羟考酮联合帕瑞昔布钠对胃癌根治术术后镇痛的影响

目的观察羟考酮联合帕瑞昔布钠对胃癌根治术术后镇痛的影响。方法选择择期胃癌根治术患者60例,采用随机数字表法均分为两组:帕瑞昔布钠+羟考酮组(PO组)和帕瑞昔布钠+吗啡组(PM组)。两组术前30min均给予帕瑞昔布钠40mg预先镇痛,术后均给予患者自控静脉镇痛(PCIA)。PO组缝皮前缓慢静推羟考酮0.03mg/kg,术后羟考酮0.6mg/kg和格拉司琼3mg,生理盐水稀释至100ml入泵。PM组缝皮给予吗啡0.03mg/kg,术后吗啡0.6mg/kg和格拉司琼3mg,生理盐水稀释至100ml入泵。记录两组术后3、12、24和48h患者的静息和咳嗽时VAS评分,术后48h内PCA有效按压次数,镇痛药物追加和上腹部不适感等不良反应发生情况。结果与PM组比较,术后不同时点PO组静息和咳嗽时VAS评分明显降低(P0.05),术后48h内PCA有效按压次数、镇痛药物追加例数明显减少(P0.05),上腹部不适感、恶心呕吐、嗜睡和皮肤瘙痒等不良反应发生率明显降低(P0.05)。结论羟考酮联合帕瑞昔布钠给胃癌根治术患者提供安全有效的镇痛,且不良反应发生较少。     

帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后股神经阻滞镇痛及膝关节功能恢复的影响--前瞻、双盲、随机对照研究

目的：评价帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后连续股神经阻滞的镇痛效果及对早期膝关节功能恢复的影响。方法2012年5～12月择期行全膝关节置换术患者100例,于腰麻硬膜外联合麻醉前行连续股神经阻滞并用于术后镇痛。患者以随机、双盲形式分为2组：连续股神经镇痛组（ C组）和帕瑞昔布钠联合连续股神经镇痛组（ P组）,P组于切皮前30 min和术后12、24、36和48 h静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40 mg,C组给予等量生理盐水。术后对2组静息和被动运动时膝关节前后部疼痛视觉模拟评分（ visual analogue scale ,VAS）、镇痛泵按压次数、主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间、术前及术后72 h美国特种外科医院膝关节评分（ Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score ,HSS）进行评估。结果静息时膝关节前部VAS评分各时点2组相似（P＞0．05）,后部VAS评分在术后8、12、24、48 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）;膝关节被动运动时前部VAS评分在24、48 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）,后部VAS评分在24 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）;镇痛泵按压次数在术后4～8 h及8～12 h时间段P组比C组减少（P＜0．05）;2组术前、术后72 h HSS评分差异无显著性（P＞0．05）;主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间P组比C组缩短（P＜0．05）。结论帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后连续股神经阻滞的患者在一定程度上缓解疼痛,缩短主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间从而部分改善早期膝关节功能,具有较好的促进恢复作用。     

帕瑞昔布+塞来昔布在全膝关节置换术后的序贯应用及疗效观察

[目的]研究在全膝关节置换术(TKA)后序贯应用帕瑞昔布+塞来昔布的临床疗效。[方法]纳入60例TKA患者,随机分成2组:试验组术后前3 d每12 h静脉注射帕瑞昔布40 mg,之后改为每12 h口服塞来昔布200mg至术后6周,对照组序贯使用生理盐水和相同外观的安慰剂。记录并比较两组患者术前及术后第1、2、3 d及1、2、4、6周静息及活动疼痛程度(VAS评分)、膝关节功能(HSS评分)、炎症指标值、不良反应发生率及术后2周内凝血功能指标值等。[结果]试验组术后前3 d静息VAS评分及术后各时间点活动VAS评分均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。试验组术后1、2、4周膝关节HSS评分显著高于对照组(P<0.05),两组术后6周HSS评分差异无统计学意义。试验组术后各时间点血沉、术后1周内C反应蛋白、术后2周内IL-6、术后前3 d IL-8及TNF-α水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者各时间点凝血指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),试验组术后住院天数及术后恶心呕吐发生率均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。[结论]TKA术后序贯应用帕瑞昔布+塞来昔布镇痛效果满意,能促进术后早期关节功能康复、减轻术后早期炎症反应、缩短术后住院周期及减少不良反应发生率。     

围术期帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后疼痛和功能恢复的影响

目的本研究评估帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后疼痛和功能恢复的影响。方法择期行全膝关节置换术的患者30例。所有患者均于麻醉前行股神经置管,然后于L3～4间隙穿刺行腰-硬联合麻醉。患者被随机分为两组:帕瑞昔布钠联合连续股神经镇痛组(PF组)和连续股神经镇痛组(F组),其中PF组于切皮前15min和术后12h给予帕瑞昔布钠40mg,F组给予生理盐水。术后对两组患者的静息和运动时的VAS评分以及膝关节主动活动度进行评估。结果术后静息时两组VAS评分相似;而运动时的各时点VAS评分PF组显著低于F组(P<0.05),同时膝关节的主动活动度PF组显著高于F组(P<0.05)。结论联合应用帕瑞昔布钠的多模式镇痛提高了全膝关节置换术后股神经镇痛的效果,有利于患者运动功能的恢复,对出血无明显影响。     

恩丹西酮对吗啡联合帕瑞昔布钠镇痛的影响

目的 进行随机双盲实验、观察吗啡联合帕瑞昔布钠对老年患者前列腺电切术后的镇痛效果及恩丹西酮对镇痛的不良反应的影响. 方法 80名ASA Ⅰ～Ⅲ级的老年患者行尿道前列腺电切术.随机分为两组.两组均为硬膜外麻醉,手术结束后:A组硬膜外2mg吗啡,同时静脉注射40mg帕瑞昔布钠;B组硬膜外2mg吗啡,同时静脉注射40mg帕瑞昔布钠和8mg恩丹西酮.分别于术后4、6、24小时专人随访,评定疼痛标准应用视觉模拟评分(VAS评分)评估,记录不良反应病例数,包括恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒、延迟性呼吸抑制等. 结果 两组镇痛均为优(≤3分),各时点组内,组间差异无统计学意义;恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒的病例数,A组明显多于B组,两组均无延迟性呼吸抑制发生. 结论 静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠和硬膜外注射吗啡用于经尿道前列腺电切术后的镇痛效果良好,同时注射恩丹西酮可以降低两种药物不良反应的发生,值得应用.     

地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔患者术后镇痛中的应用

为探讨地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔患者术后镇痛中的应用效果,选择择期行混合痔切除术者80例进行研究,患者ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,均采用腰硬联合阻滞麻醉,腰麻药物为0．5％罗哌卡因1．5ml。将80例患者随机分为四组,即生理盐水组（NS组）、地佐辛组（D组）、帕瑞昔布钠组（P组）、地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠组（DP组）,各20例,于手术结束前10min经静脉滴注相应药物。对比各组患者术后4h（T4）、8h（T8）、12h（T12）、24h（T24）时的疼痛情况（VAS评分）、术后补给镇痛药（双氯芬酸钠缓释片）量和不良反应。结果显示,T。时点各组间VAs评分比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0．05。T8和T12时点,P组、NS组、D组VAS评分均高于DP组,差异均有统计学意义,P〈0.05;D组与P组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0.05。T24时点,DP组VAS评分与P组和D组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0．05;与NS组VAS评分比较差异有统计学意义,P〈0.05。DP组术后补给镇痛药量略少于D组和P组,明显少于NS组,P〈0．05。D组不良反应发生率明显高于其他三组,P〈0．05;DP组和P组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0.05。结果表明,地佐辛和帕瑞昔布钠联合对混合痔患者进行术后镇痛效果优于两药单独应用,且可以减少其他镇痛药用量,不良反应较少,是一种理想的镇痛方法,值得临床推广应用。     

帕瑞昔布钠在无痛人流术术后镇痛中的应用

目的评价帕瑞昔布钠在无痛人流术术后镇痛的效果及安全性。方法选择120例ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ级要求进行无痛人工流产术的患者,随机分为对照组（单用异丙酚）和帕瑞昔布钠组（帕瑞昔布钠复合异丙酚）。在手术过程中连续监测平均动脉压（MAR）、心率（HR）、呼吸（RR）和脉搏血氧饱和度（SaO2）,分别记录清醒后5分钟、0．5小时和6小时的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）,同时记录术后不良反应。结果两组患者术中MAR、HR、RR的最低值与术前相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;两组患者清醒后0．5小时和6小时两个时点疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）比较有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;手术时间、丙泊酚用药总量、苏醒时间及不良反应两组间差异无统计学意义。结论无痛人工流产术术中静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠不能即时产生充分的镇痛,但有良好的人工流产术术后镇痛作用,可安全用于人流术后镇痛。     

帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔外剥内扎术后镇痛效果观察

目的:观察帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔外剥内扎术后镇痛的临床效果.方法:将104例混合痔患者采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各52例.观察组应用帕瑞昔布钠进行术后镇痛,对照组应用氟比洛芬酯进行术后镇痛.观察比较2组术后2h、6h、12h、24h、48h和72h疼痛程度、首次排便时间、术后当晚睡眠情况及不良反应.结果:观察组术...     

帕瑞昔布钠对肿瘤术后患者吗啡镇痛的影响

目的 评价帕瑞昔布钠不同方式给药对肿瘤患者术后吗啡镇痛的影响.方法 60例择期肿瘤手术患者随机分为三组,每组20例.A组切皮前15 min、术后12 h静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40 mg;B组关腹时、术后12 h静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40 mg;C组不用帕瑞昔布钠作为对照.三组术后均应用吗啡行患者自控镇痛(PCA).记录PACU(麻醉恢复室)停留期间、首次要求镇痛时间、术后2、4、12、24、48 h的VAS评分,48 h吗啡用量以及不良反应.结果 A组和B组术后2、4 h的VAS评分低于C组(P<0.05),A组术后12 h的VAS评分低于B、C组(P<0.05);A、B组患者在PACU要求镇痛人数较C组显著减少(P<0.05);A、B组患者首次需求镇痛时问较C组延长,而A组明显长于B组(P<0.05);与C组比较.A、B组术后48 h吗啡用量显著减少,且A组少于B组(P<0.05);三组不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义.结论 在肿瘤患者术后镇痛中,帕瑞昔布钠能够在减少吗啡用量的基础上提供更好的镇痛效果,而且切皮前给药比关腹时给药更有优势.     

连续股神经阻滞联合帕瑞昔布用于全膝置换术后镇痛的效果评价

背景:术后镇痛是全膝关节置换术(TKA)后处理的重要组成,直接影响术后功能恢复,有利于患者早期活动,积极康复锻炼,并降低并发症发生率。多模式联合镇痛方法是目前术后镇痛研究的热点。目的:评估TKA后采用连续股神经阻滞(CFNB)联合帕瑞昔布的镇痛效果和安全性。方法:2006年9月至2011年12月行初次单侧TKA治疗骨关节炎患者80例,随机分为2组,各40例。联合镇痛组,术后使用CFNB联合帕瑞昔布镇痛模式;连续硬膜外镇痛(CEA)组,术后使用硬膜外自控镇痛泵。术后12、24、48 h采用目测类比疼痛评分法(VAS)分别对患膝静息和活动时进行疼痛评分,记录各组术后4、6、8、10 d的膝关节活动范围(ROM);监测副作用如恶心、呕吐、尿潴留、导管相关问题等。结果:80例患者全部获得随访。两组术后12、24、48 h的静息和活动时的VAS评分比较无统计学差异;两组术后4、6、8、10 d 的患膝 ROM 比较无统计学差异;A 组术后尿潴留、恶心、呕吐的发生率均低于 B 组(P<0.05);两组导管相关并发症发生率无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:CFNB联合帕瑞昔布镇痛能有效减轻全膝关节置换术后的疼痛,镇痛效果与CEA相当,副作用少,利于早期功能锻炼。     

Intravenous regional analgesia using morphine. The effect on postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty

Background: We hypothesised that any peripheral action of morphine may contibute to improved postoperative analgesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of morphine administered preoperatively into an exsanguinated limb prior to total knee arthroplasty.
Methods: A randomised, double-blind, controlled study was performed in 50 patients having total knee arthroplasty surgery. Patients were divided into two groups. In the study group, 0.125 mg/kg morphine in 60 ml of saline was administered intravenously (iv) into the exsanguinated operative limb via a can-nula in the foot. A saline intramuscular (im) injection was administered into the opposite leg. The control group received 60 ml saline iv into the operative leg and 0.12 5mg/kg morphine im into the opposite leg. Pain was assessed postoperatively using a 10-point visual analogue scale and by comparing morphine requirements and demand: delivery ratios from a patient-controlled analgesic pump.
Results: We found no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to any of the analgesic measures employed.
Conclusions: Intravenous regional analgesia using morphine provides no analgesic advantage over the intramuscular route from 6–24 h postoperatively.     

按摩疗法对人工全膝关节置换术术后疼痛的影响

目的 探讨按摩疗法对人工全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty,TKA）术后患者疼痛的影响。方法 选取我院拟行单膝 TKA 患者 142 例,分成对照组和观察组,每组 71 例。对照组患者 TKA 术后行常规术后护理,观察组患者 TKA 术后在常规术后护理基础上行按摩疗法。结果 观察组患者术后 6、12、18 和 24 h 疼痛评分和均显著低于对照组患者（P<0.05）;观察组患者术后6、12 和24 h 焦虑率显著低于对照组患者（P<0.05）;观察组患者术后6、12 和24 h 吗啡用量均显著低于对照组患者（P<0.05）;观察组患者术后满意度评分显著高于对照组患者（P<0.05）。结论 按摩疗法可显著降低 TKA 术后患者疼痛和焦虑感,减少患者镇痛药物使用,提高患者术后满意度。     

全膝关节置换治疗膝关节炎术后早期镇痛的研究进展

因膝关节炎而行全膝关节置换术的患者在术后早期多会出现程度不一的疼痛,这直接影响术后膝关节早期的功能锻炼及康复。目前,常用的镇痛方法有静脉自控镇痛、硬膜外自控镇痛、连续股神经阻滞镇痛、关节周围注射药物镇痛以及一些非药物性镇痛等。本文对全膝关节置换术后早期镇痛方法研究进展进行综述。     

关节局部注射对全膝关节置换术后的镇痛效果

目的比较关节局部注射混合局麻药与自控硬膜外镇痛（PCEA）对全膝关节置换（TKA）术后的镇痛效果。方法由同一位医师主刀完成的TKA骨性关节炎（OA）患者58例（63膝）,根据镇痛方式分成两组：局部注射组23例（25膝）,术中关节周围软组织注射2.5g/L布比卡因40ml、酮咯酸30mg和肾上腺素0.25mg的混合液,术后拔除引流管时通过关节腔内放置的细导管注射5g/L布比卡因20ml和酮咯酸30mg。35例（38膝）TKA术后采用PCEA做为对照,比较术后两种镇痛方式的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）、吗啡的使用量、关节被动活动度（PROM）、切口引流量和恶心、呕吐的发生率。结果两组术后的VAS和PROM差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,而局部注射组术后吗啡使用量、切口引流量和恶心、呕吐的发生率明显减少（P〈0.05）。结论关节周围软组织和关节内注射混合局麻药对TKA术后的镇痛效果确切,减少了术后出血量、吗啡的使用量和并发症,成本低,且操作简便、实用,是TKA镇痛的有效方法之一。     

膝关节表面置换术治疗骨性关节病疗效及并发症预防

目的探讨人工膝关节表面置换术(TKA)治疗膝关节骨性关节病的疗效及并发症的预防措施。方法对22例膝关节骨性关节病患者(26膝)行TKA,术前积极治疗合并症,重视预防感染及静脉血栓栓塞等并发症;术后早期康复训练以促进关节功能恢复。结果患者均获随访,时间14～54个月。关节功能按HSS评分标准评定:优19膝,良6膝,可1膝。结论 TKA对膝关节骨性关节病的疼痛消除、畸形矫正、功能改善等方面疗效优良。充分认识感染及静脉血栓栓塞症形成的高危因素,做好术前准备、熟练的手术技术和完善的术后康复训练可有效预防并发症的发生。     

全膝关节置换术后膝关节疼痛的临床处理

目的 探讨全膝关节置换术(TKA)后膝关节疼痛的原因和临床处理方法.方法 2004年1月至2009年6月,收治TKA术后疼痛患者41例,其中男性9例9膝,女性32例35膝;年龄51～84岁,平均63.5岁.关节外疼痛6例中1例为1型复杂区域疼痛综合征(CRPS-1)行保守治疗,其余5例手术治疗.关节内疼痛35例中关节失稳4例、髌骨低位1例、假体悬挂致周围软组织磨损2例、胭肌腱撞击1例采用保守治疗,其余27例手术治疗.定期随访并记录膝关节美国膝关节学会评分(KSS评分)、疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS评分).结果 41例均获随访,随访时间1～6年.关节外疼痛手术5例,末次随访VAS评分、KSS临床和功能评分分别为2.5±0.2、92.8±2.6和89.0±3.4,膝关节疼痛缓解,功能改善.1例CRPS-1保守治疗,效果尚可.关节内疼痛感染组12例中截肢1例、抗生素骨水泥隔体植入3例、二期翻修8例,随访感染均治愈,术后VAS、KSS临床和功能评分分别为3.8±0.2、88.3±4.6和85.0±4.6,和术前相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).非感染组保守治疗8例,末次随访VAS、KSS临床和功能评分4.5±0.4、85.4±4.2和84.2±2.3;手术治疗15例,末次随访VAS、KSS临床和功能评分3.4±0.1、86.6±5.4和87.1±2.4,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 TKA术后疼痛需要对手术和患者情况进行系统评估以明确其原因,确诊后制定合理治疗方案一般可获得满意效果,确诊之前严禁手术干预.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate causes and clinical management of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty(TKA). Methods From January 2004 to June 2009, 41 patients(44 knees)with knee pain post TKA were treated. There were 9 male and 32 female patients aging from 51 to 84 years with a mean of 63.5 years. The diagnosis followed to Brown diagnostic system. One case of extraarticular pain was complex regional pain syndrome type 1(CRPS-1)and underwent conservative treatment, the remaining 5cases were treated by surgery. Three cases of joint instability, 1 case of patellar baja, 2 cases of soft tissue impingement caused by overhang of the prosthesis, 1 case of popliteal tendon impact underwent conservative treatment, the other 27 cases underwent surgical intervention. The patients were followed up and the Knee Society Score(KSS)knee score, pain visual analog scale(VAS)score were recorded. Results Forty-one cases were followed up for 1 to 6 years. At the last time of follow-up, the 5 cases received surgical treatment to extra-articular pain showed VAS score as 2. 5 ± 0. 2, KSS clinical and functional score as 92. 8 ± 2. 6 and 89.0 ± 3.4. There was significantly difference compared with preoperative(P ＜ 0. 05). One case of CRPS-1 performed conservative treatment, the therapy was effective. In the infected 12 cases of intra-articular pain, 1 case received amputation, 3 cases received antibiotic bone cement insert, 8 cases received two stage revision. All infections were cured, and VAS score was 3. 8 ± 0. 2, KSS clinical score was 88. 3 ± 4.6,function score was 85.0 ± 4. 6 postoperatively, with significantly difference compared with preoperative(P ＜0. 05). In the 8 cases received conservative treatment in non-infected group, at the last time of follow-up,VAS score was 4. 5 ± 0. 4, KSS clinical and functional score was 85.4 ± 4. 2 and 84. 2 ± 2. 3, with significantly difference compared with preoperative(P ＜ 0. 05). Fifteen cases underwent surgical treatment,at the last time of follow-up, VAS score was 3.4 ± 0. 1, KSS clinical and functional score was 86. 6 ± 5.4and 87. 1 ± 2. 4, with significantly difference compared with preoperative(P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusions Patients with knee pain post TKA need systematic assessment to identify the causes. Appropriate treatment due to the positive diagnosis generally lead to satisfactory results, surgical intervention with indefinite causes is strictly prohibited.     

Psychological predictors of acute postoperative pain after total knee and hip arthroplasty: A systematic review

Background

Identifying patients at high risk of acute postoperative pain after total knee or hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) will facilitate individualized pain management and research on the efficacy of treatment options. Numerous studies have reported that psychological patient factors may influence acute postoperative pain, but most reviews have focused on chronic pain and functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate which psychological metrics are associated with acute postoperative pain after TKA and THA.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 2022. Full-text articles reporting associations of preoperative psychological factors with acute pain within 48 h of TKA or THA surgery were identified. Quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.

Results

Eighteen studies containing 16 unique study populations were included. TKA was the most common procedure, and anxiety and depression were the most evaluated psychological metrics. Several different anesthetic techniques and analgesic regimens were used. The studies were generally rated as having a low to moderate risk of bias. Catastrophizing was associated with acute pain in six studies (of nine), mainly after TKA. In contrast, three studies (of 13) and two studies (of 13) found anxiety and depression, respectively, to be associated with acute postoperative pain.

Conclusion

Pain catastrophizing seemed to be the most consistent psychological predictor of acute postoperative pain after TKA. The results for other psychological factors and THA were inconsistent. However, the interpretation of results was limited by considerable methodological heterogeneity.     

Recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty

Seven patients developed recurrent hemarthroses following total knee arthroplasty. The average interval between arthroplasty and the first bleed was more than 20 months (range, 1–30 months). All seven required open synovectomy an average of 21 months (6–31 months) after arthroplasty. Follow-up evaluation averaged 44 months (19–60 months) and all had an excellent result without further bleeds. A prolific synovitis was seen in all cases, with histologic features revealing a chronic synovitis with fibrosis and hemosiderin staining. Entrapment of the proliferative synovial tissue between the components is postulated to be the etiology for these recurrent bleeds which averaged four per patient prior to synovectomy.     

Intraarticular, epidural, and intravenous analgesia after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: After total knee arthroplasty, patients regularly suffer from severe pain. It is unclear whether epidural or systemic pain therapy is superior in terms of postoperative pain relief, patients' comfort and side effects. A new therapeutic approach, intraarticular opioids, has been suggested with the detection of opioid receptors in inflamed tissue. This method has proven suitable for clinical use in small operations (e.g. knee arthroscopy). In this study, we compared epidural analgesia and intraarticular application of morphine plus "on-demand" intravenous analgesia to "on-demand" intravenous analgesia alone. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients, scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: in group 1 (EPI) patients received bolus doses of morphine via an epidural catheter; in group 2 (IA) an intraarticular bolus of 1 mg of morphine was applied at the end of the operation with subsequent use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump; group 3 (Control), in which only PCA was provided, served as control for both analgesic procedures. Main outcome measures included visual analogue pain scales, total morphine consumption, and stress hormones. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in visual analogue pain scales could be detected between the three groups. Application of intraarticular morphine did not reduce the amount of analgesics required for postoperative analgesia as compared to intravenous analgesia alone. Application of epidural morphine significantly suppressed beta-endorphine release, but did not significantly influence other stress hormones as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Epidural and intravenous analgesia after total knee arthroplasty are equivalent methods of pain relief. In major orthopaedic procedures, application of intraarticular morphine does not reduce analgesic requirements.