Ultimate outcome in immediate postoperative total hip arthroplasty instability

The objective of this study was to determine the ultimate outcome of patients who experienced immediate postoperative instability after primary total hip arthroplasty using regional anesthesia. Thirty-one patients whose radiographs demonstrated dislocation or subluxation immediately after total hip arthroplasty were evaluated as to the ultimate outcome of hip function and stability. Once a dislocation has occurred, the risk of redislocation is high. In this study, of the 29 patients who did not have revisions immediately after surgery, 3 (10.3%) have had recurrent dislocation and 1 (3.5%) has had a subluxation event. Recurrent instability or the need for revision surgery is significantly greater when compared with those patients who have no evidence of postoperative instability.     

Small-dose ketamine infusion improves postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

We designed this study to evaluate the effect of small-dose IV ketamine in combination with continuous femoral nerve block on postoperative pain and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Continuous femoral nerve block was started with 0.3 mL/kg of 0.75% ropivacaine before surgery and continued in the surgical ward for 48 h with 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 0.1 mL . kg(-1) . h(-1). Patients were randomly assigned to receive an initial bolus of 0.5 mg/kg ketamine followed by a continuous infusion of 3 mug . kg(-1) . min(-1) during surgery and 1.5 mug . kg(-1) . min(-1) for 48 h (ketamine group) or an equal volume of saline (control group). Additional postoperative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled IV morphine. Pain scores and morphine consumption were recorded over 48 h. The maximal degree of active knee flexion tolerated was recorded daily until hospital discharge. Follow-up was performed 6 wk and 3 mo after surgery. The ketamine group required significantly less morphine than the control group (45 +/- 20 mg versus 69 +/- 30 mg; P < 0.02). Patients in the ketamine group reached 90 degrees of active knee flexion more rapidly than those in the control group (at 7 [5-11] versus 12 [8-45] days, median [25%-75% interquartile range]; P < 0.03). Outcomes at 6 wk and 3 mo were similar in each group. These results confirm that ketamine is a useful analgesic adjuvant in perioperative multimodal analgesia with a positive impact on early knee mobilization. No patient in either group reported sedation, hallucinations, nightmares, or diplopia, and no differences were noted in the incidence of nausea and vomiting between the two groups.     

Intrathecal morphine provides better postoperative analgesia than psoas compartment block after primary hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Intrathecal morphine and psoas compartment block represent two accepted techniques to provide postoperative analgesia after hip arthroplasty. We designed a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study to compare these two techniques. METHODS: Patients scheduled for primary hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either an intrathecal administration of 0.1 mg morphine (Group I, n = 27) or a psoas compartment block with ropivacaine 0.475% 25 mL (Group II, n = 26). Pain scores, morphine consumption, associated side-effects were assessed for 48 hr postoperatively. In addition, patient's acceptance and satisfaction of the postoperative analgesic technique were also recorded. RESULTS: During the first 24 hr, pain scores (3.3 +/- 9.6 mm vs 22.8 +/- 27.1 at H+6, 3.3 +/- 8.3 mm vs 25 +/- 26.7 mm at H+12, 7 +/- 14.9 mm vs 21.9 +/- 29 mm at H+18) and morphine consumption (0.56 +/- 2.12 mg vs 9.42 +/- 10.13 mg) were lower in Group I than in Group II. Urinary retention was the more frequent side-effect occurring in 37% of cases in Group I vs 11.5% in Group II (P < 0.05). No major complication occurred. Despite better analgesia provided by the use of intrathecal morphine, there was no difference in the satisfaction scores between groups. CONCLUSION: 0.1 mg intrathecal morphine administration provides better postoperative analgesia than single-shot psoas compartment block after primary hip arthroplasty.     

Efficacy of 0.1 mg of subarachnoid morphine combined with bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the analgesic efficacy, safety and side effects of subarachnoid morphine (0.1 mg) with bupivacaine in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled for total hip replacement under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine were randomly assigned to two groups according to whether local anesthetic with 0.1 mg subarachnoid morphine was also provided or not (group M [n = 15] and group S ? = 15[, respectively). Top-up analgesia with morphine was available through a patient-controlled device. Postoperative pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and consumption of intravenous morphine in the first 48 hours after surgery was recorded. RESULTS: VAS scores (mean +/- SD) were significantly lower in the first six hours in group M, but no differences between the two groups were observed thereafter. Total consumption of morphine at 48 hours was much lower in group M (6.80 +/- 7.74 mg) than in group S (31.38 +/- 13.17 mg). The incidence of nausea was high in both groups (46%). Slight pruritus affected 26.6% of patients in group M. Urinary retention necessitating temporary placement of a catheter was observed only in group M, where the incidence was 35.7%. No cases of respiratory depression occurred. Drowsiness was observed in 26.6% of patients in group S in comparison with 6.6% in group M. CONCLUSIONS: Combining 0.1 mg morphine and bupivacaine for total spinal anesthesia during hip arthroplasty significantly decreased the consumption of intravenous morphine during the first 48 hours after surgery. No respiratory depression occurred and the only side effects were urinary retention and mild pruritus and drowsiness.     

Caudal epidural anesthesia administered intraoperatively provides for effective postoperative analgesia after total hip arthroplasty

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of caudal epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: 32 (4 men and 28 women) patients, aged 49 to 89 years, scheduled for total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients were allocated to three groups: lumbar epidural anesthesia (EA group; n = 16) or caudal epidural anesthesia (CA group; n = 16) groups, which were case-matched according to patient demographics. Nine patients received general anesthesia only (GA group). We evaluated the level of postoperative pain using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. MAIN RESULTS: Total requirement of diclofenac sodium suppositories was significantly larger in the GA group than in the EA or CA groups (444 +/- 302 vs 188 +/- 124 and 145 +/- 130 mg). The number of days requiring analgesics was significantly prolonged in the GA group compared with the EA or CA groups (14 +/- 9 vs 4 +/- 3 and 4 +/- 4 days). These items were similar between the EA group and the CA group. All VAS values for pain, rest, and movement in the postsurgical period over 24 hours were significantly higher in the GA group than in either the EA or CA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal epidural anesthesia provides effective postoperative analgesia similar to lumbar epidural anesthesia.     

Intrathecal infusion of bupivacaine with or without morphine for postoperative analgesia after hip and knee arthroplasty

Postoperative pain after major orthopaedic operations can be controlled by continuous intrathecal administration of opioids or local anaesthetics. Effective intrathecal analgesia can be achieved through synergism of low doses of the two analgesic drugs and, possibly, less drug-related adverse effects. Therefore, we have evaluated the usefulness of a combined low-dose bupivacaine and morphine infusion in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. Spinal anaesthesia was induced in 55 ASA I-III patients with 0.5% bupivacaine 2 ml via a 28- gauge spinal catheter (L3-4 interspace) and 0.5-ml increments were given if needed. Intrathecal 24-h infusions consisted of bupivacaine 2 mg h-1 alone (n = 18), bupivacaine 1 mg h-1 alone (n = 18) or bupivacaine 1 mg h-1 combined with morphine 8 micrograms h-1 (n = 19). The interview after 3, 6, 12 and 24 h included assessment of pain at rest and on movement (VAS scale), occurrence of sensory and motor block and nausea/vomiting. Bupivacaine 1 mg h-1 combined with an infusion of morphine provided as good postoperative analgesia as bupivacaine 2 mg h- 1, but motor block disappeared earlier (P = 0.01). Patients in the bupivacaine 1-mg h-1 group required more supplementary doses of oxycodone i.m. than the other groups (P = 0.04). Time to first oxycodone dose from the start of intrathecal infusion did not differ between groups. The frequency of nausea and vomiting was similar in all groups. In spite of this, antiemetic medication was required more often in the bupivacaine 1-mg h-1 group (possible because of opioid rescue medication). On the ward, one patient in the bupivacaine 2-mg h-1 group experienced a new increase in sensory block with concomitant hypotension. One patient in the same group had minor decubitus on the heel of the operated leg, probably because of prolonged motor block. We conclude that intrathecal infusion of a combination of bupivacaine 1 mg h-1 and morphine 8 micrograms h-1 produced adequate postoperative analgesia. Unfortunately, postoperative nausea and vomiting was a frequent disturbing adverse effect.      

Early postoperative acetabular discontinuity after total hip arthroplasty

Periprosthetic acetabular fracture is a rare complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, we have treated 2 patients with acute postoperative acetabular discontinuity that occurred 2 and 3 weeks after primary THA. Both fractures were in elderly osteoporotic female patients with minimal trauma and may have developed from unrecognized intraoperative fractures. Pelvic stability was restored with acetabular revision using medial morselized bone grafting and a cemented reconstruction cage. This report demonstrates that early postoperative periprosthetic acetabular discontinuity after THA is a risk in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis and that salvage of acetabular fixation can be achieved with cemented cage reconstruction and medial morselized bone grafting.     

Intrathecal baclofen for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty

Study ObjectiveTo determine whether intrathecal baclofen is an effective adjunctive agent to decrease acute and chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty.DesignProspective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial.SettingOperating room and inpatient units of a university hospital.Patients60 adult, ASA physical status I, II, and III patients presenting for total knee arthroplasty.InterventionsAnesthesia was provided by spinal injection of 15 mg of 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with either 100 mcg baclofen or saline. Sedation was provided with intravenous midazolam and propofol.MeasurementsData were collected on adverse effects, opioid usage, and verbal pain scale (VPS) from 0 to 10. The study period was divided into six discrete time intervals that included the 1^st 72-hour postoperative period and a three-month post-discharge follow-up telephone call.Main ResultsThe baclofen group used less morphine in the PACU than the control group (5 mg vs. 9.3 mg; P = 0.04). VPS were lower in the baclofen group than the treatment group, but significant differences could be demonstrated only in the time periods 48-72 hours and three months postoperatively. At three months, fewer patients in the baclofen group reported pain than the control group (8/27 vs. 19/29; P = 0.009). Regression analysis showed that the baclofen group was 4.5 times less likely to report pain at three months (95% CI: 1.5–16.6).ConclusionsIT baclofen used as an adjuvant to spinal anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty allows for less postoperative opioid usage and less chronic pain at three months.     

Exercise improves early functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to apply an 8-week customized exercise program to patients (Group E) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty, followed by a postsurgery exercise program, and show the effect on functional recovery compared with control subjects (Group C) who received no additional exercise apart from routine in-hospital physical therapy. Strength, range of motion, and physical function tests were completed by 57 patients at Week 8 and Week 1 before surgery and at Weeks 3, 12, and 24 postoperatively. No differences between the exercise and control groups were observed at baseline. By 1 week before surgery, patients in Group E had shown significant improvements for Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (total score, stiffness, and physical function components), and combined hip strength. Patients in Group E had improved hip flexion range of motion in the diseased hip compared with patients in Group C. Significant differences in outcome measures between Group E and Group C were observed throughout the postoperative phase from Weeks 3 to 24. The current study showed that customized perioperative exercise programs are well tolerated by patients with end-stage hip arthritis, and are effective in improving early recovery of physical function after total hip arthroplasty.     

Posterior block of lumbar plexus for postoperative analgesia after hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES: To describe early postoperative analgesic quality from a posterior lumbar plexus block in the psoas compartment, located by neurostimulation. We used a single paramedial puncture at L4, following Chayen's approach, in patients undergoing uncemented hip arthroplasty under subarachnoid anesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled. We studied pain intensity on a visual analogical (VAS) scale every hour for the first 12 hours and every 2 hours for the next 12. The need for rescue analgesia, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if pain was over 3 on the VAS and for morphine if analgesia was still insufficient. The patients assessed quality of analgesia received on a verbal scale. Complications were also noted. RESULTS: VAS scores were under 3 throughout the first 11 hours, gradually rising to 4.7 at 24 h. Only 5 patients (2%) needed NSAIDs in the first 12 hours and non needed morphine. Sixteen patients (80%) needed a mean 1.6 doses of NSAIDs and 3 (15%) needed morphine for persistent pain or for pain greater than 5 on the VAS. On the verbal scale, only 10% reported experiencing intense pain during the postoperative period, whereas 90% said they had experienced mild or moderate pain. CONCLUSIONS: A posterior lumbar plexus block using a single shot gives effective analgesia in the first 12 hours after surgery performed with spinal anesthesia. Continuous infusion through a catheter may provide better analgesia than that observed in this study.     

Peripheral nerve blocks for analgesia after elective total hip arthroplasty

A significant subgroup of patients suffer from moderate or severe pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Regional analgesia has the potential to reduce post-operative pain and thereby spare patients from opioids, but regional analgesia of the hip is complicated as the area is innervated by multiple nerves. However, the nociceptors of the hip joint are primarily innervated by the obturator and femoral nerves. The effect of an obturator nerve block (ONB) on pain following THA has never been investigated. A femoral nerve block is known to reduce pain after THA, but is unfortunately accompanied by an increased risk of fall. We have developed a novel nerve block—the iliopsoas plane block (IPB)—that has the potential to anaesthetize the hip articular sensory branches of the femoral nerve without causing motor blockade.     

Parecoxib sodium,a parenteral cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor,improves morphine analgesia and is opioid-sparing following total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: This study examined the opioid-sparing effectiveness, analgesic efficacy, and tolerability of postoperative administration of the parenteral cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor, parecoxib sodium, in total hip arthroplasty patients. METHODS: This was a multicenter, multiple-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to compare the opioid-sparing effects, analgesic efficacy, and tolerability of postoperative 20 and 40 mg intravenous parecoxib sodium with placebo in hip arthroplasty patients. The first dose of study medication was administered after surgery with an intravenous bolus dose of 4 mg morphine when patients first requested pain medication; remedication with the study medication occurred at 12 and 24 h. Subsequent morphine doses (1-2 mg) were administered by patient-controlled analgesia. Efficacy was assessed by total morphine used, pain relief and pain intensity, time to last dose of morphine, and Global Evaluation rating of the study medication. RESULTS: Parecoxib sodium, 20 and 40 mg, reduced the total amount of morphine required over 36 h by 22.1% (56.5 mg morphine) and 40.5% (43.1 mg morphine), respectively, compared with placebo (72.5 mg morphine; P < 0.01). Patients receiving 20 and 40 mg parecoxib sodium experienced significantly greater maximum pain relief compared with those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Patients who received 20 and 40 mg parecoxib sodium discontinued PCA morphine earlier than patients receiving placebo and had significantly higher Global Evaluation ratings. Parecoxib sodium, 40 mg, plus morphine demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of fever and vomiting compared with placebo plus morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of parecoxib sodium with PCA morphine resulted in significantly improved postoperative analgesic management as defined by reduction in opioid requirement, lower pain scores, reduced time on PCA morphine, and higher Global Evaluation ratings.     

Postoperative analgesia after total hip arthroplasty: patient-controlled analgesia versus transdermal fentanyl patch

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a new transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP) is a good choice for the postoperative pain management of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty compared with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). DESIGN: Randomized, prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 30 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either a TFP (group T; Duragesic 50 microg/h, matrix fentanyl patch, Janssen-Cilag) applied approximately 10 hours before induction of general anesthesia and PCA programmed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), or PCA programmed in the PACU (group P). MEASUREMENTS: Intraoperative sufentanil and additional postoperative morphine administration were recorded, as well as visual analog scores and routine vital signs at predetermined intervals during the first 48 hours. MAIN RESULTS: Morphine consumption on arrival in the PACU was 3.5+/-3 mg in group T versus 13+/-5 mg in group P (P<0.0001). Visual analog scores on arrival in the PACU were 37+/-22 mm in group T versus 73+/-13 mm in group P (P<0.0001). Cumulative morphine consumption at the 24th hour was 43+/-16 mg in group P and 4+/-3 mg in group T (P<0.0001). Cumulative morphine consumption at the 48th hour was 54+/-26 mg in group P and 5+/-4 mg in group T (P<0.0001). Intraoperative sufentanil consumption was 38+/-15 microg in group T versus 30+/-5 microg in group P (not significant). The sedation score was 0 in both groups during the first 48 postoperative hours. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TFP application decreases pain scores and morphine consumption in the PACU and appears to have prolonged effects spanning the first 48 postoperative hours.     

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia: a randomized, controlled, dose-ranging study after hip and knee arthroplasty

In this series, we examined analgesia and side effects of intrathecal morphine sulfate (ITMS) after hip and knee arthroplasty over a dose range of 0.0-0.3 mg. Eighty patients undergoing hip (n = 40) or knee (n = 40) arthroplasty were randomized to receive ITMS (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mg). A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device provided free access to additional analgesics. Morphine use, pain relief, and side effects were recorded for 24 h. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and linear regression. After hip arthroplasty, morphine use was less in patients receiving 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mg of ITMS than in control patients (P < 0.05). After knee arthroplasty, ITMS did not reduce postoperative morphine requirements. Nausea and vomiting and the incidence of oxygen saturation <93% were similar in all groups. Pruritus was more common after ITMS. Patients receiving 0.2 or 0.3 mg of ITMS were more satisfied with their pain control than those receiving 0.0 or 0.1 mg after both hip and knee arthroplasty. Analgesic needs are greater after knee arthroplasty than after hip arthroplasty. We conclude that combining small-dose (0.2 mg) ITMS with PCA morphine provides good to excellent pain control in most patients after total hip or knee arthroplasty. However, PCA morphine use was reduced by the addition of ITMS only after hip arthroplasty. IMPLICATIONS: This series examined the need for supplemental analgesics, the quality of analgesia, and the incidence of side effects with intrathecal morphine sulfate (ITMS) for analgesia after hip and knee arthroplasty. Analgesic needs are greater after knee arthroplasty than hip arthroplasty. Combining small-dose (0.2 mg) ITMS with standard doses of PCA morphine provided good to excellent pain control in most patients and reduced patient-controlled analgesia morphine use after hip, but not knee, arthroplasty.     

改良自控式镇痛泵的使用方法对全髋关节置换术后镇痛效果的影响

目的 探讨全髋关节置换术后使用自控式镇痛泵(patient-controlled analgesia,PCA)的患者引入超前镇痛的观念,超前定时预防性加注镇痛泵药物镇痛效果.方法 将2014年1~12月我科收治的113例全髋关节置换术后使用PCA的患者按数字表法随机分为两组:对照组58例,术后常规使用PCA;改良组55例,术后由责任护士对患者实施全程一对一宣教及护理,全面负责PCA操作过程,并从手术结束后6 h起,每间隔1.5 h由责任护士给予按压加注按钮超前镇痛,严密观察并比较镇痛效果和不良反应.结果 改良组在术后12 h、18 h和24 h疼痛评分明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);两组术后在恶心呕吐、尿潴留、呼吸抑制、血压下降等不良反应方面比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05).结论 全髋关节置换术后使用PCA患者,定时预防性加注镇痛泵药物,镇痛效果确切.     

Risedronate reduces postoperative bone resorption after cementless total hip arthroplasty

Summary Forty-three patients who had undergone cementless THA were randomly assigned to receive no osteoactive drug or oral risedronate for 6 months. Postoperative decrease of BMD in the risedronate group was significantly lower than that seen in the control group in zones 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Introduction Proximal bone resorption around the femoral stem often has been observed after total hip arthroplasty (THA), could lead to late stem loosening. We previously reported the efficacy of etidronate on periprosthetic bone resorption after cementless THA. Recently risedronate is suggested to be effective for the prevention and treatment of for osteoporosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of risedronate on periprosthetic bone loss after cementless THA. Methods Forty-three patients who had undergone cementless THA were randomly assigned to receive no osteoactive drug (21 patients) or oral risedronate 2.5 mg/day (22 patients) for 6 months. Three patients were eliminated from the risedronate group because of dyspepsia. Periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) in seven regions of interest based on the zones of Gruen et al. was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results At 6 months after surgery, postoperative decrease of BMD in the risedronate group was significantly lower than that seen in the control group in zones 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion These outcomes suggested that risedronate might reduce the periprosthetic bone resorption after cementless THA.     

Local infiltration analgesia is not improved by postoperative intra-articular bolus injections for pain after total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose — The effect of postoperative intra-articular bolus injections after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that intra-articular bolus injections administered every 6 hours after surgery during the first 24 hours would significantly improve analgesia after THA.

Patients and methods — 80 patients undergoing THA received high-volume local infiltration analgesia (LIA; 200 mg ropivacaine and 30 mg ketorolac) followed by 4 intra-articular injections with either ropivacaine (100 mg) and ketorolac (15 mg) (the treatment group) or saline (the control group). The intra-articular injections were combined with 4 intravenous injections of either saline (treatment group) or 15 mg ketorolac (control group). All patients received morphine as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The primary outcome was consumption of intravenous morphine PCA and secondary outcomes were consumption of oral morphine, pain intensity, side effects, readiness for hospital discharge, length of hospital stay, and postoperative consumption of analgesics at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results — There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding postoperative consumption of intravenous morphine PCA. Postoperative pain scores during walking were higher in the treatment group from 24–72 hours after surgery, but other pain scores were similar between groups. Time to readiness for hospital discharge was longer in the treatment group. Other secondary outcomes were similar between groups.

Interpretation — Postoperative intra-articular bolus injections of ropivacaine and ketorolac cannot be recommended as analgesic method after THA.     

Forty-eight hours of postoperative pain relief after total hip arthroplasty with a novel, extended-release epidural morphine formulation

BACKGROUND: Epidural morphine has proven analgesic efficacy in the postoperative period and is widely used. This study evaluated the efficacy of extended-release epidural morphine (EREM; DepoDur; Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Chadds Ford, PA; SkyePharma, Inc., San Diego, CA) in providing pain relief for 48 h after surgery. METHODS: Patients (n = 200) scheduled to undergo total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive a single dose of 15, 20, or 25 mg EREM or placebo. After surgery and after asking for pain medication, patients had access to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia fentanyl for breakthrough pain as needed. Postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia fentanyl use, time to first postoperative fentanyl use, pain intensity at rest and with activity, patient and surgeon ratings of pain control, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: All EREM dosages reduced the mean (+/- SD) fentanyl use versus placebo (510 +/- 708 vs. 2,091 +/- 1,803 microg; P < 0.0001) and delayed the median time to first dose of fentanyl (21.3 vs. 3.6 h; P < 0.0001). All EREM groups had significantly improved pain control at rest through 48 h postdose (area under the curve [0-48 h]) compared with placebo (P < 0.0005). More EREM-treated patients rated their pain control as good or very good compared with placebo (at 24 h: 90 vs. 65%, P < 0.0001; at 48 h: 83 vs. 67%, P < 0.05). No supplemental analgesia was needed in 25% of EREM-treated patients and 2% of placebo-treated patients at 48 h (P < 0.05). The safety profile of EREM was consistent with that of other epidurally administered opioid analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: EREM provided significant postoperative pain relief over a 48-h period after hip surgery, without the need for indwelling epidural catheters.     

Gluteal compartment syndrome after total knee arthroplasty with epidural postoperative analgesia

We describe two patients who developed gluteal compartment syndrome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carried out under epidural analgesic infusion and light sedation. To our knowledge, this occurrence has not been described previously after TKA.