Multimodal Pain Management in Orthopedic Surgery

An Opioid-Free Perioperative Pain Protocol Is Noninferior to Opioid-Containing Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In recent years, orthopaedic surgeons have attempted to decrease opioid consumption through multimodal pain management. However, a limited effort has been made to eliminate opioids entirely in the perioperative period. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a novel opioid-free pain management pathway with that of an opioid-containing pathway across 5 common orthopaedic subspecialty surgical procedures.

METHODS

In a 1:1, unblinded fashion, 315 patients were randomized to a perioperative pain management pathway that was either opioid-free (n = 157) or opioid-containing (n = 158). Pain was measured with a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain of 0 to 10 at 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours (the primary outcome assessing noninferiority), 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year after the surgical procedure. Data on patient characteristics, deviations from the pain management pathway, morphine milligram equivalents (MME), readmissions, adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

There were 315 patients in the final group, with a mean age of 63.6 years. Of the patients in the study, 59.7% were female, 85.7% were White, 12.4% were Black/African-American, 1.0% were Hispanic/Latino, 0.6% were American Indian, and 0.3% were unknown. At 24 hours, the median NRS for pain in the opioid-free group (2 [interquartile range (IQR), 0 to 4]) was statistically noninferior (p < 0.0001) to the opioid-containing group (4 [IQR, 2 to 6]). Pain levels were significantly lower in the opioid-free group than in the opioid-containing group at 12 hours (p = 0.0173) and 2 weeks (p = 0.0003). Pain scores at 6 hours, 6 weeks, and 1 year were similar. Patients in the opioid-free group reported significantly greater comfort at 24 hours (p = 0.0392) and higher satisfaction with pain control (p = 0.0355) at 6 weeks. There were no reported adverse events or unplanned readmissions. Demographic characteristics were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Across 5 common orthopaedic subspecialty procedures, an opioid-free pain management pathway was safe and effective and provided noninferior pain control at 24 hours compared with the opioid-containing pathway.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Analgesia Nociception Index Monitoring in Management of Perioperative Analgesia in Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeries with Femoral Nerve Block

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study is to determine the effects of analgesia nociception index (ANI) monitoring on intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative analgesia, and the recovery unit length of stay in patients with a preoperative femoral nerve block (FNB) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Seventy-four patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) I-III scheduled for TKA under general anesthesia were included in this study. After FNB, the patients were divided into two groups (control group (n = 35)-ANI group (n = 35)). After standard anesthesia induction in both groups, maintenance was conducted using sevoflurane and remifentanil infusion with a bispectral index (BIS) between 40 and 60. In the control group, the intraoperative remifentanil infusion dose was adjusted using conventional methods, and in the ANI group, the dose was adjusted using ANI values of 50-70. The duration of operation, duration of surgery, extubation time, tourniquet duration and pressure, and the amount of remifentanil consumed intraoperatively were recorded. Results: Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was lower in the ANI group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The time to reach a Modified Aldrete Scale score (MAS) ≥ 9 was shorter in the ANI group (p < 0.001). NRS scores in the recovery unit and 4, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively were lower in the ANI group compared to the control group (p = 0.006, p < 0.05). There was a weak significant inverse relationship between the last ANI values measured before extubation and NRS scores in the postoperative recovery unit (r: -0.070-0.079, p: 0.698-0.661). No difference was observed between the groups in other data. Conclusions: In patients undergoing TKA with FNB under general anesthesia, ANI monitoring decreased the amount of opioids consumed intraoperatively and postoperative pain scores and shortened the length of stay in the recovery unit. We suggest that ANI monitoring in intraoperative analgesia management may be helpful in determining the dose of opioid needed by the patient and individualized analgesia management.

Transdermal Fentanyl Patch Effectiveness in Postoperative PainManagement in Orthopedic Patients: Literature Review

Controlling pain after major orthopedic surgery may be challenging, and it is related to delayed recovery, the development of chronic pain, and analgesic dependence. It is well known that effective postoperative pain control can reduce hospital stays by ensuring a more rapid rehabilitation,thereby decreasing the overall costs. Despite the development of analgesics, the use of opioids and their derivates remains the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute moderate-to-severe pain in association with general or regional anesthesia. To reduce the risk of side effects and opioid addiction, considering the alarming epidemiological reports in relation to opioid abuse, combined analgesic methods are used, in addition to lower dosages or different forms of administration, such as transdermal administration. Fentanyl transdermal patches appear to be effective in controlling postoperative pain as part of multimodal analgesic regimens in knee and hip surgery, shoulder arthroplasty, traumatic fractures, and one-day surgery; this treatment has fewer associated side effects and can be safely used even in patients with renal impairment. It is also recommended for postoperative pain management in combination with a femoral-sciatic nerve block during foot and ankle surgery.

Surgeon Prescribing Patterns And Perioperative Risk Factors Associated With Prolonged Opioid Use After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The opioid epidemic in the United States has contributed to a notable economic burden and increased mortality. Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has become more prevalent, and opioids are commonly used for postoperative pain management. Prolonged opioid use has been associated with adverse outcomes, but the role of surgeons in this context remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of prolonged opioid utilization after primary TSA.

METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of 4,488 primary total shoulder arthroplasties from 2014 to 2022 at a single academic institution was conducted. Patients were stratified by preoperative and postoperative opioid use, and demographic, clinical, and prescription data were collected. Prescriptions filled beyond 30 days after the index operation were considered prolonged use. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors associated with prolonged opioid utilization.

RESULTS

Among 4,488 patients undergoing primary TSA, 22% of patients developed prolonged opioid use with 70% of prolonged users being opioid-exposed preoperatively. Independent risk factors of prolonged use include patient age younger than 65 years (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.02, P < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.41, P < 0.001), race other than Caucasian (OR 1.36, P = 0.003), undergoing reverse TSA (OR 1.28, P = 0.010), residing in an urban community (OR 1.33, P = 0.039), preoperative opioid utilization (OR 6.41, P < 0.001), preoperative benzodiazepine utilization (OR 1.93, P < 0.001), and increased postoperative day 1-30 milligram morphine equivalent (OR 1.003, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Nearly 22% of patients experienced prolonged opioid use, with preoperative opioid exposure being the most notable risk factor in addition to postoperative prescribing patterns and benzodiazepine utilization. Surgeons play a crucial role in opioid management, and understanding the risk factors can help optimize benefits while minimizing the associated risks of prolonged opioid use. Additional research is needed to establish standardized definitions and strategies for safe opioid use in orthopaedic surgery.

Efficacy and safety of 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1, 2-benzothiazin-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide, a rapid-acting meloxicam formulation, for analgesia after orthopaedic surgery under general anaesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management is one of the most challenging treatments after orthopaedic surgery, and improved medical treatment options are urgently needed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1, 2-benzothiazin-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide (QP001) for moderate to severe pain following orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial enlisted patients experiencing moderate to severe pain following orthopaedic surgery in 20 hospitals in China. We allocated randomly 132 participants to receive 30 mg QP001 and 66 participants to receive 0.9% saline pre-surgery. The primary efficacy outcome was the total morphine consumption within 24 h.

RESULTS

The total morphine consumption in the QP001 group, versus placebo group, was significantly lower over the following 24 h [12.53 (10.51) vs. 26.13 (13.98), P < 0.001]. The total morphine consumption in the QP001 group, versus placebo group, was also significantly decreased over the following 48 h (P < 0.001). The QP001 group, versus placebo, showed a significant decrease in the effective pressing times of the analgesic pump, morphine relief analgesia ratio over the 24 h and 48 h periods and the area under the curve for pain intensity-time as well as a significant prolonged in the time of first pressing the analgesic pump and the time of first morphine rescue analgesia (P < 0.001). The QP001 groups, versus placebo, show no significant difference in adverse events, but the incidence of adverse drug reactions decreased (59.4% vs. 75.8%, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

QP001 provides analgesia and reduces opioid consumption in patients with moderate to severe pain after orthopaedic surgery, with a favorable safety profile.

Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions (DHI) in Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Emerging Trends

This review aims to address the impact of digital health interventions (DHIs) on chronic pain management, specifically, mHealth, eHealth, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence. The following study identifies and assesses DHIs' efficacy in specific chronic pain conditions and then extrapolates improved outcomes and patient groups that benefit from their use. Using a systematic methodology, this review synthesizes findings that could improve knowledge for patients and practitioners in chronic pain management while also addressing gaps in understanding the impact of DHIs. Sub-questions guide the identification of gaps and recommendations assessing DHIs' effectiveness for pain reduction and improved quality of life. A systematic search across databases (EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Central) targets original, English-language, peer-reviewed studies (2013-2023). The inclusion criteria cover DHIs in chronic pain management for adults age 18+, excluding non-full texts, reviews, opinion pieces, or unrelated articles. Search terms include "chronic pain management" OR "long-term pain relief strategies" OR "sustained pain alleviation" OR "pain control for chronic conditions" OR "chronic pain" AND "ehealth interventions" OR "mobile health interventions" OR "digital therapy" OR "health informatic solutions" OR "digital health intervention." After applying inclusion criteria, 34 articles from 11 countries are included, with studies conducted primarily in the United States (n = 17), United Kingdom (n = 4), and Australia (n = 3). DHIs are emerging as effective tools in pain management, as they can emphasize patient autonomy and communication with clinicians while enabling medical self-management in diverse populations. These various digital interventions show promise in reducing pharmaceutical usage and deferring surgical procedures, with most studies reporting positive outcomes in pain reduction. DHIs were also associated with positive mental health outcomes; however, some studies found no significant improvement. Additionally, interventions targeting pain catastrophizing showed varied results, with some app-based approaches demonstrating promise. Overall, the review underscores the potential of DHIs in improving chronic pain management outcomes.

Effects of a Modified Long-Acting Cocktail on Analgesia and Enhanced Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

We compared the efficacy and safety of a modified cocktail for postoperative analgesia and early functional rehabilitation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Magnesium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate were added to a cocktail of ropivacaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone. Primary outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at various intervals after surgery, morphine consumption for rescue analgesia after surgery, and time to first rescue analgesia. Secondary outcomes were hip function after surgery, daily walking distance, quadriceps muscle strength, and the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Morphine consumption was significantly lower in the modified cocktail group than in the control group in the first 24 hours after surgery (6.2 ± 6.0 versus 14.2 ± 6.4 mg, P < .001), as was total morphine consumption (10.0 ± 8.6 versus 19.2 ± 10.1 mg, P < .001). The duration of the first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged (23.7 ± 10.3 versus 11.9 ± 5.8 mg, P < .001). Morphine consumption was also reduced in the magnesium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate groups over a 24-hour period compared to the control group (P < .001). The modified cocktail group had significantly lower resting VAS pain scores than the control group within 24 hours after surgery (P < .050). The VAS pain scores during movement within 12 hours after surgery were also lower (P < .050). The experimental groups showed better hip range of motion (P < .050) and longer walking distance (P < .050) on the first postoperative day, and levels of inflammatory markers were significantly reduced. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions was similar among the 4 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified cocktail with a new adjuvant can prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia, reduce the dosage of rescue analgesics, and accelerate early postoperative functional recovery in patients undergoing THA.

Exploring the Potential of a Smart Ring to Predict Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Poor pain alleviation remains a problem following orthopedic surgery, leading to prolonged recovery time, increased morbidity, and prolonged opioid use after hospitalization. Wearable device data, collected during postsurgical recovery, may help ameliorate poor pain alleviation because a patient's physiological state during the recovery process may be inferred from sensor data. In this study, we collected smart ring data from 37 inpatients following orthopedic surgery and developed machine learning models to predict if a patient had postsurgical poor pain alleviation. Machine learning models based on the smart ring data were able to predict if a patient had poor pain alleviation during their hospital stay with an accuracy of 70.0%, an F1-score of 0.769, and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.762 on an independent test dataset. These values were similar to performance metrics from existing models that rely on static, preoperative patient factors. Our results provide preliminary evidence that wearable device data may help control pain after orthopedic surgery by incorporating real-time, objective estimates of a patient's pain during recovery.

Acupoint Stimulation for Pain Control in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Postoperative pain control is a challenge in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The current study reviewed the efficacy and safety of incorporating acupoint stimulation for postoperative pain control in ERAS. Methods: Ten databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English or Mandarin Chinese were searched from 1997 to 2022. The quality of each article was appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. The primary outcome was pain control, measured using the visual analog scale 24 h after surgery. Results: Eleven trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Acupoint stimulation was found more effective than control treatments in terms of pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.35 to -0.53), analgesic drug consumption (SMD -1.87; 95% CI -2.98 to -0.75), postoperative nausea (PON; SMD 0.31; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.73), postoperative vomiting (POV; SMD 0.57; 95% CI 0.11 to 2.92), and PON and POV (PONV; SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.53). The Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) were the most-used acupoints in the included trials (8/11). The reported adverse reaction was only one case of bruising. Discussion: Acupoint stimulation improved pain control in patients undergoing ERAS more than control treatments. The findings provide an evidence-based premise for incorporating acupoint stimulation into ERAS strategies. More rigorous RCTs are needed in the future.

Rehabilitation Strategies Following Posterolateral Corner Repair for Left Knee Dislocation With Multiligament Injury: A Case Report

This case report describes the rehabilitation of a 54-year-old female patient with a left knee dislocation and multiligament injury after surgery. The patient experienced persistent pain and difficulty with weight-bearing, leading to the need for surgical repair. The rehabilitation protocol included three phases: pain management, range-of-motion (ROM) restoration, muscle strength improvement, proprioception, and equilibrium promotion. Modalities like cryotherapy, compression, manual therapy, and a tailored exercise regimen were used. The patient's outcomes showed significant improvements post-rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of structured physiotherapy interventions in recovery and functional restoration. The aim of the case report is to highlight the efficacy of a structured physiotherapy intervention protocol in facilitating recovery and functional restoration for patients with knee dislocation and multiligament injury post-surgery. Further research and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve outcomes in similar cases.

Femoral-Obturator-Sciatic (FOS) Nerve Block as an Anesthetic Triad for Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction: Is This the Magic Trick We Were Missing?

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring grafting is a common orthopedic procedure that is associated with moderate-to-severe pain. Peripheral nerve blockade as an anesthetic technique is an appealing option in the era of modern anesthesia. The aim of this narrative review is to document the efficacy and safety of the combination of femoral, obturator, and sciatic (FOS) nerve blocks as an exclusive method for anesthesia in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. An electronic search of the literature published up to October 2023 was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to find studies on ACL reconstruction and peripheral obturator nerve block. Overall, 8 prospective studies-with a total of 315 patients-published between 2007 and 2022 were included in this review. Ultrasound-guided peripheral FOS nerve blockade is an effective anesthetic technique for ACL reconstruction, offering good perioperative pain management, minimal opioid consumption, and an excellent safety profile. Further well-designed prospective studies are needed to determine the best approach for obturator nerve blockade and the appropriate type and dosage of local anesthetic.

Efficacy of Intraoperative Intra-Articular Morphine on Post-Operative Pain and Opioid Consumption Following Hip Arthroscopy

Background

The use of intraoperative intra-articular morphine has been suggested to lower postoperative pain scores and opioid use. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular morphine with 0.75% ropivacaine when compared to the use of ropivacaine alone. Our study's purpose was to determine the efficacy of intra-articular morphine on pain control, opioid consumption, and discharge times in the immediate post-operative period.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 100 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with repair for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) between 2021 to 2023. 50 patients who received 5 mg of intra-articular morphine injections intraoperatively were identified, and 50 who did not. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy without repair, revision surgery, or combined hip arthroscopy and femoral osteotomy or periacetabular osteotomy were excluded. Demographics including age, sex, race, ethnicity, BMI, and tobacco use were recorded. Procedural factors included total operative time, traction time, and time to discharge. Pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the initial Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and final VAS score prior to discharge were recorded. Total acute opioid use was recorded using morphine milligram equivalents (MME) during post-operation to discharge. We used the Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square statistics on continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Statistically significant level was set as p<0.05.

Results

No significant differences were found between demographics, operative time, traction time, or discharge time. The median age of patients in the non-morphine group was 29 (48% M, 52% F) and 24.5 (34% M, 66% F) in the morphine group. Differences between the morphine and non-morphine group in postoperative VAS scores were insignificant, with the mean initial PACU VAS scores (4.6 ± 3.0 vs 5.5 ± 3.0) and mean final PACU VAS scores (3.5 ± 1.9 vs 3.7 ± 1.4) respectively. Postoperative MME consumption difference was also insignificant (17.1 ± 7.4 vs 17.9 ± 7.3).

Conclusion

Intraoperative intra-articular morphine injection with ropivacaine does not provide a significant reduction in acute postoperative pain scores or opioid use when compared to ropivacaine use alone. Further investigation into the efficacy of intra-articular morphine is warranted. Level of Evidence: III.

Standardized Multimodal Pain Protocol Minimizes Inpatient Opioid Administration in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Population

Background

Optimal management of post-operative pain is a critical component of orthopedic surgical care. There is a heightened awareness of narcotic prescribing habits given the current "opioid epidemic." The lack of standardized protocols has led to increased errors, delayed access to prescribed medications, and excessive narcotic prescribing.The purpose of this study is to assess the current trends in opioid use and document the prescribing patterns in the pediatric population before and after the implementation of a standardized protocol at our Institution.

Methods

A multimodal postoperative pain pathway was developed and implemented throughout a large, academic, pediatric orthopedic division. The pathway utilized opioid and non-opioid pain medications and educational handouts with descriptions of the different classes of pain medication and specific dosing regimens.A query of electronic medical records was completed to identify all patients under the age of 18 that underwent inpatient orthopedic surgery from January 2016 to June 2018. Based on surgical dissection and anticipated postoperative pain, procedures were grouped into low complexity and high complexity. The average amount of opioids administered to the patients during their stay in the hospital was converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The average MME was plotted, and the trends were analyzed.

Results

455 inpatients met the inclusion criteria. Opioid pain medication administration was significantly higher in the high-complexity group compared to the low-complexity group. Implementing the multimodal pain pathway significantly reduces opioid administration in both groups without an increase in length of stay.

Conclusion

Implementation of a standardized, post-operative, multimodal pain regimen lead to a significant decrease in the amount of administered narcotics following inpatient orthopedic surgery without an increase in length of stay. Level of Evidence: IV.

Novel Techniques for Musculoskeletal Pain Management after Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

Effective postoperative pain management is critical for recovery after orthopedic surgery, but often remains inadequate despite multimodal analgesia. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on innovative modalities for enhancing pain control following major orthopedic procedures. Fifteen randomized controlled trials and comparative studies evaluating peripheral nerve blocks, local anesthetic infiltration, cryotherapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, adjunct medications, and other techniques are included. Thematic analysis reveals that peripheral nerve blocks and local anesthetic infiltration consistently demonstrate reduced pain scores, opioid consumption, and side effects versus conventional analgesia alone. Oral multimodal medications also show promise as part of opioid-sparing regimens. Adjunctive approaches like cryotherapy, music, and dexmedetomidine require further research to optimize protocols. Despite promising innovations, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding comparative effectiveness, optimal interventions and dosing, combination strategies, cost-effectiveness, and implementation. High-quality randomized controlled trials using standardized protocols are essential to guide the translation of enhanced multimodal regimens into clinical practice. This review provides a framework for pursuing research priorities and advancing evidence-based postoperative pain management across orthopedic surgeries.