Impact of dexamethasone added to intra-articular morphine and bupivaciane for post-operative analgesia after knee arthroscopy

Abstract

Abstract Background Pain relief after knee arthroscopy is very important for early recovery and rehabilitation. Many drugs were used intra-articularly to prolong postoperative analgesia and diminish post-operative pain. The present study studies the effects of adding dexamethasone to intra-articular morphine and bupivacaine combination on postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy. Aim of the Work The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of adding dexamethasone (8mg) to intra-articular morphine (10mg) and bupivacaine (25mg) injection on postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy. Patients and Methods A randomized double-blinded clinical trial was carried out on 40 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups. All drugs used were injected intra-articularly at the end of arthroscopy. In the control group, patients were administered 10mg morphine added to bupivacaine 25mg. In the study group, patients were administered 10mg morphine and 8mg dexamethasone added to bupivacaine 25mg. Visual analog score for pain at rest and movement, time to first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption, duration of analgesia and adverse effects were recorded. Results The study group showed lower visual analog score at rest and movement, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and decreased total analgesic consumption compared with the control group. Conclusion Adding dexamethasone to intra-articular combination of morphine and bupivacaine after knee arthroscopy prolongs the duration of analgesia, lowers pain scores, and decreases total analgesic consumption with no detected adverse effects.