultânea pode ser segura

Objetivos Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a segurança da artroplastia total bilateral de joelho simultânea (ATJBS) e investigar a satisfação dos pacientes com o procedimento realizado de forma concomitante.

Métodos Em um estudo prospectivo, avaliamos 45 pacientes submetidos à ATJBS feita por duas equipes cirúrgicas. A idade média dos pacientes foi 66,9 anos, sendo 33 do gênero feminino (73,3%) e 12 (26,6%) do gênero masculino. No período intra- e pós-operatório foi seguido um protocolo de medidas visando a segurança do procedimento. Avaliamos o tempo de cirurgia, a perda sanguínea pelo hematócrito (Ht) e hemoglobina (Hb), obtidos no primeiro dia de pós-operatório, a porcentagem de pacientes que receberam transfusão de concentrado de hemácias e quantidade de unidades que foram necessárias. Verificamos as complicações no período perioperatório e, ao final de três meses, inquirimos aos pacientes sobre a preferência entre o procedimento simultâneo ou estagiado.

Resultados O tempo médio de cirurgia foi de 169 minutos; no pós-operatório houve um decréscimo médio de 28,2% do Ht e de 27,0% da Hb. Ao todo, 16 pacientes (35,5%) receberam transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (média de 1,75 unidades por paciente que precisou de reposição). Tivemos 12 complicações menores (26,6%) e 2 complicações maiores (4,4%); além disso, nenhum paciente teve o diagnóstico clínico de trombose venosa profunda e não houve mortes.

Conclusões A ATJBS pode ser considerada um procedimento seguro, se realizada em pacientes selecionados e com um protocolo de cuidados para prevenir complicações. Esse procedimento teve a aprovação unânime dos pacientes.

Ultrasound-Guided Adductor Canal Block Versus Intraoperative Transarticular Saphenous Nerve Block: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

The ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (High-ACB) is an effective option for pain control in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but its use can add substantial cost and preparatory time to a TKA procedure. An intraoperative adductor canal block (Low-ACB) performed by the operative surgeon has been described as an alternative. The hypothesis of this study is that the Low-ACB would achieve noninferior pain control and opioid utilization postoperatively when compared to the High-ACB.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database comparing the High-ACB vs the Low-ACB. The primary outcome measure was morphine milligram equivalents consumed. Secondary outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale pain scores, postoperative outcomes (Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, knee range of motion), length of stay, postoperative speed of mobilization, and complications related to the type of block.

RESULTS

There were 139 patients in the study. There was lower opioid use in the first 24 hours in the Low-ACB compared to the High-ACB group respectively (26.3 vs 30, P = .29) but this did not reach statistical significance. There was a statistically significant difference in Visual Analog Scale score on postoperative day 1 in the Low-ACB vs High-ACB groups respectively (4.6 vs 3.7, P = .02) but this did not reach the level of clinical significance. There was no statistical difference in the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, or postoperative range of motion. There were no block-related complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

The Low-ACB is a safe, effective, and cost-saving alternative to the traditional High-ACB for pain control in TKA.

The Efficacy and Safety of Celecoxib for Pain Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of celecoxib for pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared celecoxib with a placebo in term of pain control efficacy after TKA. Primary outcomes included pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 h after TKA. Secondary outcomes included the active range of motion (ROM) at 24, 48,72 h, and 7 days postoperatively, morphine consumption over 72 h after TKA, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and total blood loss after surgery. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.3.

Results

Five RCTs involving 593 participants were included in the study. Compared with a placebo, celecoxib significantly reduced visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest at 24 h [mean difference (MD) = −0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.27 to −0.17; I² = 82%; P = 0.01], 48 h (MD = −1.51; 95% CI, −2.07 to −0.95; I² = 0%; P < 0.00001), and 72 h (MD = −1.30; 95% CI, −2.07 to −0.54; I² = 82%; P = 0.0009) after TKA, decreased morphine consumption over postoperative 72 h (MD = −0.73; 95% CI, −0.96 to −0.51; I² = 96%; P < 0.00001), and increased active ROM at 48 h (MD = 13.23; 95% CI, 7.79 to 18.67; I² = 0%; P < 0.00001), 72 h (MD = 6.52; 95% CI, 4.95 to 8.10; I² = 68%; P < 0.00001), and 7 days (MD = 7.98; 95% CI, 3.64 to 12.31; I² = 68%; P = 0.0003) after the operation. No significant difference was found in the active ROM at 24 h (MD = 7.60; 95% CI, −6.14 to 21.34; I² = 94%; P = 0.28) and the incidence of PONV after surgery [risk ratio (RR) = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.09; I² = 0%; P = 0.11].

Conclusion

The administration of celecoxib is an effective and safe strategy for postoperative analgesia after TKA.

Narcotic-Free Perioperative Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does the Periarticular Injection Medication Make a Difference?

Multimodal pain management strategies are critical in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There has recently been a shift toward opioid sparing protocols, yet most publications continue to use narcotics in the perioperative period. Periarticular injections are a popular adjunct but studies regarding the optimal medications have high variability making it difficult to choose the optimal medication. The purpose of this study is to validate a perioperative, opioid-free protocol and compare two different periarticular injections without the variability in previous reports. A multimodal pain protocol was instituted that administered no narcotic medications in the perioperative period. Over 2 years, primary TKA patients were informally randomized to receive liposomal bupivacaine (LB), or a cocktail of medications (CO). A total of 189 patients were included: 101 patients in group LB and 88 patients in group CO. Postoperative opioid consumption, length of stay, and inpatient distance ambulated were compared across the two injection groups. In morphine milligram equivalents, group LB consumed a mean of 20.36 mg of oxycodone versus 23.18 mg in group CO (p = 0.543). For tramadol, group LB consumed 27.24 mg versus 28.69 mg in group CO (p = 0.714). Mean hospital stay was 1.70 days for group LB and 1.72 days for group CO (p = 0.811). Distance ambulated was 528.4ft for group LB and 499.8ft for group CO (p = 0.477). In the LB group, 50% of patients required no oxycodone, and 12% of them took neither oxycodone nor tramadol for pain. In the CO group, 40% declined oxycodone and 10% declined both oxycodone and tramadol. We successfully treated all patients without narcotic medications in the perioperative period. Although we saw trends for improvements in group LB, these were small and not clinically meaningful. It appears that both injections were effective. There is a significant cost difference and medications should be chosen based on surgeon preference and institutional needs.

Combination Effect of High-Dose Preoperative and Periarticular Steroid Injection in Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain remains a major barrier to a patient's recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Periarticular corticosteroids in local infiltration analgesics (LIA) and high-dose intravenous corticosteroids have individually shown to improve pain control after TKA. However, potential interactions between them have not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate any combination effect of both routes of corticosteroids in TKA.

METHODS

This is a double-blinded, paired, randomized controlled trial involving 1-stage bilateral TKAs. All received 16 mg of dexamethasone intravenously. One knee was randomized to receive LIA with 40 mg of triamcinolone, while the other knee receives LIA without corticosteroids. For each patient, one knee was affected by intravenous steroids only, while the other was under the combined effect of intravenous and periarticular steroids (IVPAS). Knee pain, Southampton wound scores, and functional knee scores (Knee Society Knee Score and Oxford Knee Scores) were compared between knees of the same patient.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (92 TKAs) were included. IVPAS knees showed significantly lower visual analog scale scores from day 1 to 6 weeks (P < .05) and a larger range of movement from day 2 to 4 (P < .05). IVPAS knees achieved active straight leg raise earlier than intravenous steroids (1.6 vs 2.3 days, P < .05). No differences in Southampton wound scores and functional knee scores for up to 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Combining intravenous and periarticular corticosteroids improved pain control and recovery after TKA with no increase in wound complications up to 1 year.

Effect of periarticular multimodal injection versus femoral nerve block on in-hospital rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty in Chinese population: A prospective randomized control trial study

Introduction:

Total knee arthroplasty has been adopted to be the most successful treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis. The adoption of multimodal periarticular analgesic (MPI) has been shown to have satisfactory pain control after surgery. However, there is relatively lack of data investigating whether this mode of pain control is effective in enhancing rehabilitation.

Method:

This is a prospective randomized control trial from July 2017 to June 2018, including 82 patients, in which 43 of them had MPI injection and 39 of them had no MPI injection. Primary outcome measures included the number of days required to perform straight leg raise, length of hospital stay, and Insall knee score upon discharge. Secondary outcome measures included total dose of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption postoperatively and visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and on motion during postoperative days 1–4.

Result:

The MPI group performed significantly better than the femoral nerve block (FNB) group in terms of early functional outcome, namely the number of days required to perform straight leg raising and length of hospital stay. The total postoperative PCA consumption and VAS score on motion during postoperative day 1 were also significantly better for MPI group. There was no difference in Insall knee score upon discharge between these two groups.

Conclusion:

Compared to FNB, MPI depicts a faster inpatient rehabilitation, accounted by its quadriceps-sparing, and better pain relief especially in the early postoperative period.

Early Postoperative Pain Predicts 2-Year Functional Outcomes following Knee Arthroplasty

Pain control following knee arthroplasty is extremely important to both patients and surgeons to improve the perioperative experience; however, the implication of early pain control on long-term outcomes following knee arthroplasty remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that poor early pain control results in poor functional outcomes 2 years following total (TKA) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). This retrospective study reviewed 242 TKA and 162 UKA performed at a single institution by two surgeons. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected for first 3 postoperative days. Patients were prospectively evaluated using short form (SF-12), the Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and the Knee Society functional score (KSFS) questionnaires. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between mean VAS pain scores and functional outcome scores at 2 years. In the TKA group, poorly controlled perioperative pain correlated with poorer functional scores at 2 years. There was a significant negative correlation between early mean VAS pain scores (mean, 3.2 ± 2.0) and most 2-year functional outcomes including SF-12 physical score (r = -0.227, p ≤ 0.01), WOMAC pain scores (r = -0.268, p ≤ 0.01), WOMAC stiffness scores (r = -0.224, p < 0.01), WOMAC function score (r = -0.290, p 0.01), and KSFS (r = -0.175, p = 0.031). Better control of early pain was associated with improved functional outcomes at 2 years following TKA. We also found significant negative correlations between preoperative functional scores and early postoperative pain scores. Collectively, using preoperative and early postoperative pain scores, we identified an "at-risk" patient group that manifested an inferior functional outcome at 2 years; these patients may benefit from closer surveillance and a multidisciplinary approach to pain and function to optimize their clinical outcome following knee arthroplasty.

Comparative study of the influence of adductor canal block plus multimodal periarticular infiltration versus combined adductor canal block, multimodal periarticular infiltration and intra-articular epidural catheter ropivacaine infiltration on pain relief after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

A combined regimen of adductor canal block (ACB) and multimodal periarticular infiltration (MPI) with local anesthetic (ropivacaine) is a known effective method of controlling pain in the first 6-8 h after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, managing breakthrough pain after their combined effect wears off can be challenging. We hypothesized that, by additionally leaving an intra-articular epidural catheter (IAEC) inside the knee with intermittent infiltration of local anesthetic in conjunction with ACB and MPI, it would help manage the breakthrough pain when their combined effect wears off.

METHODS

We did a prospective study in our institution between December 2015 and August 2016 on a total of 206 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA. The initial consecutive 106 patients received ACB + MPI (Group 1, n = 106), and the subsequent 100 patients received ACB + MPI + IAEC (Group 2, n = 100). The primary outcome measure was pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, and the secondary outcome measures were requirement for rescue analgesics and repeat adductor canal block and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at 6 h but at 12, 24 and 48 h; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS scores, rescue analgesic requirements, repeat adductor canal block and shorter hospital stay favoring the ACB + MPI + IAEC group.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent knee infiltration with ropivacaine is a safe, reproducible and effective method to control pain in the first 48 h postoperative period after TKA.

Complementary Saphenous Nerve Block to Intra-Articular Analgesia Reduces Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Numerous strategies exist for pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with a fast recovery and early ambulation required for full function. Currently, there is no universal standard of care to facilitate this management. We assessed pain management safety and efficacy after TKA, using intra-articular infiltration associated with peripheral saphenous nerve block (SNB) vs intra-articular infiltration alone.

METHODS

We performed a controlled, double-blinded, and randomized trial to evaluate postoperative pain in TKA. One group was treated with intra-articular analgesia associated with SNB, whereas a second group received the same intra-articular cocktail, associated with placebo. Efficacy was evaluated according to average pain, pain-free time, and morphine rescue indices. Safety was assessed by intervention complications and surgery.

RESULTS

About 70 patients were recruited. At time 0 (immediately postoperative), 51.43% of the intra-articular analgesia + placebo group presented pain <3, whereas in the intra-articular analgesia + SNB group, 8.82% (P = .001) presented with pain. This difference was maintained at 6, 12, and 24 hours, postoperatively. After 24 hours, the placebo group received an average 0.66 morphine rescues (standard deviation, 0.86), when compared with the SNB group that received 0.14 rescues (standard deviation, 0.43), (P = .002). We recorded a paresis of the external popliteal sciatic nerve, with spontaneous recovery without other complications.

CONCLUSION

Complementary SNB to intra-articular analgesia was more effective in reducing average pain and the amount of pain-free time in the first 24 hours after TKA, with fewer requests for morphine rescue analgesia.

Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Postoperative Pain Intensity in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Methods

Eighty-eight patients undergoing THA were randomized to receive 0.33% ropivacaine (Group QLB, n = 44) or saline (Group Con, n = 44) for QL3 block. Spinal anesthesia was then performed. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (0: no pain to 10: worst possible pain). The primary outcome was pain scores recorded at rest at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and on standing and walking at 24, 36, and 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were analgesic consumption, side effects, the 10-meter walking speed on day 6, and patient satisfaction after surgery.

Results

Postoperative pain intensity was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group Con at rest after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h (p < 0.001) and during mobilization after 24, 36, and 48 h (p < 0.001). Morphine use was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group Con during 0–24 h (16.0 ± 7.1 vs. 34.1 ± 7.1 mg, p < 0.001) and during 24–48 h (13.0 ± 4.0 vs. 17.4 ± 4.6 mg, p < 0.001) postoperatively. The 10-meter walking speed was higher in Group QLB compared to Group Con, both at comfortable (0.79 ± 0.13 vs. 0.70 ± 0.14 m/s, p=0.012) and at maximum speeds (1.18 ± 0.26 vs. 1.06 ± 0.22 m/s, p < 0.001). Incidences of nausea (7.3% vs. 31%, p=0.006), vomiting (7.3% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.022), and urinary retention (9.8% vs. 28.6%, p=0.030) were lower in Group QLB than in Group Con.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided QL3 block is an effective pain management technique after THA.

Effect of morphine added to multimodal cocktail on infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The local injection of multimodal cocktail is currently commonly used in the treatment of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is still inconclusive whether the morphine added to the intraoperative injection mixture could make some difference. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional morphine injection on postoperative analgesia in TKA, and provide some useful information on morphine usage in clinical practice.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched. Of 623 records identified, 8 RCTs involving 1093 knees were eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis according to criteria included.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis showed that the use of local morphine injection was not associated with significant pain relief within 48 hours postoperatively at rest and on motion (P > .05, all). The use of morphine reduced postoperative total systemic opioids consumption (P < .05). This study found no significant differences in other outcomes including knee flexion range of motion (ROM) (P > .05), extension ROM (P > .05), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (P > .05), Post-operative nausea and vomiting occurrence (P > .05) regardless of the presence of morphine or not in the injections.

CONCLUSION

Additional morphine added to multimodal cocktail did not decrease the postoperative pain scores significantly based on our outcomes, but it reduced the systemic postoperative opioids consumption in total knee arthroplasty.

Opioid-Sparing Pain Management in Upper Extremity Surgery: Part 1: Role of the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist

A multimodal pain management strategy combines complementary medications and techniques, targeting unique pathways, to improve overall analgesic effect and reduce opioid requirements. In this 2-part review, we examine the literature identifying nonopioid analgesic modalities and their targets in the pain pathway as well as anesthetic techniques found to be opioid-sparing in the practice of upper extremity surgery. First, we focus on operative anesthesia and analgesia and areas for future research specific to upper extremity surgery. In part 2, we discuss the nonopioid options available after surgery.

Timing of periarticular injection has no effect on postoperative pain and functional recovery in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized, double-blinded trial

Background

Given no consensus on optimal timeframe of periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) in knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this study was aimed to compare the postoperative pain and the functional recovery in patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA (SBTKA) and received PMDI at the different intraoperative time points.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial study included 48 patients who underwent SBTKA and received PMDI mixture, either before prosthetic implantation (late PMDI), or just after knee arthrotomy (early PMDI). Each subject’s knees were randomly selected to different PMDI administration time points. The outcome parameters were postoperative pain assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS), the maximal angle of knee flexion, and quadriceps function from day 1 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

Late PMDI revealed slightly higher VAS at 6 and 12 h after the operation than early PMDI administration. Afterward, the VAS tended to be lower in the late than early PMDI administration until the end of the study, but without statistical significance. The time difference between early and late PMDI had no effect on postoperative VAS, while older age resulted in significantly less pain. No statistical differences between the two groups in all other outcome parameters were observed.

Conclusions

Postoperative pain reduction and functional recovery of SBTKA with early and late PMDI administration were not significantly different. The time interval of PMDI between knees did not confound the comparison of postoperative pain and functional recovery in SBTKA.

Trial registration

The protocol of this study was retrospectively registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry database No.TCTR20170617001 on 16 June 2017.

Comparison of perioperative flurbiprofen axetil or celecoxib administration for pain management after total-knee arthroplasty: A retrospective study

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for multimodal postoperative pain management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative pain relief, time to ambulation, and opioid-sparing effects of flurbiprofen axetil (FA) and celecoxib (CX) after total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery.A convenience sample of 300 patients was obtained using a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent TKA and received FA or CX or saline (SA) as control. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and 300 charts of patients who received TKA were reviewed. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores up to 6 months postoperatively, opioid requirements, range of knee motion, adverse effects, and length of hospital stay are recorded. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square where appropriate or the Fisher exact test, and all continuous variables were examined using a Wilcoxon rank test.The results of the study showed no significant differences between the 3 groups for the age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, number of patients who underwent knee surgery, weight, height, and operation duration. Patients in FA and CX demonstrated significantly reduced pain scores and less morphine consumption at rest and active motion compared to SA in 24 hours after surgery, with lower scores and less opioid requirements in the FA group. However, after 48 hours postoperatively, there are no significant differences between these groups.Intravenous application of 1 mg/kg flurbiprofen axetil twice a day and 200 mg celecoxib once a day improved analgesia and decreased morphine consumption following TKA. When the 2 active drugs were compared, it was found that flurbiprofen axetil was superior to celecoxib in terms of short-term analgesic efficacy and opioid consumption.

Periarticular Ropivacaine Cocktail Is Equivalent to Liposomal Bupivacaine Cocktail in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

This study compares the effectiveness of 2 commonly used periarticular injection formulations: liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine (EXP) and ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine (ROP) in patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Twenty-six total knee arthroplasty patients (52 knees) and 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty patients (6 knees) undergoing simultaneous, bilateral arthroplasty were randomized to receive periarticular injections in a blinded fashion. Even birth year patients were selected for PAI of EXP in the right knee and ROP in the left knee. This was reversed for odd birth years. Visual analog scale pain scores for each knee and patient perceived difference in knee functional recovery were recorded during physical therapy, throughout the hospitalization.

RESULTS

There was no difference in visual analog scale pain scores between the EXP and ROP injected knees at any time point during the first 2 days after surgery. Postoperative pain scores averaged 41.9 mm (range 0-100 mm) for EXP and 43.1 mm (range 0-100 mm) for ROP. Patients were unable to detect a difference in the functional recovery between their knees on postoperative day 0, 1, or 2. No complications as a result of either periarticular injection occurred.

CONCLUSION

Periarticular injections of EXP and ROP are equally effective after knee arthroplasty and patients do not appreciate differences between knees as determined by pain score or perceived functional recovery during the first 2 days after bilateral knee arthroplasty. This study demonstrates that a liposomal bupivacaine injection does not add an incremental benefit for pain control compared to a less expensive injection formulation.

How Much Pain Is Significant? Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the Visual Analog Scale for Pain After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The ability to detect changes in patient-perceived pain after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is critical to manage postoperative pain. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for visual analog scale for pain (VAS-P) has not been investigated in this population. This study investigated the MCID for VAS-P in the TJA population.

METHODS

Postoperative pain scores were collected on 139 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 165 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. VAS-P was measured and Likert scores for changes in pain recorded together throughout the hospitalization per patient. Using a linear mixed model, the mean difference between preceding and current VAS-P was calculated and correlated with Likert score, when the patient reported at least slight improvement or worsening in pain, defining the MCID. Minimal detectable change was calculated using the VAS-P standard error of the means for patients reporting "no change."

RESULTS

For THA, the overall mean and average highest VAS-P were 35.0 mm and 50.4 mm, respectively. For TKA, the overall mean and average highest VAS-P were 42.6 mm and 61.1 mm, respectively. The minimal detectable change in VAS-P was 14.9 mm for THA and 16.1 mm for TKA. The MCID for THA and TKA pain improvement was -18.6 mm and -22.6 mm, respectively, and for worsening was 23.6 mm and 29.1 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the postoperative TJA population, VAS-P MCID changes depend on the type of surgical intervention, and whether pain is improving or worsening. Statistically significant VAS-P, improving -18.6 mm and -22.6 mm for THA and TKA patients, respectively, sets a reasonable threshold to identify clinically meaningful pain intervention with high specificity.

Minimally invasive versus conventional approaches in total knee replacement/arthroplasty: A review of the literature

Background

Life expectancy lengthening and aging of population resulted in dramatically increase of patients with osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is widely used as the gold standard in order to relieve pain, correct deformity and restore function. A contemporary and controversial topic, is that of minimally invasive surgery for TKA. The minimally invasive approaches are based on the concept that they don't violate the extensor mechanism, resulting in earlier functional recovery, shorter hospital stay and enhanced patients' overall satisfaction. The most commonly used MIS approaches in TKA are the subvastus, midvastus and the quadriceps sparing. There is a debate regarding the efficacy and safety of these methods.

Objective

In this article we will review the current literature (randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses) on MIS compared to traditional approach and analyse their clinical safety, efficacy and long-term results.

Design

Comparison of well-designed studies have tried to demonstrate the advantages/disadvantages, the clinical results and the complications of the MIS approaches compared to the MPP approach.

Results

MIS approaches seem to provide advantages in the immediate post-operative period accompanied by increased reports of complications. Consequently, further investigation based on large well-designed studies with long-term results are warranted to further clarify MIS effectiveness/safety.

Factors Affecting Long-Term Postoperative Narcotic Use in Discectomy Patients

BACKGROUND

Long-term narcotic use has risks and potentially life-threatening opioid-related side effects. Extended narcotic use in patients undergoing discectomy raises concerns of other underlying causes of pain or overprescription and/or abuse. The goal of this study was to determine which factors have an effect on active narcotic prescription >3 months after discectomy.

METHODS

The PearlDiver Database was used in this study. Patients 30-55 years old undergoing discectomy without fusions were queried for active narcotic drug prescription occurring >30 days and >3 months after original surgery. Medical co-diagnoses were independently analyzed for effects on long-term active narcotic prescriptions. Prior narcotic use was defined by use within 4 months before surgery.

RESULTS

Of 1321 patients undergoing discectomy, 621 had actively prescribed narcotics >3 months after surgery. Preoperative narcotic use had the largest effect on odds of postoperative prescription (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4). Medical comorbidities increasing odds of long-term narcotic prescriptions included migraines (OR = 1.4), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.4), depression (OR = 1.6), and smoking (OR = 1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Narcotic abuse is a serious problem rooted in overprescription of these drugs, which has ultimately led to much more caution in prescribing among physicians. Because pain management and drug prescription must be balanced, identifying patients who may be susceptible to narcotic overprescription is important. Patients with co-diagnoses increasing odds of long-term narcotic prescriptions would benefit from early and continual postsurgical follow-up to ensure accurate pain management and to determine if narcotic prescriptions are justly warranted in the later postoperative period.

Systemic Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative periarticular injections (PAIs) with local anesthetic are an important component of multimodal pain control in total joint arthroplasty. Liposomal bupivacaine is an extended-release formulation of bupivacaine designed to provide extended pain relief, approved for use in a single surgical site. The systemic safety profile for use in simultaneous bilateral TKA (bTKA) with a full dose in each knee has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of bilateral full-dose PAI liposomal bupivacaine in the blood collected in patients undergoing simultaneous bTKA.

METHODS

In this prospective study, patients had an identical PAI consisting of 20 cc of liposomal bupivacaine (266 mg), 30 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine (75 mg) with epinephrine, and 10 cc of normal saline injected into each knee during bTKA. Blood samples were collected at predefined intervals until patient discharge. No exogenous bupivacaine was administered. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were subsequently performed and compared to bupivacaine toxicity levels. Patients were monitored for adverse events related to anesthetic toxicity (cardiac and neurologic).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (mean age, 60.7 years; range, 57-64 years) were enrolled in the study. The mean peak level (Cmax) was 0.8 μg/mL (range, 0.4-1.2 μg/mL). All patients were well below the reported systemic cardiac and toxicity levels reported as 2-4 μg/mL. There were no reported cardiac and neurotoxic events in any patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of full-dose PAI with liposomal bupivacaine placed into each knee during simultaneous bTKA is safe with systemic bupivacaine levels well below reported cardiac and neurotoxic levels.

Local Efficacy of Periarticular Morphine Injection in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

BACKGROUND

The periarticular multimodal cocktail injection including morphine is currently commonly used to reduce postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite its analgesic effect, it frequently causes nausea, which is an adverse effect of opioids. It is inconclusive whether the intraoperative injection of periarticular morphine is effective peripherally. The aim of this study was to assess whether the addition of morphine to unilateral periarticular knee injections improves postoperative pain, range of motion, and swelling in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA.

METHODS

A prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to assess the local efficacy of adding morphine to intraoperative periarticular anesthesia in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA. Fifty-three patients undergoing 106 TKAs received an intraoperative periarticular injection in randomly selected one knee with added morphine (0.1 mg/kg) and the other knee without added morphine. The periarticular injection was composed of ropivacaine (a local anesthetic), epinephrine, ketoprofen, and methylprednisolone sodium. Visual analog scale pain scores at rest and on motion, range of motion (ROM), thigh swelling, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and adverse outcomes were compared between the 2 knees.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the visual analog scale score, ROM, thigh girth, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and adverse events between the 2 sides.

CONCLUSION

Adding morphine to periarticular injections is ineffective locally for relieving pain, reducing swelling, and improving the postoperative ROM.

Effectiveness of Bupivacaine Liposome Injectable Suspension for Postoperative Pain Control in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

We compared the effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine to ropivacaine, each as part of multimodal pain management, in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) postoperative pain control.

METHODS

This prospective, double blind study randomized 96 TKA patients into a control group (periarticular injection of ropivacaine, ketorolac, morphine, and epinephrine in saline; 100cc) or an experimental group (periarticular injection of bupivacaine, ketorolac, morphine, and epinephrine in saline; 80cc plus 1.3% liposomal bupivacaine 20cc; total injection 100cc). The postoperative use of narcotics, visual analog pain scores, hours to ambulate 100 feet, and length of hospital stay were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups (control N = 49, experiment N = 47) in mean narcotic use per hour, total narcotic use during hospital stay, time to ambulate 100 feet, length of hospital stay, or visual analog score for pain postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

There is no benefit in the use of liposomal bupivacaine compared with ropivacaine for postoperative pain control in TKA.

A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Liposomal Bupivacaine vs Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Increasing demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a climate of increasing focus on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost has created a need for better acute postoperative pain control for patients. An ideal pain control method would have few side effects, decreased opioid consumption, improved pain control, early ambulation, and decreased hospital length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized, controlled study involving 79 patients undergoing elective THA between June 2015 and February 2016. Forty patients received liposomal bupivacaine and 39 patients received a fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB). In addition, the medical records of 28 patients who underwent elective THA between May 2015 and December 2015 were retrospectively examined. The primary outcome was visual analog scale pain scores and the secondary outcomes were LOS and total opioid consumption. SPSS, version 22, was used to run 1-way analysis of variance with contrast and Mood's median test on the data.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant decreases in pain intensity (P = .019) and LOS (P = .041) in both the liposomal bupivacaine group and the FICB group compared with those in the retrospective control group. In addition, only the FICB group showed statistically significant decreased total opioid consumption compared with that in the retrospective group (P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing elective THA have decreased overall pain intensity and a shorter LOS with multimodal pain management regimen that includes either liposomal bupivacaine or FICB. Patients who received FICB required less overall total opioids than the control group.

Effect of Periarticular Morphine Injection for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

BACKGROUND

The periarticular multimodal cocktail injection including morphine is currently commonly used to treat postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite its analgesic effect, it is frequently reported to cause nausea and vomiting, which are adverse effects of opioids. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of morphine as a component of a multimodal cocktail injection for providing postoperative analgesia and alleviating swelling in patients who underwent TKA.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial involving 102 patients scheduled for unilateral TKA. A mixture of steroids, local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and epinephrine with or without morphine (10 mg) was injected to randomly assigned patients. Postoperative assessment was performed with all attending personnel and patients blinded to group assignment. Visual analog scale of pain, range of motion, nausea numerical rating scale, number of patients with vomiting, total dose of antiemetic drugs used, thigh swelling, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and adverse outcomes were compared between groups on postoperative days.

RESULTS

Visual analog scale scores did not differ between the 2 groups at any postoperative time point. The nausea numerical rating scale scores during the postoperative period from 30 min to 9 h, the number of vomiting episodes, and the total dose of antiemetic drugs administered were significantly higher in the morphine group. The thigh girth, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the incidence of complications were not different between groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that addition of morphine to the multimodal cocktail injection is not effective for relieving postoperative pain, alleviating swelling, or improving range of motion, and results in nausea and vomiting.

Local infiltration analgesia adds no clinical benefit in pain control to peripheral nerve blocks after total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of the local infiltration of analgesics for pain after total knee arthroplasty in patients treated with femoral and sciatic peripheral nerve blocks. The secondary objective was to detect differences in analgesic consumption as well as blood loss after local infiltration of analgesics.

METHODS

Prospective randomized double-blinded study in patients who underwent a TKA for knee osteoarthritis under spinal anesthesia and treated with femoral and sciatic nerve blocks. This study compared 50 patients treated with local infiltration with ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac and clonidine and 50 patients treated with a placebo with the same technique. The visual analogic score was registered postoperatively at 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Analgesic consumption was also registered. Both groups of patients were treated with the same surgical and rehabilitation protocols.

RESULTS

A significant difference of one point was found in the visual analogic pain scores 12 h after surgery (0.6 ± 1.5 vs. 1.7 ± 2.3). There were no significant differences in the visual analogic pain scores evaluated at any other time between 2 and 72 h after surgery. No significant differences were found in the required doses of tramadol or morphine in the postoperative period. Postoperative hemoglobin and blood loss were also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Adding local infiltration of analgesics to peripheral nerve blocks after TKA surgery only provides minimal benefit for pain control. This benefit may be considered as non-clinically relevant. Moreover, the need for additional analgesics was the same in both groups. Therefore, the use of local infiltration of analgesics treatment in TKA surgery cannot be recommended if peripheral nerve blocks are used.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Assessment of liposome bupivacaine infiltration versus continuous femoral nerve block for postsurgical analgesia following total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative pain management is an important aspect of recovery from total knee arthroplasty (TKA) because severe pain can delay ambulation and hospital discharge. The objective of this retrospective sequential cohort study was to determine the impact of local infiltration analgesia using liposome bupivacaine (Exparel ¹ ) when compared with a continuous femoral nerve block (FNB) following TKA.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent TKA between April 2011 and April 2014, and received one of three interventions. Study Group A received adductor canal infiltration with bupivacaine HCl and knee infiltration with liposome bupivacaine. Study Group B received adductor canal infiltration with liposome bupivacaine and knee infiltration with liposome bupivacaine. The control group received a continuous FNB with ropivacaine HCl delivered via an elastomeric pump. Numeric pain rating scores (NPRS), distance walked, length of stay (LOS), and dose of narcotic medication were the key efficacy variables of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 237 patients were included in this study: 98 in Group A, 34 in Group B, and 105 controls. On postoperative day (POD) 0, mean (standard deviation [SD]) NPRSs were similar between Group A (1.8 [1.7]), Group B (2.7 [1.8]), and the control group (2.3 [2.4]). Significantly (p < 0.05) more patients in Group A (58%) and Group B (44%) walked on POD0 than in the control group (0%); almost all patients walked on POD1. The mean (SD) distance walked was also significantly greater (p < 0.05) on POD1 in Group A (193 [203] feet) and Group B (211 [144] feet) than in the control group (46 [73] feet). Mean (SD) LOS was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in Group B (2.2 [1.2] days), than in the control group (3.2 [0.7] days) and Group A (3.0 [1.7] days).

CONCLUSIONS

Local infiltration analgesia using liposome bupivacaine was associated with improved ambulation and shorter LOS following TKA when compared with continuous FNB in this retrospective cohort study.

Femoral Nerve Block Versus Long-Acting Wound Infiltration in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Multimodal wound infiltration analgesic techniques have attracted growing interest for applications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A benefit of using wound infiltration instead of femoral nerve block (FNB) in a multimodal pain control regimen is the limitation of muscle strength impairment to the surgical area, which will focus the pain control effort and may provide the opportunity for easier rehabilitation and earlier discharge from the hospital. The current study directly compares patients undergoing TKA who are given a continuous FNB with those who were administered an injection of liposomal bupivacaine infiltration. The study cohort included 36 patients with osteoarthritis who were treated with a continuous FNB (OnQ pump; I-Flow, Lake Forest, California), and 36 patients who were administered an injection for liposome bupivacaine infiltration (EXPAREL; Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Parsippany, New Jersey) for postoperative pain analgesia. The average number of narcotic doses and the total number of narcotics consumed was greater in the FNB group (P<.001). Average visual analog scale pain scores trended higher for patients in the FNB group (2.29 vs 1.93) overall and for each day postoperatively up to day 5, although the overall difference was not significant in this study sample (P=.115). The results of the current study support the conclusion that long-acting liposome bupivacaine infiltration gives comparable postoperative analgesia compared with a continuous FNB, but with significantly less narcotic medication. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e449-e455.].

A state-of-the-art pain protocol for total knee replacement

Total knee replacement is acknowledged as a successful and durable operation, but recovery from this surgery is often lengthy and painful. A great deal of attention has recently been directed at enhancing this recovery, most of which has focused on improvements in perioperative pain control. Various protocols have been suggested. This article discusses a pain management program that uses local infiltrative analgesia with a specific "cocktail" which, when combined with an oral multimodal pain regimen, has led to excellent patient satisfaction and a substantially shorter length of stay.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Multimodal Approach to Perioperative Pain Control Including Ketorolac and Celecoxib

Safe and effective perioperative analgesia is instrumental to patient satisfaction and decreasing LOS after TJA. We evaluated rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in primary and revision TJA using a multimodal pain control regimen including scheduled celecoxib and PRN ketorolac. Postoperative AKI was identified in 43/903 (4.8%) of 903 of patients with adequate preoperative renal function. Those who developed AKI had significantly increased LOS (P < .01), were older, more obese, and more likely to have diabetes (P < .05). With a protocol incorporating NSAIDs in patients without evidence of preoperative renal impairment, there is a 4.8% rate of AKI, which is 2.7 times higher than the reported literature. Acute postoperative kidney injury was significantly correlated with increased LOS and has important patient safety and healthcare-related cost implications.

Patient Selection in Short Stay Total Hip Arthroplasty for Medicare Patients

There is a trend towards shortening inpatient hospital stays following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an effort to reduce healthcare costs and potentially decrease complications. The purpose of this study was to identify patients who are at risk for readmission, complications, and mortality after short stay THA. The Medicare sample (1997-2011) was used to identify THA patients with 1-2-day (Group A, n=2949) or 3-day (Group B, n=8707) stays. Complication risks were similar between groups, though there was a reduced risk for hospitalization for Group A (adjusted hazard ratio=0.90, P=0.029). These findings suggest that age and comorbidities, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, have the greatest effect on readmission and event risk after short stay THA.

Readmission and Complications for Catheter and Injection Femoral Nerve Block Administration After Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Medicare Population

There is general agreement that femoral nerve blocks (FNB) provide adequate immediate postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although the effect of this technique on hospital readmission and other complications has not been quantified in a large sample. The Medicare 5% sample was used to identify TKA patients who were grouped according to postoperative FNB administration: FNB via injection; FNB via pain pump; and no FNB. Multivariate Cox regressions were used to evaluate risk factors for the postoperative outcomes. Both FNB groups were associated with a lower risk of readmission (30, 90 and 365 days, P<0.001). Future clinical studies may help elucidate whether the lower hospital readmissions may be associated with more effective pain control with the use of FNB.

Epidural versus intra-articular infusion analgesia following total knee replacement

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of epidural versus intra-articular infusion analgesia following total knee replacement (TKR).

METHODS

25 men and 50 women aged 55 to 75 (mean, 67) years who underwent primary TKR by a single surgeon were randomised and consented to receive either epidural (n=35) or intra-articular (n=40) infusion analgesia for 48 hours at 5 ml/ hr. All patients also received intravenous aqueous diclofenac 50 mg twice a day. Patients were assessed 6 hourly for visual analogue score (VAS) for pain to determine the analgesic effect. Complications such as paraesthesia in the lower limbs, hypotension, urinary retention, and abdominal distension were recorded, as was the rehabilitation progress with respect to the time to stand, climb stairs, use of commode chair, and discharge.

RESULTS

The epidural and intra-articular infusion groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, weight, and operating time, as was the analgesic efficacy within 48 hours of TKR. Patients with epidural infusion analgesia had a higher complication rate in terms of hypotension (51.4% vs. 22.5%, p=0.015) and troublesome paraesthesia in the lower limbs (45.7% vs. 12.5%, p=0.028), and a trend of higher abdominal distension rate (20% vs. 5%, p=0.073). Patients with intra-articular infusion analgesia were able to stand/ walk earlier (2.08 vs. 2.54 days, p<0.001). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the time needed to climb stairs, use of commode chair, and discharge.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of epidural and intraarticular infusion analgesia was comparable. Intra-articular infusion was associated with fewer complications and earlier rehabilitation.

Effect of Structured Touch and Guided Imagery for Pain and Anxiety in Elective Joint Replacement Patients--A Randomized Controlled Trial: M-TIJRP

CONTEXT

Postoperative management of pain after total joint arthroplasty remains a challenge despite advancements in analgesics. Evidence shows that complementary modalities with mind-body and tactile-based approaches are valid and effective adjuncts to reduce pain and anxiety postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of the "M" Technique (M), a registered method of structured touch using a set sequence and number of strokes, and a consistent level of pressure on hands and feet, compared with guided imagery and usual care, for the reduction of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective total knee or hip replacement surgery.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial: M-TIJRP (MiTechnique and guided Imagery in Joint Replacement Patients [Mighty Junior P]). At a community hospital, 225 male and female patients, aged 38 to 90 years, undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (75 patients in each): M, guided imagery, or usual care. They were blinded to their assignment until the intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduction of pain and anxiety postoperatively. Secondary outcomes measured use of pain medication and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

This study yielded positive findings for the management of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective joint replacement using M and guided imagery for 18 to 20 minutes compared with usual care. M showed the largest predicted decreases in both pain and anxiety between groups. There was no significant difference in narcotic pain medication use between groups. Patient satisfaction survey ratings were highest for M, followed by guided imagery.

CONCLUSION

The benefit of M may be because of the specifically structured sequence of touch by competent caring, trained providers.

Multimodal Analgesia for Total Joint Arthroplasty

Optimal perioperative pain control for total joint arthroplasty remains a challenge. Whereas traditional regimens have relied heavily on opioids, newer multimodal pathways are increasingly gaining popularity as safer and more effective alternatives. The main premise of multimodal analgesia is decreased consumption of opioids, and hence lesser opioid-related adverse events. Other reported advantages include lower pain scores, faster functional recovery, higher patient satisfaction, and shorter length of hospital stay. Unfortunately, despite the advent of numerous analgesic techniques, the multimodal approach has remained widely variable, making direct comparison between studies difficult to interpret. This article provides an extensive review of traditional and modern perioperative interventions in pain management for total joint arthroplasty, including intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, epidural infusion, oral opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, peripheral nerve blocks, periarticular infiltration, steroids, anticonvulsants, and long-acting local anesthetics. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, clinical evidence, and timing. A standardized multimodal analgesia protocol is also proposed based on best available evidence. In addition to pharmacologic interventions, patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration among the care teams play an important role in the success of any treatment pathway. With a growing demand for total joint arthroplasty in an era of bundled payments and accountable care, there has never been a greater need for a standardized multimodal analgesia pathway.

Opioid Use, Satisfaction, and Pain Intensity After Orthopedic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients in other countries use fewer opioids than patients in the United States with satisfactory pain relief.

OBJECTIVE

This study tested the null hypothesis that opioid intake after orthopedic surgery does not influence satisfaction with pain management.

METHODS

A total of 232 orthopedic surgical inpatients completed measures of pain self-efficacy and symptoms of depression at enrollment and commonly used measures of pain intensity, satisfaction with pain relief, and satisfaction with hospital staff attention to pain approximately 14 days after surgery. Inpatient opioid intake per 24-hour period was quantified.

RESULTS

At a phone evaluation approximately 2 weeks after discharge from the hospital, patients who were always satisfied with their pain relief in hospital and always satisfied with staff attention to pain used significantly less opioids on day 1 compared with patients who were not always satisfied. There were no differences in satisfaction by type of surgery. The final multivariable model for not always satisfied with pain relief included greater opioid use on day 1 (odds ratio = 1.2), and preadmission diagnosis of depression (odds ratio = 2.6). Greater opioid use on day 1 was the only factor associated with less than always satisfied with the staff attention to pain relief (odds ratio = 1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who take more opioids report less satisfaction with pain relief and greater pain intensity. Evidence-based interventions to increase self-efficacy merit additional study for the management of postoperative pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, Level 1.

Comparison of 2 Methods of Local Anesthetic-Based Injection as Part of a Multimodal Approach to Pain Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that up to 50% of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) receive suboptimal postoperative pain management.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, 224 patients who underwent TKA between January 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012, were identified by surgical records for 2 surgeons at Community Medical Center in Missoula, Montana. Patient records were reviewed and data collected for patient hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative opioid use, opioid-associated adverse events, and nonopioid analgesic use. Data were analyzed for differences in outcomes between patients who received an intraoperative intra-articular (IOIA) injection followed by a postoperative infusion (0.25%-0.5% bupivacaine) or an intraoperative periarticular (IOPA) injection (ropivacaine, ketorolac, epinephrine, and clonidine) for sustained analgesia after TKA.

RESULTS

Patients who received an IOPA injection had a statistically significant decrease in hospital LOS (67.0 vs 75.9 hours; P = .027) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (39.3% vs 54.9%; P = .023) when compared to patients who received an IOIA infusion. The incidence of having either oversedation or pruritus did not differ between groups (9.8% vs 9.8%; P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

The use of IOPA injections containing ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine during TKA offered some benefit over IOIA infusions containing 0.25% to 0.5% bupivacaine at our institution.

Opioid use after fracture surgery correlates with pain intensity and satisfaction with pain relief

BACKGROUND

In 2012, Medicare began to tie reimbursements to inpatient complications, unplanned readmissions, and patient satisfaction, including satisfaction with pain management.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We aimed to identify factors that correlate with (1) pain intensity during a 24-hour period after surgery; (2) less than complete satisfaction with pain control; (3) less than complete satisfaction with staff attention to pain relief while in the hospital; and we also wished (4) to compare inpatient and discharge satisfaction scores.

METHODS

Ninety-seven inpatients completed measures of pain intensity (numeric rating scale), satisfaction with pain relief, self-efficacy when in pain, and symptoms of depression days after operative fracture repair. The amount of opioid used in oral morphine equivalents taken during the prior 24 hours was calculated. Through initial bivariate and then multivariate analysis, we identified factors that were associated with pain intensity, less than complete satisfaction with pain control, and less than complete satisfaction with staff attention to pain relief.

RESULTS

Patients who took more opioids reported greater pain intensity (r = 0.38). No factors representative of greater nociception (fracture type, number of fractures, days from injury to surgery, days from surgery to enrollment, or type of surgery) correlated with greater pain intensity. The best multivariable model for greater pain intensity included: depression or anxiety disorder (p = 0.019), smoking (0.047), and greater opioid intake (p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis for less than ideal satisfaction with pain control included the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99) alone; for less than ideal satisfaction with staff attention to pain control, the PSEQ (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99) and opioid medication use before admission (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1-12) were included.

CONCLUSIONS

After operative fracture treatment, patients who take more opioids report greater pain intensity and less satisfaction with pain relief. Greater self-efficacy was the best determinant of satisfaction with pain relief. Evidence-based interventions to increase self-efficacy merit additional study for the management of postoperative pain during recovery from a fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

New medications and techniques in ambulatory anesthesia

Novel anesthetic and analgesic agents are currently under development or investigation to improve anesthetic delivery and patient care. The pharmacokinetic and analgesic profiles of these agents are especially tailored to meet the challenges of rapid recovery and opioid minimization associated with ambulatory anesthesia practice.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces postsurgical opioid consumption in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

BACKGROUND

Although pain is often a symptom that precedes total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the procedure itself is associated with considerable postoperative pain lasting days to weeks. Postoperative pain control is an important factor in determining recovery time, hospital length of stay, and rehabilitation success. Several brain stimulation technologies including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated promise as treatments for a variety of pain conditions. The present study examined the effects of 4 sessions of tDCS on post-TKA pain and opioid consumption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients undergoing unilateral TKA were randomly assigned to receive a total of 80 minutes of real (n=20) or sham tDCS (n=20) with the anode over the knee representation of the motor strip (C1h or C2h corresponding to the target knee) and cathode over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3; located by the EEG 10-20 System). Patient-controlled analgesia ( hydromorphone) use was tracked during the ∼48 hours postsurgery.

RESULTS

Patients in the real tDCS group used an average of 6.6 mg (SD=5.3) of patient-controlled analgesia hydromorphone, whereas those in the sham group used 12.3 mg (SD=6.6; t37=2.93, P=0.006). Despite using less opioid medication, participants in the real tDCS group reported no pain exacerbation or worse mood with respect to those in the sham tDCS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this pilot feasibility study suggest that tDCS may be able to reduce post-TKA opioid requirements. Although these results are preliminary, the data support further research in the area of adjunctive cortical stimulation in the management of postsurgical pain.

Periarticular Injection Technique to Enhance Pain Relief After Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction

Currently, a popular form of pain control following total knee arthroplasty is the use of periarticular injections; how the medications are injected is a critical step in the efficacy of this modality.

Step 1 Setup

The setup includes the injection fluid and two control syringes with a 22-gauge needle.

Step 2 Inject the Lateral Femoral Periosteum

Inject around the femur before placing the implants.

Step 3 Inject the Posterior Aspect of the Capsule

This is another area of rich innervation that needs to be injected carefully.

Step 4 Inject the Medial Periosteum

Use a similar technique of slow small-volume injections, watching for the periosteal wheal or elevation off the bone.

Step 5 Inject the Capsule and Skin

Include the lateral gutter and proximal extensor mechanism as well as around the patella, with minimal injection into the skin.

Results

Careful injection technique improves the outcome of periarticular injections for pain control. Indications ContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Analgesia after total knee replacement: local infiltration versus epidural combined with a femoral nerve blockade: a prospective, randomised pragmatic trial

In a randomised controlled pragmatic trial we investigated whether local infiltration analgesia would result in earlier readiness for discharge from hospital after total knee replacement (TKR) than patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) plus femoral nerve block. A total of 45 patients with a mean age of 65 years (49 to 81) received a local infiltration with a peri-articular injection of bupivacaine, morphine and methylprednisolone, as well as adjuvant analgesics. In 45 PCEA+femoral nerve blockade patients with a mean age of 67 years (50 to 84), analgesia included a bupivacaine nerve block, bupivacaine/hydromorphone PCEA, and adjuvant analgesics. The mean time until ready for discharge was 3.2 days (1 to 14) in the local infiltration group and 3.2 days (1.8 to 7.0) in the PCEA+femoral nerve blockade group. The mean pain scores for patients receiving local infiltration were higher when walking (p = 0.0084), but there were no statistically significant differences at rest. The mean opioid consumption was higher in those receiving local infiltration. The choice between these two analgesic pathways should not be made on the basis of time to discharge after surgery. Most secondary outcomes were similar, but PCEA+femoral nerve blockade patients had lower pain scores when walking and during continuous passive movement. If PCEA+femoral nerve blockade is not readily available, local infiltration provides similar length of stay and similar pain scores at rest following TKR.

Characterization of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in a real-world setting and pain-related medication prescriptions for management of postoperative pain

Presently, no "gold-standard" exists for the management of pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Understanding pain management methods used in clinical practice and the associated patient outcomes are necessary to fill gaps in pain management strategies. This study characterizes medication use in the immediate postoperative period among patients undergoing TKA at an academic medical center. Additionally, pre- and postoperative measures of pain (numeric pain rating scale), physical function (Knee Society Scale and Lower Extremity Function [LEFS]), and quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form [SF]-36) were evaluated. The patient data were extracted from a clinical database at the University of Utah Orthopedic Clinic between September 1, 2008, and November 30, 2010. A total of 168 patients (mean age 64.0 ± 10.1 years, 63.1% were female, mean body mass index [BMI] 31.7 ± 7.1 kg/m(2)) were included. The most common comorbidities in these patients were osteoarthritis, hypertension, and major depressive disorders. Bupivacaine and fentanyl were commonly given on the day of surgery with oxycodone, hydrocodone/acetaminophen, and celecoxib prescribed at hospital discharge. Preoperative pain levels were reduced by half at 6 weeks. Physical function and quality of life were similar to established benchmarks and previously reported levels, respectively. Confirmation of results over a longer follow-up period is warranted.