Efficacy of rofecoxib for pain control after knee arthroscopy: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if rofecoxib 50 mg administered 1 hour preoperatively to patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery reduces postoperative pain, provides a narcotic-sparing effect, and reduces time spent in recovery.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.


METHODS
Fifty patients (age range, 30 to 60 years) undergoing knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive either 50 mg of rofecoxib or placebo 1 hour preoperatively. Postoperatively, pain was assessed in recovery, 8 hours postoperatively, and 24 hours postoperatively, using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Pain medication usage was monitored for 24 hours and time in recovery room was determined. Mann-Whitney tests determined significance between groups.


RESULTS
Patients in the rofecoxib group showed significantly lower pain scores at 8 and 24 hours postoperatively. They also showed a significant reduction in postoperative narcotic consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Rofecoxib 50 mg as a single preoperative dose should be considered as part of a perioperative analgesic plan in arthroscopic knee surgery.


METHODS
Level I, Therapeutic Study (randomized controlled trial).
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery New York University/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York 10003, USA.
Doron I
DI
Ilan
Frank A
FA
Liporace
Jeffrey
J
Rosen
Dominick
D
Cannavo
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D007783:Lactones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib