The efficacy of intraoperative multimodal analgesic injection for postoperative pain control following wrist surgery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of intraoperative muhimodal analgesic injection for postoperative pain control following wrist surgery. Methods From September 2006 to October 2008, 62 patients with distal radius fractures were surgically treated. All fractures were stabilized with AO volar plates via Henry approach. Intraoperafively the patients were randomized to either receive an intraopemfive muhimodal analgesic injection containing ropivacaine, epimorphine, betamethasone and epinephrine (Group MI) or to receive no injection ( Group NMI). Visual analog scores for postoperative pain during rest and activity were recorded. Narcotics consumption and the side effects were monitored. Results Visual analog scores for pain during rest and postoperative activity in Group MI were lower than those in Group NMI with statistically significant differences. There was less postoperative narcotics consumption in Group MI than in Group NMI. No complications were found in both groups. Conclusion Intraoperative multimodal analgesic injection is an effective approach to control postoperative pain following wrist surgery. It can lead to a quick functional recovery in patients with less comphcations. Key words: Wrist; Surgical procedures,operative; Injections; Multimodal analgesia