Efficacy of multimodal pain control protocol in the setting of total hip arthroplasty.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated the benefits and safety of a multimodal pain control protocol, which included a periarticular injection of local anesthetics, in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.


METHODS
Between March 2006 and March 2007, 60 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomized to undergo either a multimodal pain control protocol or a conventional pain control protocol. The following parameters were compared: the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scales (VAS), hospital stay, operative time, postoperative rehabilitation, additional painkiller consumption, and complication rates.


RESULTS
There was no difference between the groups in terms of diagnosis, age, gender, and BMI. Although both groups had similar VAS scores in the preoperative period and on the fifth postoperative day, there was a significant difference between the groups over the four-day period after surgery. There were no differences in the hospital stay, operative time, additional painkiller consumption, or complication rate between the groups. The average time for comfortable crutch ambulation was 2.8 days in the multimodal pain control protocol group and 5.3 days in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The multimodal pain control protocol can significantly reduce the level of postoperative pain and improve patients' satisfaction, with no apparent risks, after total hip arthroplasty.
Lee
Kyung-Jae
KJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
Min
Byung-Woo
BW
Bae
Ki-Cheor
KC
Cho
Chul-Hyun
CH
Kwon
Doo-Hyun
DH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077212:Ropivacaine
D000577:Amides; D009294:Narcotics; D009020:Morphine; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D008775:Methylprednisolone