Systematic review of high-volume multimodal wound infiltration in total knee arthroplasty

Preoperative administration of local infiltration anaesthesia decreases perioperative blood loss during total knee arthroplasty - a randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

Local infiltration anaesthesia (LIA) consisting of ropivacaine, epinephrine and ketorolac administered at the end of surgery has become the gold standard for postoperative analgesia as it provides improved postoperative pain relief compared to other methods. The use of LIA has retrospectively been shown to be associated with decreased perioperative blood loss. However, no randomised controlled trials have examined the effect of of preoperative LIA on blood loss. This study aimed to compare pre- vs perioperative LIA during TKA surgery, with a primary outcome of perioperative blood loss.

METHODS

The present study was performed as a prospective single-center randomised controlled trial. A total of 100 patients undergoing primary TKA between October 2016 and March 2018 were randomised to receive either pre- or perioperative LIA. Perioperative blood loss was measured, as well as pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels. Postoperative pain was estimated at intervals approximately 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery; analgesic drug consumption was recorded for each patient, as well as the total length of stay as an in-patient.

RESULTS

Ninety six patients received either pre- or perioperative LIA as part of the intervention and control group respectively. Average blood loss was 39% lower in the intervention group at 130 ml vs 212 ml in the control group (p=0.002). No significant difference in haemoglobin drop, postoperative pain or length of hospital stay was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative LIA resulted in a 39% decrease in perioperative blood loss during TKA surgery compared to perioperative administration while providing non-inferior postoperative pain relief.

Opioid-free shoulder arthroplasty is safe, effective, and predictable compared with a traditional perioperative opiate regimen: a randomized controlled trial of a new clinical care pathway

BACKGROUND

Opiate-based regimens have been used as a foundation of postoperative analgesia in orthopedic surgery for decades, and the vast majority of orthopedic patients in the United States receive postoperative opioid prescriptions. Both the safety and efficacy of opioid use in orthopedic patients have been questioned because of mounting evidence that postoperative opioid use can be detrimental to outcomes and patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to compare a new, opioid-free pain management pathway with a traditional opioid-containing, multimodal pathway in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

This is a single-center randomized clinical trial in which 67 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty were allocated into 2 treatment arms: either a completely opioid-free, multimodal perioperative pain management pathway (OF), or a traditional opioid-containing perioperative pain management pathway (OC). Pain was measured on a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10 at 6-, 12-, 24-hour, 2-week, and 6-week time points. Deviations from the OF pathway, morphine milligram equivalents, readmissions, and opioid-related side effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pain levels were significantly lower in the OF group at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks. At 12 hours, the median pain rating was 0 compared with a median pain rating of 3 in the OC group (P = .003). At 24 hours, the OF group reported a median pain rating of 1 and the OC group reported a median pain rating of 4 (P < .001). The median pain rating at the 2-week time point in the OF group was 2 compared with 4 in the OC group (P = .006). Median pain ratings were similar between the OF group and the OC group at the 6-week time point. The median pain rating in the OF group at 6 weeks was 1, compared with 1.5 in the OC group. Of the 35 patients in the OF pathway, 1 required a rescue opioid medication for left cervical radiculopathy that ultimately necessitated cervical spine fusion after recovery from right shoulder arthroplasty, and 1 was noted to have taken an opioid medication, diverted from a prior prescription, at the 2-week visit. The morphine milliequivalents received in the OF group was 20 compared with 4936.25 in the OC group. There were no readmissions in the OF pathway, and no differences between the groups with regard to constipation, falls, or delirium.

CONCLUSION

A multimodal, opioid-free perioperative pain management pathway is safe and effective in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty and offers superior pain relief to that of a traditional opioid-containing pain management pathway at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks postoperatively.

Effect of Steroid in Local Infiltration Analgesia in One-Stage Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Paired-Randomized Controlled Study

Although local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is effective in relieving pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its effect is short lasting and the optimal combination of drugs is unknown. Steroids being a potent and long-acting anti-inflammatory drug might extend LIA's effect. This study aims to evaluate the role of steroids in LIA. This is a paired-randomized controlled study involving one-stage bilateral TKA patients. LIA containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, and adrenaline with or without triamcinolone was given. One knee was randomized to receive LIA with steroids, while the other received LIA without steroids. The primary outcome was knee pain in terms of the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were rehabilitation progress, functional scores, and complications. Outcomes were compared between the knees of the same patient and documented up to 1 year. A total of 45 patients (90 TKAs) were included. LIA with steroid knees showed lower VAS score at rest and during activity from postoperation day 1 to 5 and at 6 weeks (p < 0.05). Passive and active range of movement was also greater in LIA with steroid group from day 1 to 7 and day 2 to 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Steroid-treated knees also achieved active straight leg raise earlier (1.2 vs. 2.0 days, p < 0.05). No differences in Knee Society Score and complication rates between both groups. Steroids in LIA offer additional and extended benefit in pain control and rehabilitation after TKA, while no adverse effects were found up to 1-year follow-up.

Study protocol: randomized controlled trial of opioid-free vs. traditional perioperative analgesia in elective orthopedic surgery

BACKGROUND

The medical community is beginning to recognize the contribution of prescription opioids in the growing national opioid crisis. Many studies have compared the safety and efficacy of alternative analgesics to opioids, but none utilizing a completely opioid-free perioperative protocol in orthopedics.

METHODS

We developed and tested an opioid-free perioperative analgesic pathway (from preoperative to postoperative period) among patients undergoing common elective orthopedic procedures. Patients will be randomized to receive either traditional opioid-including or completely opioid-free perioperative medications. This study is being conducted across multiple orthopedic subspecialties in patients undergoing the following common elective orthopedic procedures: single-level or two-level ACDF/ACDA, 1st CMC arthroplasty, Hallux Valgus/Rigidus corrections, diagnostic knee arthroscopies, total hip arthroplasty (THA), and total shoulder arthroplasty/reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA/RTSA). The primary outcome measure is pain score at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures include pain scores at additional time points, medication side effects, and several patient-reported variables such as patient satisfaction, quality of life, and functional status.

DISCUSSION

We describe the methods for a feasibility randomized controlled trial comparing opioid-free perioperative analgesics to traditional opioid-including protocols. We present this study so that it may be replicated and incorporated into future studies at other institutions, as well as disseminated to additional orthopedic and/or non-orthopedic surgical procedures. The ultimate goal of presenting this protocol is to aid recent efforts in reducing the impact of prescription opioids on the national opioid crisis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol was approved by the local institutional review board and registered with clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04176783 ) on November 25, 2019, retrospectively registered.

Total Knee Arthroplasty: Opioid-Free Analgesia in a Patient with Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia: A Case Report

CASE

Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a significant challenge, especially in the context of certain patient-specific factors. We present a case of a 59-year-old woman with opioid-induced hyperalgesia who was referred for left knee pain and end-stage tricompartmental degenerative joint disease after failure of conservative management. We outline an approach to control postoperative pain in patients undergoing TKA who have severe opioid contraindications.

CONCLUSIONS

TKA and rehabilitation with a 6-year follow-up period was accomplished using a multimodal nonopioid approach, consisting of a combination of gabapentin, acetaminophen, ketorolac, meloxicam, methocarbamol, a tunneled femoral nerve catheter, and periarticular injection.

[Infiltration anesthesia]

OBJECTIVE

Complete anesthesia of any skin and soft tissue area by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections.

INDICATIONS

Small injuries or incisions in limbs or trunk, minor surgery on the face/jaw (e.g., on the teeth), or postoperative analgesia (local infiltration anesthesia, LIA).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Local infections at the injection site.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

By means of intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, a grandeur arises, here the local anesthetic blocks nerve transmission. If anesthetized distal to end arteries, vasoconstrictors (e.g., epinephrine) should be avoided. Proximal to end arteries, localized ischemia may facilitate operative care.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

The effect of local anesthesia is self-limiting.

RESULTS

By means of infiltration anesthesia or "field block", larger areas of skin are easily accessible for surgical treatment. The amount to be applied has to be adapted to the extent of the operation and the maximal dose. Postoperatively, after knee or hip arthroplasty, analgesia consumption can be reduced, and early mobilization promoted using LIA.

Opioid-free shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective study of a novel clinical care pathway

BACKGROUND

Opioid therapy has been a cornerstone of perioperative pain control for decades in the United States, despite our increased understanding of the morbidity and mortality linked to opioids. The purpose of this study is to explore the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of an entirely opioid-free perioperative pathway in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients undergoing elective total shoulder arthroplasty with a mean age of 71 (range, 50-87) years elected into a comprehensive opioid-free, multimodal pain management protocol. Opioid use was completely eliminated for all points in the perioperative period including during regional and general anesthesia. Data were collected regarding patient-reported pain, opioid consumption in the perioperative period, postoperative delirium, nausea, constipation, and falls.

RESULTS

Pain level at the primary outcome point of 24 hours or discharge was rated at 2.5 on the numeric rating scale. Stable, low pain scores were demonstrated at all time points postoperatively. Low rates of nausea, falls, and constipation were reported. Only 1 patient required "rescue" opioid medications during the in-patient stay, and an additional patient was given a low-dose opioid prescription at the 2-week postoperative appointment.

CONCLUSIONS

An opioid-free, multimodal pain management pathway is a safe and effective option in properly selected patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty with a very low risk of requiring rescue opioids. This study is the first such study to present a surgical protocol entirely free of opioids at all portions of the patient care pathway.

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

PURPOSE

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Effectiveness of benzocaine in reducing deep cavity restoration and post-extraction stress in dental patients

Objectives:

To investigate the effectiveness of topical anesthetic, 20% benzocaine in relieving pain and stress in patients following deep cavity restoration and extraction of teeth under local anesthesia (LA).

Methods:

A prospective clinical trial was conducted from October 2014 until April 2015 at Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Forty-five patients were included in the 20% benzocaine group, and 46 in the normal saline group. Evaluation of the dental stress was made pre-operatively and immediately post-operative treatment using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Furthermore, discomfort of the injections were recorded by the patients after each treatment on standard 100 mm VAS, tagged at the endpoints with “no pain” (0 mm) and “unbearable pain” (100 mm).

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the mean stress scores for patients in the benzocaine and normal saline groups post-operatively (p=0.002). There were significant differences between the mean pain scores for patients in the post buccal injection (p=0.001), post palatal injection (p=0.01), and the post inferior alveolar nerve block groups (p=0.02). Buccal, palatal, and inferior alveolar nerve block injections were more painful for patients in the normal saline group than the benzocaine group.

Conclusion:

This investigation has demonstrated that post-operative stress associated with deep cavity restoration and dental extractions under LA can be reduced by the application of topical anesthetic (20% benzocaine) at the operative site for intra-oral injections.

Incidence of cardiovascular complications in knee arthroplasty patients before and after implementation of a ropivacaine local infiltration analgesia protocol: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) during total knee arthroplasty has been shown to give statistically significant reduction in post-operative pain. The effects of using high volumes of ropivacaine combined with adrenaline as LIA on cardiovascular parameters in knee replacement have not been described before. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular safety of ropivacaine as part of high volume local infiltration analgesia (LIA) in total knee replacement surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational comparative cohort study conducted in two independent cohorts, one treated without and one treated with a local infiltration analgesia protocol, containing a total of 744 patients with a mean age of 68years (42 to 89) and 68years (21 to 88) respectively with a follow-up of 12months.

RESULTS

No statistical difference in bradycardia during surgery, post-operative cardiovascular complications, and mortality was found after use of LIA. A statistically significant lower incidence of hypotension was found in the LIA group (P<0.01). This result has to be interpreted with care, due to the use of adrenaline in the LIA mixture, which could mask possible hypotension. No statistical difference was found in the occurrence of hypertension or tachycardia, despite the addition of adrenaline to the LIA mixture. No difference in mortality was found between the two groups (P=0.11).

CONCLUSION

These results show safe use of high volume ropivacaine with adrenaline as local infiltration analgesia during total knee replacement surgery.

Femoral nerve block-sciatic nerve block vs. femoral nerve block-local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of femoral nerve block (FNB) combined with sciatic nerve block (SNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has recently become controversial. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has been reported to be effective for postoperative TKA pain control. We aimed to assess whether LIA with continuous FNB is as effective as SNB combined with continuous FNB.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, single-center, observer-blinded, parallel group comparison trial of 34 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3 patients who underwent TKA and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into two groups: a periarticular LIA and FNB group (group L, n = 17), and an SNB and FNB group (group S, n = 17). In both groups, participants received FNB with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine, and 5 mL h(-1) of 0.2% ropivacaine after surgery. In group L, participants received 100-ml injections of 0.2% ropivacaine and 0.5 mg epinephrine to the surgical region. In group S, participants received SNB with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine. After TKA, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for the first 24 h post-operation were compared via repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) as the primary outcome. Other outcome measures included NRS score changes within groups, area under the curve for the NRS scores, total analgesic dose, change in knee flexion and extension, pain control satisfaction, nausea and vomiting, and hospital stay duration.

RESULTS

NRS score changes were greater in group L than in group S (P < 0.01, ANOVA) and greater in group L than in group S at three postoperative time points: 3 h (P < 0.01), 6 h (P < 0.01), and 12 h (P = 0.013; Mann-Whitney U test). Changes in the mean NRS score were observed in each group (P < 0.01, Friedman test). No significant differences were detected in the other outcome measures (Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and chi-squared tests).

CONCLUSIONS

Sciatic nerve block with femoral nerve block is superior to local anesthetic infiltration with femoral nerve block for postoperative pain control within 3-12 h of total knee arthroplasty.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR ID: 000013364 R: 000015591.

The use of exparel (liposomal bupivacaine) to manage postoperative pain in unilateral total knee arthroplasty patients

Efforts continue to improve pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in order to allow for accelerated rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pain control after TKA. A randomized prospective study of 80 consecutive patients was performed comparing Exparel versus femoral nerve block (FNB). Inpatient pain control was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome measures included ROM (extension and flexion), nausea and vomiting, narcotic consumption, ambulation distance, and length of stay (LOS). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to pain, nausea and vomiting, and narcotic consumption. The FNB group had greater flexion but the Exparel group had improved early ambulation and decreased LOS. Exparel provided similar pain relief to a FNB after TKA without compromising early rehabilitation.