High-volume infiltration analgesia in bilateral hip arthroplasty. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Author(s): Andersen LO, Otte KS, Husted H, Gaarn-Larsen L, Kristensen B, Kehlet H
Affiliation(s): Department of Anesthesiology, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark lasseandersen@email.dk
Publication date & source: 2011-08, Acta Orthop., 82(4):423-6. Epub 2011 Jul 13.
Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-volume infiltration analgesia may be effective in postoperative pain management after hip arthroplasty but methodological problems prevent exact interpretation of previous studies. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 12 patients undergoing bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a fast-track setting, saline or high-volume (170 mL) ropivacaine (0.2%) with epinephrine (1:100,000) was administered to the wound intraoperatively along with supplementary postoperative injections via an intraarticular epidural catheter. Oral analgesia was instituted preoperatively with a multimodal regimen (gabapentin, celecoxib, and acetaminophen). Pain was assessed repeatedly for 48 hours postoperatively, at rest and with 45 degrees hip flexion. RESULTS: Pain scores were low and similar between ropivacaine and saline administration. Median hospital stay was 4 (range 2-7) days. Interpretation Intraoperative high-volume infiltration with 0.2% ropivacaine with repeated intraarticular injections postoperatively may not give a clinically relevant analgesic effect in THA when combined with a multimodal oral analgesic regimen with gabapentin, celecoxib, and acetaminophen.
|