A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of diflunisal and dextropropoxyphene napsylate with acetaminophen in the management of mild to moderate pain after arthroscopy of the knee.

Author(s): Jokl P, Warman M

Affiliation(s): Yale University Medical School, New Haven, Connecticut.

Publication date & source: 1989-11, Clin Ther., 11(6):841-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

We conducted an open-label randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of diflunisal and dextropropoxyphene napsylate with acetaminophen (DPN-A) in the management of mild to moderate pain following arthroscopic surgery of the knee. Patients used a self-rating pain scale to evaluate the analgesia provided by each medication. Twenty-six patients completed the study; 12 received diflunisal and 14 received DPN-A. The physicians found no significant differences between the two groups in their preoperative or postoperative assessment of pain, tenderness, swelling, and active range of motion. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups' mean pain scores or assessment of the overall efficacy of their respective drugs. No patient in either treatment group reported any adverse effects.