Perioperative local infiltration anesthesia with ropivacaine has no effect on postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty

Efficacy of local infiltration analgesia on recovery after total hip arthroplasty using direct anterior approach under spinal anaesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The utilization of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a common practice in total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures to mitigate postoperative pain and diminish the necessity for opioids. However, contemporary literature reports conflicting results. Our working hypothesis was that LIA renders better postoperative VAS-scores and reduces the need for oral analgetics. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed at examining the effectiveness of LIA in THA. A total of 90 patients were included for statistical analysis. Our primary endpoint was the Visual Analogue Scale, VAS, (0: no pain, 10: unbearable pain) preoperatively, at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 12th hour postoperative intervals and at discharge. Our secondary endpoints included the postoperative opioid consumption, as well as patient satisfaction at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, measured using the Numeric Rating Scale, NRS. LIA has a tendency for superior results regarding VAS- Scores at 3 and 4 hours postoperatively. There were no notable statistical distinctions observed in terms of patients necessitating rescue opioid consumption. Patient satisfaction using the NRS at both the 2-week and 6-week postoperatively did not differ significantly between both groups. The administration of LIA could offer advantages during the initial stages of postoperative recovery, which could be particularly valuable in rapid recovery programs.

[Analgesic effect of a new "cocktail" of local infiltration analgesia after total hip arthroplasty-A prospective randomized controlled study]

Objective

To study the analgesic effect of a new "cocktail" of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with Deprosone after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

In a prospective randomized controlled study, 100 patients with hip joint disease requiring unilateral primary THA in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2018 and December 2018 were enrolled and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 50 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, operative side, disease type, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, preoperative rest and activity visual analogue scale (VAS) score, hip Harris score (HHS), quality of life scale (SF-12) score, and other general data between the two groups ( P>0.05). The patients in the observation group were treated with a new "cocktail" LIA around the hip joint before suturing the incision, and the drug formula was ropivacaine 200 mg, Diprospan 1 mL, morphine 10 mg, and added normal saline to 80 mL; the patients in the control group were not treated with LIA. The operation time, postoperative hospital stay, the amount of morphine used during hospitalization, and the range of motion of hip joint at discharge were recorded, and the complications were counted. The VAS score at rest and activity, HHS score, and SF-12 score [physiological score (PCS) and psychological score (MCS)] of the hip joint were recorded before and after operation, and the postoperative analgesic effect and the recovery of hip joint function were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups ( P>0.05), and the postoperative hospital stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The postoperative morphine consumption in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and the total morphine consumption in the observation group was less than that in the control group during hospitalization, but the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up to 6 months after operation. The resting VAS scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group at 2, 6, 12 hours after operation and in the morning and afternoon of the first day after operation, and the active VAS scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group at 6, 12 hours after operation and in the morning of the first day after operation, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the resting and active VAS scores between the two groups on the day of discharge and at 3 and 6 months after operation ( P>0.05). At discharge, the flexion range of motion of hip joint in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the abduction range of motion of hip joint between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in HHS score and SF-12 score between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in analgesic satisfaction and functional satisfaction between the two groups at last follow-up ( P>0.05). There was no complication such as skin pruritus, superficial and deep infection of incision, skin necrosis, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity, and pulmonary embolism in both groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as nausea and vomiting, urine retention, fat liquefaction of incision, local hematoma, and large fluctuation of blood sugar between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

The new "cocktail" LIA with Diprospan can effectively reduce the early postoperative pain of THA, reduce the dosage of opioids, shorten the length of hospital stay, and is conducive to the early functional rehabilitation of patients.

Local infiltration analgesia does not have benefits in fast-track hip arthroplasty programmes: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Multimodal analgesia regimes including local infiltration analgesia (LIA) have been successfully applied in fast-track hip arthroplasty programmes. LIA's contribution to the analgesic effect in hip arthroplasty has been questioned. Our study sought to determine the analgesic efficacy of LIA in THA surgery in a fast-track programme.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis scheduled for arthroplasty were randomised to receive LIA (120 ml ropivacaine 0.2% plus epinephrine 0.5 µ/ml) or saline as a part of a multimodal analgesia regime. The surgical team, the nursing staff, and patients were all blinded regarding patient allocation throughout the study. The primary outcome was pain assessed as a continuous variable using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the amount of analgesic rescue consumption, complications and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were interviewed and agreed to participate in the study. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for pain measurements at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery. There were also no differences in rescue medication consumption, complications, or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest LIA (ropivacaine plus epinephrine, single shot) has no effect in pain management and has not shown benefits for early ambulation in primary THA surgery. Further research is needed to establish the optimal multimodal analgesia regime for THA fast-track programmes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03513276).

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

BACKGROUND

Periarticular injection (PAI) is administered intraoperatively to help reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAI 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 American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published prior to March 2020 on PAI 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 PAI.

RESULTS

Three thousand six hundred and ninety nine publications were critically appraised to provide 60 studies regarded as the best available evidence for an analysis. The meta-analysis showed that intraoperative PAI reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Adding ketorolac or a corticosteroid to a long-acting local anesthetic (eg, ropivacaine or bupivacaine) provides an additional benefit. There is no difference between liposomal bupivacaine and other nonliposomal long-acting local anesthetics. Morphine does not provide any additive benefit in postoperative pain and opioid consumption and may increase postoperative nausea and vomiting. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the use of epinephrine and clonidine.

CONCLUSION

Strong evidence supports the use of a PAI with a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Adding a corticosteroid and/or ketorolac to a long-acting local anesthetic further reduces postoperative pain and may reduce opioid consumption. Morphine has no additive effect and there is insufficient evidence on epinephrine and clonidine.

A eficácia da infiltração periarticular anestésica na analgesia pós-operatória de artroplastia total do quadril

Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da técnica de infiltração periarticular do quadril no pós-operatório de artroplastia total do quadril.

Métodos Estudo clínico randomizado duplo-cego controlado. O estudo foi realizado nos pacientes com fratura de colo femoral ou osteoartrose de quadril, submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico de artroplastia total do quadril em nossa instituição. A técnica de infiltração periarticular consistiu na aplicação da combinação de um anestésico (levobupivacaína) com um corticosteroide (dexametasona) nos tecidos ricos em nociceptores do quadril, após a colocação dos implantes ortopédicos. No grupo controle, foi realizada infiltração de soro fisiológico 0,9% nos mesmos tecidos. Após 24 e 48 horas do procedimento, foram avaliados os quesitos de dor, amplitude de movimentos, uso de analgésicos opióides, presença de efeitos adversos, período do início da deambulação e o tempo total de hospitalização.

Resultados Trinta e quatro pacientes foram estatisticamente avaliados no estudo. Foi observada uma redução no consumo de opioides entre 24 e 48 h no grupo experimental. Uma redução maior da pontuação de dor foi observada no grupo placebo.

Conclusão A infiltração periarticular anestésica como método de analgesia pós-operatória de artroplastia total do quadril, neste estudo, reduziu as taxas de consumo de opioides quando comparamos a evolução entre 24 e 48h. Não houve benefícios quanto às taxas de dor, mobilidade, tempo de internação ou intercorrências com este método.

A new cocktail formula with diprospan of local infiltration analgesia in primary total hip arthroplasty: A prospective, randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to observe the analgesic effect of the cocktail formulation with diprospan during total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

From September 2018 to April 2019, 120 patients undergoing primary unilateral THA were included in this prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study. Patients were randomized into three groups, according to the different local infiltration analgesia (LIA) strategies: LIA with ropivacaine (the ropivacaine group, n = 40), LIA with a new cocktail containing ropivacaine, diprospan, and morphine (the cocktail group, n = 40), and the control group (n = 40). The primary outcomes included postoperative pain scores. The resting visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were measured at 2, 6, and 12 h after the surgery (a.m. and p.m.) on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD2, and the day of discharge. Movement VAS scores were assessed at 6 h, 12 h after the operation (a.m. and p.m.) on POD1, POD2, and the day of discharge. The secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, postoperative hospital stay, range of motion of the hip at discharge, patient satisfaction, and the results of the follow-up.

RESULTS

After the screening, 120 patients were randomized into three groups (40 patients in each group). All of the patients completed the trial. The resting VAS scores in the ropivacaine group and cocktail group at 2 h were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively, F = 17.054), and the same trend was also postoperatively found at 6 h (p = 0.005 and P = 0.002, F = 6.212). Twelve hours after the operation, the pain score in the cocktail group was lower than that in the other two groups, but only the difference between the cocktail group and the control group was statistically significant (P = 0.018, F = 3.144). From the morning of the first postoperative day to the a.m. on POD 2, the VAS scores in the cocktail group were significantly lower than those in the ropivacaine group and the control group. Furthermore, the movement VAS scores in the ropivacaine group and the cocktail group were better than those in the control group at 6 and 12 h post-operation (P < 0.05). The per capita opioid consumption in the cocktail group was less than that in the ropivacaine group and the control group within 24 h post-operation. There were no significant differences in the comparison of additional indicators among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

The new cocktail with diprospan had a better result and longer duration time for early postoperative pain control in primary THA via the posterolateral approach under general anesthesia, especially for treating resting pain.

Optimizing Rapid Recovery After Anterior Hip Arthroplasty Surgery: A Comparative Study of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block and Local Infiltration Analgesia

BACKGROUND

Multimodal pain therapy combining analgesics, local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and peripheral nerve blocks, such as fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), can improve postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ambulation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that addition of FICB would decrease opioid requirements and length of stay (LOS) but could create a motor block.

METHODS

This is a single center, prospective, blinded randomized controlled study of 152 patients undergoing elective THA via direct anterior approach from October 2019 till August 2021. Three patient groups were defined: patients receiving only spinal anesthesia (control group, n = 53); spinal anesthesia with LIA perioperatively (n = 50); and spinal anesthesia with FICB on the recovery unit (n = 49). Outcome measures consisted of postoperative pain scores, PONV, length of hospital stay, opioid requirements and mobility.

RESULTS

Overall pain scores were low for all patient groups, with a lower pain score for LIA in comparison to the control group until 4 hours postoperatively (P < .05). Length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores and quadriceps muscle strength did not differ significantly between groups. The control group showed higher scores at 12 hours postoperatively in comparison to FICB regarding rehabilitation potential, use of walking aids and activities of daily living (P < .05), but all groups reached the same endpoint 48 hours postoperatively. The LIA and FICB groups required less opioids until 24 hours postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

LIA is a beneficial adjuvant therapy to spinal anesthesia in THA patients as it may decrease pain scores and the need for opioid consumption. Adjuvant FICB only provided lower opioid requirements.

Does the Use of an Intra-Articular Local Anesthetic Injection During Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce Patient Reported Pain Scores or Patient Opioid Consumption?

BACKGROUND

During primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), some surgeons use an intra-articular injection (IAI) containing 200 mg ropivacaine to target postoperative pain. There is no clear consensus on the efficacy of an IAI alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI on pain scores, opioid consumption, and mobility for primary THA patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 571 patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution. Patients were grouped according to those who received a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI and those who did not. Primary outcome measures for this study included pain scores, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) dosed, distance of ambulation achieved, and time to ambulation.

RESULTS

The intervention group reported higher average pain scores with activity than the control group (P = .024). The intervention group also required higher MMEs. When striated by hour, a statistically significant uptick in pain started at 16 hours (P = .0009) and persisted to 28 hours (P = .032) in patients receiving a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI. This correlated with an increase in MMEs seen at hour 24 through 32 (P = .003 to P = .012). Level of ambulation, time to ambulation, and distance ambulated did not differ between groups. An IAI of 200 mg ropivacaine also appeared to lead to higher pain scores and higher opioid doses in males.

CONCLUSION

The IAI does not appear to reduce postoperative pain scores or MMEs dosed for THA patients. More research is needed to look at the utilization and efficacy of intra-articular ropivacaine, especially focusing on functional outcomes and gender differences.

The effect of a postoperative local anaesthetic pain pump in anterior total hip arthroplasty: a randomised control trial

INTRODUCTION

This project aims to determine if an addition of a local anaesthetic pain pump for 48 hours postoperatively effects verbal pain scores (VRS), opioid usage and length of stay (LOS) after anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

This was a single-centre, single-surgeon, randomised, parallel-group study with balanced randomisation involving 108 patients. Randomisation and blinding were computer generated into 2 groups: local infiltration anaesthetic (LIA) only (Control Group) and LIA+ continuous postoperative infusion of local anaesthetic for 48 hours via a pain pump (Intervention Group). Postoperatively VRS (first 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and every 4 hours postoperatively up to 48 hours), opioid consumption, length of hospital admission, antiemetic and laxative usage were recorded. Statistical analysis utilised independent sample t-tests and repeated ANOVA.

RESULTS

Demographics and duration of surgery were similar across both cohorts. On average, compared to the control group, the intervention group required 2 mg less of opioid consumption over 48 hours (p = 0.41). VRS between the 2 groups showed no statistically significant difference. Scores ranged from 0 to 7, with an average of 1.28 in the intervention group and 1.29 in the control group (p = 0.31). 9 patients in the intervention group and 10 in the control group required antiemetics. There was no difference in the LOS or postoperative constipation. No complications or adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has shown the addition of a continuous postoperative infusion of local anaesthetic for 48 hours post an anterior THA had no effect on VRS, opioid consumption, LOS and antiemetic usage.

Intraoperatively local infiltration anesthesia in hemiarthroplasty patients reduces the needs of opioids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 96 patients in a fast-track hip fracture setting

Background and purpose - Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is commonly used as a component in multimodal analgesia. Pain management directed towards hip fracture patients operated on with hemiarthroplasty is often based on knowledge regarding pain treatment following elective surgery. In this elderly patient population, it is of value to clarify whether adding local infiltration analgesia (LIA) to the postoperative analgesic regimen might reduce postoperative pain or have an opioid-reducing effect. Patients and methods - 96 hip fracture patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty in spinal anesthesia were included. All patients received a multimodal pain regimen and were randomized to receive either ropivacaine or placebo. All patients received morphine depot-opioid and morphine as rescue medication postoperatively. The primary endpoint was pain during mobilization in the recovery unit on the day of surgery. Secondary endpoints were pain during mobilization the day after surgery and postoperative opioid requirements on the first postoperative day. Results - The levels of pain (NRS) during mobilization both in the recovery unit and on the day after surgery were similar in the 2 groups, with median 4 and 0.5 in the placebo group and median 3.5 and 1 in the ropivacaine group respectively. Total consumption of opioids on day 0 and day 1 were 4.6 mg lower in the ropivacaine group (p = 0.04). Pain during mobilization was registered for only 44 of 96 patients for several reasons, including lack of mobilization. Interpretation - There were similar pain scores in both the local infiltration and placebo group postoperatively. However, substantially reduced opioid consumption was found in patients receiving LIA.

The effect of PECS-1 block on postoperative pain in total implantable venous access port catheter (TIVAP) insertion

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of US-guided Pectoral (PECS) I blocks on postoperative analgesia after TIVAP insertion.

METHODS

A hundred-twenty patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group PECS and Group INF (infiltration). A total 0.4 mL kg^-1 0.25% bupivacaine was injected to below the middle of the clavicle in the interfascial space between the pectoralis major and minor muscles for PECS-1. The skin and deep tissue infiltration of the anterior chest wall was performed with 0.4 mL kg^-1 0.25% bupivacaine for INF group. Tramadol and paracetamol consumption, visual analog scale pain scores were recorded at 0, 1, 4, 12, and 24 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

The use of the PECS in TIVAP significantly decreased the amount of paracetamol used in the first 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of tramadol rescue analgesia administered between the groups (p < 0.001) There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the VAS scores at 0 and 24 h. However, VAS scores at 1, 4, and 12 h were found to be significantly lower in patients who underwent PECS than in those who received infiltration anesthesia (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that US-guided PECS-1 provides adequate analgesia following TIVAP insertion as part of multimodal analgesia. The PECS-1 significantly reduced opioid consumption.

Procedure-specific acute pain trajectory after elective total hip arthroplasty: systematic review and data synthesis

BACKGROUND

For most procedures, there is insufficient evidence to guide clinicians in the optimal timing of advanced analgesic methods, which should be based on the expected time course of acute postoperative pain severity and aimed at time points where basic analgesia has proven insufficient.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the literature of analgesic trials for total hip arthroplasty (THA), extracting and pooling pain scores across studies, weighted for study size. Patients were grouped according to basic anaesthetic method used (general, spinal), and adjuvant analgesic interventions such as nerve blocks, local infiltration analgesia, and multimodal analgesia. Special consideration was given to high-risk populations such as chronic pain or opioid-dependent patients.

RESULTS

We identified and analysed 71 trials with 5973 patients and constructed pain trajectories from the available pain scores. In most patients undergoing THA under general anaesthesia on a basic analgesic regimen, postoperative acute pain recedes to a mild level (<4/10) by 4 h after surgery. We note substantial variability in pain intensity even in patients subjected to similar analgesic regimens. Chronic pain or opioid-dependent patients were most often actively excluded from studies, and never analysed separately.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that it is feasible to construct procedure-specific pain curves to guide clinicians on the timing of advanced analgesic measures. Acute intense postoperative pain after THA should have resolved by 4-6 h after surgery in most patients. However, there is a substantial gap in knowledge on the management of patients with chronic pain and opioid-dependent patients.

Effectiveness of Periarticular Injection After Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients: A Double Blinded Randomized, Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a standard treatment for displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly with a normal acetabulum. Several studies have shown controversial results regarding postoperative visual analogue scale, opioid consumption, and the effectiveness of periarticular injection in hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is going to identify the effectiveness of periarticular injection after bipolar hemiarthroplasty compared with the patients treated with conventional pain control.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed for displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty from 2017 to 2019. Patients were classified into two groups: Periarticular injection (PAI) group and nonperiarticular injection (non-PAI) group. All patients were recorded pain score (VAS) during admission. Morphine usage was collected in both groups including its side effects.

RESULTS

There was no difference in demography, intraoperative parameters, ambulatory status, and length of stay in both groups. Postoperative VAS at 8,16, 24, 60 hours, and before discharge in the non-PAI group was significantly higher than the PAI group (P = .001, P = .006, P = .002, P = .003, and P = .001, respectively). Morphine consumption at 8 hours after surgery was significantly higher in the non-PAI group than the PAI group (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative, periarticular injection may be used as an adjunctive pain management in bipolar hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

level I, Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

PROSPECT guideline for total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations

The aim of this systematic review was to develop recommendations for the management of postoperative pain after primary elective total hip arthroplasty, updating the previous procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) guidelines published in 2005 and updated in July 2010. Randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses published between July 2010 and December 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anaesthetic, surgical or other interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Five hundred and twenty studies were initially identified, of which 108 randomised trials and 21 meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. Peri-operative interventions that improved postoperative pain include: paracetamol; cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone. In addition, peripheral nerve blocks (femoral nerve block; lumbar plexus block; fascia iliaca block), single-shot local infiltration analgesia, intrathecal morphine and epidural analgesia also improved pain. Limited or inconsistent evidence was found for all other approaches evaluated. Surgical and anaesthetic techniques appear to have a minor impact on postoperative pain, and thus their choice should be based on criteria other than pain. In summary, the analgesic regimen for total hip arthroplasty should include pre-operative or intra-operative paracetamol and cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. In addition, intra-operative intravenous dexamethasone 8-10 mg is recommended. Regional analgesic techniques such as fascia iliaca block or local infiltration analgesia are recommended, especially if there are contra-indications to basic analgesics and/or in patients with high expected postoperative pain. Epidural analgesia, femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block and gabapentinoid administration are not recommended as the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. Although intrathecal morphine 0.1 mg can be used, the PROSPECT group emphasises the risks and side-effects associated with its use and provides evidence that adequate analgesia may be achieved with basic analgesics and regional techniques without intrathecal morphine.

Analgesic effect of single-shot ropivacaine at different layers of the surgical site in primary total hip arthroplasty: a randomised, controlled, observer-blinded study

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local infiltration anaesthesia (LIA) during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a posterolateral approach under general anaesthesia and to compare the efficacy of LIA in all layers with LIA in the deep and superficial fascia.

Patients and methods

One hundred twenty patients were randomised into three groups: LIA in the deep and superficial fascia (group A), LIA in all layers (group B) and the control (group C). The primary outcomes were the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and on movement within 72 h (h) postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, range of motion (ROM), straight leg raise completion rate, length of hospital stay, opioid-related side effects and wound complications. We followed the patients until 6 months after discharge.

Results

At 2 and 6 h, groups A and B had lower resting VAS scores than group C (p < 0.01); at 12 h, group B had a lower resting VAS score than group C (p < 0.05). At 6 and 12 h, the movement VAS scores in groups A and B were lower than those in group C (p < 0.01). Groups A and B had similar VAS scores during the observation period. Groups A and B had higher levels of patient satisfaction than group C (p = 0.03 and p = 0.018, respectively). Opioid consumption was similar in the three groups. There were no significant differences in the other secondary outcomes amongst the three groups. No difference was found in hip rehabilitation or chronic pain during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Single-shot LIA with ropivacaine alone reduces the pain score during the first 12 postoperative hours and improves patients’ satisfaction with THA. LIA in the deep and superficial fascia and LIA in all layers have similar analgesic effects. LIA in the deep and superficial fascia may be an alternative method to LIA in all layers.

Addition of corticosteroid to periarticular injections reduces postoperative pain following total hip arthroplasty under general anaesthesia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Aims

Although periarticular injection plays an important role in multimodal pain management following total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is no consensus on the optimal composition of the injection. In particular, it is not clear whether the addition of a corticosteroid improves the pain relief achieved nor whether it is associated with more complications than are observed without corticosteroid. The aim of this study was to quantify the safety and effectiveness of cortocosteroid use in periarticular injection during THA.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for unilateral THA. A total of 187 patients were randomly assigned to receive periarticular injection containing either a corticosteroid (CS group) or without corticosteroid (no-CS group). Other perioperative interventions were identical for all patients. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at rest during the initial 24 hours after surgery. Pain score was recorded every three hours until 24 hours using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The primary outcome was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The CS group had a significantly lower AUC postoperatively at 0 to 24 hours compared to the no-CS group (AUC of VAS score at rest 550 ± 362 vs 392 ± 320, respectively; mean difference 158 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 58 to 257; p = 0.0021). In point-by-point evaluation, the CS group had significantly lower VAS scores at 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 48 hours. There were no significant differences in complication rates, including surgical site infection, between the two groups.

Conclusion

The addition of corticosteroid to periarticular injections reduces postoperative pain without increasing complication rate following THA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1297–1302.

Impact of Local Infiltration Analgesia on the Quality of Recovery After Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is commonly used in anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery; however, evidence for its efficacy is lacking. We hypothesized that LIA with 0.2% ropivacaine when compared with injection of placebo (0.9% saline) would improve patient quality of recovery on postoperative day (POD) 1, as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score.

METHODS

Patients scheduled to have a primary unilateral anterior THA with a single surgeon in a tertiary level metropolitan hospital were randomized to receive LIA with either 2.5 mL/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline as placebo. Patients and clinical and study personnel were blinded to group allocation. Perioperative care was standardized and this included spinal anesthesia and oral multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was a multidimensional (pain, physical comfort, physical independence, emotions, and psychological support) patient-reported quality of recovery scale, QoR-15, measured on POD 1.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty patients were randomized; 6 patients were withdrawn after randomization and 2 patients had incomplete outcome data. The intention-to-treat analysis included 152 patients. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) QoR-15 score on POD 1 of the ropivacaine group was 119.5 (102-124), compared with the placebo group which had a median (IQR) of 115 (98-126). The median difference of 2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -4 to 7; P = .56) was not statistically or clinically significant. An as-per-protocol sensitivity analysis of 146 patients who received spinal anesthesia without general anesthesia, and the allocated intervention, also showed no evidence of a significant difference between groups. Secondary outcomes (worst pain numerical rating scale at rest and with movement on POD 1, opioid consumption on PODs 1 and 2, mobilization on POD 1, Brief Pain Inventory severity and interference on POD 90, and length of stay) were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LIA with 0.2% ropivacaine when compared with 0.9% saline as placebo did not improve quality of recovery 1 day after anterior THA.

The efficacy of intraoperative periarticular injection in Total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Periarticular injection (PAI) is a regional analgesia method performed in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for postoperative pain relief. However, its efficacy and safety is still inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the safety of PAI and to determine if PAI provides better pain relief and reduce the consumption of opioids after THA.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library comprehensively. Only randomized control trials were included in our meta-analysis. Eleven studies that compared the efficacy of PAI with the control group were included. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Jadad score were applied to assess the quality of the included studies. We used the recommendations by the Cochrane Collaboration to reduce bias and to ensure our results were reliable and veritable.

RESULTS

Our analysis demonstrated that PAI was more effective than the control group with a lower visual analog scale (VAS) score during rest at 24 h (P = 0.003), 48 h (P = 0.002), and VAS score with activity at 24 h (P = 0.04). There was also less amount of opioid consumption (P = 0.01). There were no differences in length of hospital stay (P = 0.526) and postoperative nausea rate (P = 0.153).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the control group, PAI showed better pain relief and less amount of opioid consumption after THA. Our meta-analysis suggests that PAI is a safe and effective multimodal analgesia technique that can be used for THA.

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

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

Regional and Multimodal Analgesia to Reduce Opioid Use After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Elective total joint arthroplasty may be a gateway to long-term opioid use.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSE

We sought to review the literature on multimodal and regional analgesia as a strategy to minimize perioperative opioid use and control pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review to assess the state of the evidence informing opioid-sparing analgesics for THA and TKA. A PubMed search was conducted for English-language articles published before April 2018. We preferentially included well-designed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Where the highest levels of evidence were not yet apparent, we evaluated retrospective and/or observational studies.

RESULTS

Multimodal analgesia emphasizing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and acetaminophen is associated with decreases in perioperative opioid use for THA and TKA. Regional analgesia, including peripheral nerve blocks and local infiltration analgesia, is also associated with decreased perioperative opioid use for THA and TKA. Emerging topics in post-arthroplasty analgesia include (1) the value of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (2) the use of peripheral nerve catheters and extended-release local anesthetics to prolong the duration of opioid-free analgesia, and (3) novel peripheral nerve blocks, exemplified by the IPACK (interspace between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee) block for TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of multimodal analgesia with regional techniques may decrease perioperative opioid use for patients undergoing THA and TKA. These techniques should be part of a comprehensive perioperative plan to promote adequate analgesia while minimizing overall opioid exposure.

How effective is periarticular drug infiltration in providing pain relief and early functional outcome following total hip arthroplasty?

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of periarticular injection of a cocktail of analgesic drugs (PIC) with epidural infiltration (EA), in providing postoperative pain relief and early functional improvement following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

50 patients undergoing unilateral THA were randomized to receive either EA or PIC for postoperative pain control. Postoperative pain relief, as determined by the visual analogue scale (VAS), functional recovery and side effects related to EA and PIC were assessed.

RESULTS

PIC resulted in significantly lower VAS scores [0.48(0.71) vs 3.04(2.07)] in the first 24 h after surgery [mean (SD)], when compared to EA. The pain relief continued to be significantly lower even on the 10th postoperative day. Functional recovery was significantly better in the PIC group, with patients being able to walk longer distances and climb steps more quickly following THA. EA, unlike PIC was associated with side effects like nausea, vomiting, motor weakness, back pain and urinary retention. The overall satisfaction rate with treatment was significantly better in PIC group (9.04/10) than those who received EA (7.76/10).

CONCLUSION

PIC provides significantly better pain control and functional recovery in the early postoperative period, with less side effects when compared with EA. PIC should be the choice for pain control following THA.

No Clinically Important Difference in Pain Scores After THA Between Periarticular Analgesic Injection and Placebo: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Periarticular analgesic injection (PAI) is being used more commonly for pain relief after orthopaedic surgeries. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of PAI for post-THA pain relief.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial among patients undergoing same-day bilateral THA, with each patient serving as his or her own control, we asked: (1) Did the pain score as measured on a 100-mm VAS differ between the hips that received PAI versus placebo? (2) Were there differences in complications between the treatment and control hips in these patients?

METHODS

Over a 1-year period at one center, 45 patients underwent same-day bilateral THA; three were excluded for prespecified reasons, and two declined participation in this randomized, controlled trial, leaving 40 patients (80 THAs) in the study. Patients randomly received PAI in one hip and placebo in the contralateral hip; patients, surgeons, and nurses were blinded in terms of which hip received the PAI and which hip received a placebo saline injection. The PAI solution included ropivacaine, morphine hydrochloride hydrate, methylprednisolone, ketoprofen, and epinephrine. The primary outcome was the VAS for pain at rest 24 hours after THA, measured using a 100-mm horizontal VAS. The VAS score was compared between two groups and assessed to reach the reported threshold values for the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 20 mm for the postoperative VAS score. No patients were lost to followup, and there were no missing data for the primary outcome. Complications that occurred during the trial were recorded prospectively with emphasis on infection, wound complications, nerve palsy and allergic reactions to the injections.

RESULTS

There were no clinically important differences between hips treated with the PAI and those treated with the placebo injection at any point. The hips that received PAI had less pain than those receiving placebo 24 hours after THA (16 ± 17 mm versus 22 ± 20 mm; mean difference, 6 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2-9 mm; p = 0.006), but this effect size was below the MCID of 20 mm and thus is unlikely to be clinically important. The hips that received PAI also had better VAS scores in the recovery room (38 ± 29 mm versus 52 ± 33 mm; mean difference 14 mm; 95% CI, 5-23 mm; p = 0.004) and 3 hours after THA than placebo controls (28 ± 22 mm versus 37 ± 24 mm; mean difference 9 mm; 95% CI, 2-16 mm; p = 0.010). Neither of these differences exceeded the MCID and likewise were unlikely to be clinically important. No complications, including surgical site infections, were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Periarticular analgesic injection for pain control after THA did not result in a clinically important reduction in pain at any point examined. Given the expense associated with this PAI mixture and the lack of effectiveness outside this timeframe, we cannot recommend its use. Other mixtures or concentrations of drugs may be helpful in short-stay admissions for THA, but this will require further research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Endogenous Opiates and Behavior: 2016

This paper is the thirty-ninth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2016 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.

Comparison of local infiltration analgesia and sciatic nerve block for pain control after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficiency and safety between local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and sciatic nerve block (SNB) when combined with femoral nerve block (FNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE (1966-2017.04), PubMed (1966-2017.04), Embase (1980-2017.04), ScienceDirect (1985-2017.04), and the Cochrane Library. Only high-quality studies were selected. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), including 273 patients met the inclusion criteria. The present meta-analysis indicated that there were significant differences between groups in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 12 h (SMD = −0.303, 95% CI −0.543 to −0.064, P = 0.013), VAS score at 24 h (SMD = −0.395, 95% CI −0.636 to −0.154, P = 0.001), morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h (SMD = −0.395, 95% CI −0.636 to −0.154, P = 0.001), and incidence of nausea (RD = 0.233, 95% CI 0.107 to 0.360, P = 0.000) and vomiting (RD = 0.131, 95% CI 0.025 to 0.237, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

FNB-combined SNB provides superior pain relief and less morphine consumption within the first 24 h compared FNB-combined LIA in total knee arthroplasty. In addition, there were fewer side effects associated with SNB. Because the sample size and the number of included studies were limited, a multicenter RCT is needed to identify the effects of the two kinds of methods and further work must include range of motion analyses and functional test.

The efficacy of periarticular drug infiltration for postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The ability of intraoperative periarticular drug infiltration (PDI) to control pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been studied for many times, but it still remains controversial. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDI on postoperative pain after THA.

METHODS

Databases, including Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library, were searched to identify randomized controlled trials concerning PDI for pain management in patients undergoing THA. The primary outcomes included pain score with rest or activity and opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and complications (nausea or vomiting).

RESULTS

A total of 666 THA patients from 8 randomized controlled trials were subjected to meta-analysis. The results showed that the PDI group had better pain relief, less opioid consumption, and less length of hospital, when compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in regard to visual analog score with activity and complications between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

PDI may be recommended for the pain management after THA. However, due to the variations in the included studies, additional studies are still needed to validate these conclusions.