Abstract
Background
Orthopedic surgeons have relied heavily on opiates after total hip replacement (THR) despite no clear evidence of benefit and a rapidly growing abuse epidemic. Multimodal analgesia may reduce or even obviate the need for opiates after elective surgery.
Methods
In a cluster-randomized, crossover trial, 235 patients undergoing THR were assigned to receive multimodal analgesia with minimal opiates (Group A-10 tablets), multimodal analgesia with a full opiate supply (Group B-60 tablets), or a traditional opiate regimen without multimodal analgesia (Group C-60 tablets). The multimodal regimen comprised scheduled-dose acetaminophen, meloxicam, and gabapentin. Primary outcomes were daily pain and opiate utilization for the first 30-days. Secondary outcomes included assessments of satisfaction, sleep-quality, opiate-related symptoms, hip function, and adverse events.
Results
Daily pain was significantly lower in both multimodal groups, Group A (Coeff −0.81, p=0.003) and Group B (Coeff −0.61, p=0.021). While daily utilization and duration of opiate use was lower for both Group A (Coeff −0.77, p<0.001) and Group B (Coeff −0.30, p=0.04) compared with Group C, opiate use was also lower for Group A than Group B (Coeff −0.46, p=0.002). There were significantly fewer opiate-related symptoms in Group A compared to Group C (p=0.005), but Group B and C didn't differ (p=0.13). Additionally, both multimodal regimens improved satisfaction and sleep, and there was no difference in hip function or adverse events.
Conclusion
A multimodal analgesic regimen with minimal opiates improved pain control while significantly decreasing opiate utilization and opiate-related adverse effects. It's time to rethink traditional opiate prescription after elective surgery.
