Intra-articular Catheter Research Articles

Postoperative pain control by intra-articular local anesthesia versus femoral nerve block following total knee arthroplasty: Impact on discharge

IntroductionThe goal of this retrospective study was to compare pain control following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on a perioperative protocol of local anesthesia (LA) versus the more classical femoral nerve block (FNB) technique. HypothesisFitness for discharge would be achieved earlier using the LA protocol. MaterialsNinety-eight consecutive TKA patients operated on by a single surgeon were included with no selection criteria. In the study group (49 patients), 200mL ropivacaine 5% was injected into the surgical wound and an intra-articular catheter was fitted to provide continuous infusion of 20mL/h ropivacaine for 24h. The control group (49 patients) received ropivacaine FNB. Discharge fitness (independent walking, knee flexion>90°, quadricipital control, pain on VAS≤3) and hospital stay were assessed. ResultsDischarge fitness was achieved significantly earlier in the study group (4.2±2.6 versus 6.7±3.2days; P=0.0003), with significantly shorter mean hospital stay (6.1±3.4 versus 8.8±3.5days; P=0.0002). The complications rate did not differ between study and control groups. DiscussionAlthough retrospective, this study indicates that the LA protocol improves management of post-TKA pain and accelerates rehabilitation, thereby, reducing hospital stay. The acceleration effect may be due to the absence of quadriceps inhibition. Level of evidenceLevel III – Case control study.

Comparison between palpation and ultrasonography for evaluation of experimentally induced effusion in the distal interphalangeal joint of horses

To ultrasonographically quantify experimentally induced effusion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of horses and compare results with those obtained with palpation. 8 forelimbs from equine cadavers and forelimbs of 5 mares. Preliminary ex vivo experiments were performed to validate the methods. Then, the DIP joints of the forelimbs of standing horses were serially distended with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1, 4, and 10 mL) by injection through an intra-articular catheter. Two ultrasonographers measured distension of the dorsal recess of the DIP joint, and 2 surgeons, who were not aware of the volume injected, graded joint effusion by palpation. Intraobserver and interobserver repeatability was excellent for ultrasonographic measurements. Interobserver agreement for use of palpation to detect joint distension was moderate (κ = 0.45). There was an overall increase in the palpation distension grade with an increase in injected volume. Sensitivity for detection with palpation of larger volumes (4 and 10 mL) was high (92% and 100%, respectively). However, sensitivity was lower (57%) for detection with palpation of minimal distension (1 mL). Although palpation provided a reliable clinical assessment of DIP joint effusion for volumes of 4 to 10 mL, ultrasonographic measurements were easy to obtain, more accurate, and able to detect smaller amounts of distension. This may be clinically relevant for the assessment of effusion of the DIP joint that can arise in horses with early osteoarthritis or infectious arthritis with concomitant soft tissue swelling that precludes accurate assessment with palpation.

Local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: should ketorolac be added?

BackgroundAdequate postoperative analgesia with minimal side-effects is essential for early mobilization and recovery in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). High-volume local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with ropivacaine has been introduced, but effects of adjuvants are still debated. We tested the hypothesis that the addition of ketorolac to LIA significantly improves analgesia after TKA. MethodsSixty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive intraoperative LIA (ropivacaine 300 mg and epinephrine 0.5 mg) combined with either ketorolac 30 mg (ketorolac group) or saline (control group). After surgery, eight bolus doses of ropivacaine 100 mg combined with either ketorolac 15 mg (ketorolac group) or saline (control group) were administered every 6 h via an intra-articular catheter. The primary outcome was postoperative consumption of i.v. morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Secondary outcomes were time to first request of i.v. morphine PCA, pain intensity, side-effects, and readiness for hospital discharge. ResultsConsumption of i.v. morphine PCA was lower in the ketorolac group vs control group {0–6 h: 0 (0–0) vs 5 (0–10) mg, P<0.0001; 0–48 h: 10 (0–22.5) vs 48.75 (30–82.5) mg, P<0.0001 [median (inter-quartile range, IQR)]}. Time to first request of i.v. morphine PCA was longer in the ketorolac group vs the control group [490 (248–617) vs 223 (115–319) min, P=0.02, median (IQR)]. Early postoperative pain (<48 h) and readiness for hospital discharge were also significantly reduced in the ketorolac group. ConclusionsLIA with ketorolac results in reduced morphine consumption, reduced pain intensity, and earlier readiness for hospital discharge.

Post-arthroscopic elbow chondrolysis after continuous intra-articular ropivacaine infusion

Post-arthroscopic chondrolysis is a rare but well documented complication with devastating consequences. Although the etiology appears to be complex, it is associated with thermal and chemical insult that affects the viability of articular cartilage and chondrocytes. Findings occur within weeks to months of the inciting event and include a progressively painful joint, loss ofmotion, rapid and progressive loss of joint space, subchondral edema, and lack of periarticular osteophytes. Most reports of post-arthroscopic chondrolysis have involved the glenohumeral joint after the use of intra-articular thermal devices or continuous infusion pain catheters. To our knowledge, this is the first report of post-arthroscopic chondrolysis of the elbow joint and the first case of ropivacaine-associated chondrolysis. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and consent was granted.

Comparison between ropivacaine local infiltration analgesia with ketorolac or placebo for total knee replacement surgery

Abstract Background/aims Optimal pain treatment with minimal side-effects is essential for early mobilization and recovery in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with local anaesthetic might be effective and adjuncts such as ketorolac may provide additional effects on opioid requirements and pain. We tested the hypothesis that adding ketorolac significantly improves analgesia after total knee replacement surgery. Methods Sixty patients were enrolled in this prospective double-blinded study and allocated to either group R (placebo) or Group RK (ketorolac 120 mg). All patients received high-volume LIA with 150 ml ropivacaine (300 mg) with epinephrine added either placebo or ketorolac (30 mg) combined with eight 10 ml ropivacaine doses (100 mg) added either placebo or ketorolac (15 mg) administered every 6 h through an intra-articular catheter for 48 h. postoperatively. The primary outcome was patient-controlled morphine consumption from 0–6 and 0–48 h after surgery. Time to first rescue administration, pain intensity (0–100 mm visual analogue scale) at rest and during mobilization and side-effects were recorded until 96 h after surgery. Results Six and forty-eight morphine consumption was significantly reduced in group RK compared with group R. Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged with 4 h in group RK [median (IQR)] 490 min (248–617) compared with 223 min (115–319) group R (P &lt; 0.02). Pain at rest and during movement was significantly reduced for 48 h with the addition of ketorolac. Length of hospital stay was reduced with one day in group RK [median (IQR)] 2 days (2–3) compared with group R3 days (2–3) (P =0.004). Conclusions Ketorolac resulted in a 75% reduction in 48 h postoperative morphine requirements. This was also significantly associated with prolonged analgesia, reduced pain intensity scores at rest and during movement and reduced length of hospital stay.

Local Infiltration Analgesia Versus Intrathecal Morphine for Postoperative Pain Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Local infiltration analgesia (LIA)--using a combination of local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and epinephrine, injected periarticularly during surgery-has become popular in postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared intrathecal morphine with LIA after TKA. In this double-blind study, 50 patients scheduled to undergo TKA under spinal anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups: group M, 0.1 mg morphine was injected intrathecally together with the spinal anesthetic and in group L, LIA using ropivacaine, ketorolac, and epinephrine was infiltrated in the knee during the operation, and 2 bolus injections of the same mixture were given via an intraarticular catheter postoperatively. Postoperative pain, rescue analgesic requirements, mobilization, and home readiness were recorded. Patient-assessed health quality was recorded using the Oxford Knee Score and EQ-5D during 3 months follow-up. The primary endpoint was IV morphine consumption the first 48 postoperative hours. Mean morphine consumption was significantly lower in group L than in group M during the first 48 postoperative hours: 26 ± 15 vs 54 ± 29 mg, i.e., a mean difference for each 24-hour period of 14.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.6 to 20.9) mg. Pain scores at rest and on movement were lower during the first 48 hours in group L than in group M (P < 0.001). Pain score was also lower when walking in group L than in group M at 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively (P < 0.001). In group L, more patients were able to climb stairs at 24 hours: 50% (11 of 22) versus 4% (1 of 23), i.e., a difference of 46% (95% CI 23.5 to 68.5) and at 48 hours: 70% (16 of 23) versus 22% (5 of 23), i.e., a difference of 48% (95% CI 23 to 73). Median (range) time to fulfillment of discharge criteria was shorter in group L than in group M, 51 (24-166) hours versus 72 (51-170) hours. The difference was 23 (95% CI 18 to 42) hours (P = 0.001). Length of hospital stay was also shorter in group L than in group M: median (range) 3 (2-17) versus 4 (2-14) days (P = 0.029). Patient satisfaction was greater in group L than in group M (P = 0.001), but no differences were found in knee function, side effects, or in patient-related outcomes, Oxford Knee score, or EQ-5D. LIA technique provided better postoperative analgesia and earlier mobilization, resulting in shorter hospital stay, than did intrathecal morphine after TKA.

Pain after shoulder arthroscopy: A prospective study on 231 cases

Shoulder arthroscopy is reputed to be painful, but progression of postoperative pain after this type of surgery has never been described and analyzed. This study had a triple objective: the description, search for risk factors, and analysis of the long-term impact of postoperative pain. This continuous prospective series includes 231 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Pain was evaluated from D-1 to D3, then at D7, D30, and 1 year. Three pain criteria were noted: visual analog scale (VAS), morphine intake, and satisfaction with pain management. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia and/or interscalene block. A local anesthetic complement was administered in one of four modes: single subacromial injection, subacromial catheter, intra-articular catheter, or no complement. The VAS values remained less than 4 out of 10 during the entire study. Immediate postoperative pain was less than preoperative pain. It was followed by a pain bounce on D1 and D2 and did not return to a level significantly lower than its preoperative value until D30. Rotator cuff repair is the most painful surgery in the first postoperative days. The main risk factor for pain is a work related accident or occupational disease, associated with higher VAS values from D1 to 1 year and greater morphine intake. There was no correlation between immediate postoperative and 1-year VAS values. Pain after shoulder arthroscopy is relatively low and the efficacy of the intervention is long-lasting in terms of pain symptom. A pain bounce appears on D1, which must be taken into account, notably in the context of outpatient surgery. The use of local anesthesia is therefore advantageous. Despite the efficacy of postoperative pain relief protocols, their effect on longer term perspective was not demonstrated.

Local Anaesthetic Wound Infiltration after Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial in 33 Patients

Pain control may assist early mobilisation after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. Systemic opioids have significant side effects in elderly patients. We present an evaluation of the effect of local anaesthetic infiltration in such cases , the objective being to decrease the need for postoperative opioids and to improve pain control for patients after surgery. 33 patients undergoing internal fixation with 2 parallel hook pins were randomized into 2 groups in a double blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00529425). 33 patients received intraoperative infiltration followed by 6 postoperative injections through an intraarticular catheter in eight-hour intervals. 19 patients received ropivacaine and 14 received saline. The intervention period was 48 hours and the observation period was 5 days. In both groups there were no restrictions on the total daily dose of rescue analgesics. Pain was assessed at specific postoperative time-points and the daily consumption of opioid drugs needed for analgesia was registered. There was no significantly reduced consumption of standardized opioid rescue analgesics or pain in the study group receiving ropivacaine injections. Apart from a reduction in nausea in the study group on the second postoperative day, there were no significant differences in the occurrence of side effects between the groups. On day 2 the placebo group had less pain than the study group. Local anaesthetic infiltration after fixation of femoral neck fractures does not reduce opioid consumption or pain'.

Local Infiltration Analgesia in TKA Patients Reduces Length of Stay and Postoperative Pain Scores

Numerous postoperative pain protocols exist for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared the length of stay, early range of motion (ROM), and pain scores of a control group with a femoral nerve block to those of a group with femoral nerve block and local infiltration analgesia following TKA. In a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary TKA at a Veteran's Administration hospital, 40 patients (40 TKAs) who had local infiltration analgesia were compared to a historical group of 43 patients (43 TKAs) who had a long-acting femoral nerve block without local infiltration analgesia. Local infiltration analgesia consisted of intraoperative injection of 150 mL of 300 mg ropivacaine, 30 mg ketorolac, and 500 μg epinephrine using 50 mL into each of 3 areas: (1) posterior capsule, (2) medial and lateral capsule, and (3) anterior capsule and subcutaneous tissues. A 17-gauge intra-articular catheter was used to inject an additional 100 mg of ropivacaine on postoperative day 1. The control group had a single-shot femoral nerve block using 150 mg of ropivacaine with epinephrine. Mean length of stay for the local infiltration analgesia group compared to controls was 3.2±1.4 days vs 3.8±1.6 days, respectively (P=.03). No significant differences existed in average ROM (6 weeks), discharge hematocrit, transfusions, and temperature. Mean pain scores were lower in the local infiltration analgesia group on postoperative day 1 (P=.04), but not on postoperative day 2 or 3. Maximum visual analog scale scores (P<.01) were reduced in the local infiltration analgesia group. Our early experience with local infiltration analgesia demonstrated a significantly reduced length of stay due to decreased postoperative pain.

Intraarticular levobupivacaine or bupivacaine administration decreases pain scores and provides a better recovery after total knee arthroplasty

The aim of this prospective randomized blinded controlled study was to compare the efficacy of the two local anesthetics, intraarticular bupivacaine and levobupivacaine administration, versus control for postoperative pain control and functional recovery. Length of hospital stay, opioid consumption, and the side effects of opioids were also evaluated. Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-III undergoing elective knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomized into three groups. Groups B (n=20) and L (n=20) both received 150ml solution intraarticularly, containing 200mg bupivacaine or 200mg levobupivacaine combined with 0.5mg epinephrine, respectively, at the end of the surgery. Group C (n=20) received 150ml saline intraarticularly. Postoperatively, all groups received injections through the intraarticular catheters in quantities of 120mg (levobupivacaine for group L, bupivacaine for group B) and 0.5mg epinephrine whereas group C received a saline bolus at 10 and 22h. Patients were given tramadol by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and sodium diclofenac 75mg intramuscularly was used for rescue analgesic medication. Visual analogue score (VAS) for pain at rest and during mobilization (which was defined as flexion exercise supported by physiotherapist in postoperative first 8h and afterward a 3-m walk with walker), consumption of tramadol, side effects, and patient satisfaction were recorded until the 48th hour postoperatively. Area under the curve values for VAS were lower in groups B and L compared to the control, both at rest and during mobilization (first 48h) (P=0.032 and P=0.029, respectively). Tramadol consumption was lower (P<0.05), patient satisfaction as evaluated with a five-point Likert score (completely comfortable; quite comfortable; slight discomfort; painful; very painful) was higher (P=0.03), and length of hospital stay was shorter (P=0.03) in groups B and L compared to group C. Intraarticular bupivacaine and levobupivacaine provided better postoperative analgesia both at rest and during mobilization in total knee replacement surgery compared to control. Tramadol consumption and hospital stay were also decreased in the study groups.

Early osteoarthritis and microdialysis: a novel in vivo approach for measurements of biochemical markers in the perisynovium and intraarticularly

The microdialysis technique was evaluated as a possible method to obtain local measurements of biochemical markers from knee joints with degenerative changes. Seven patients scheduled for arthroscopy of the knee due to minor to moderate degenerative changes had microdialysis catheters inserted under ultrasonographic guidance, intraarticularly and in the synovium-close tissue. Catheters were perfused at a rate of 2 μl/min for approximately 100 min with a Ringer solution containing radioactively labeled glucose, and the positions of the catheters were later visualized during arthroscopy. All intraarticular catheters and 6/7 subsynovial catheters were positioned correctly. Relative recovery (RR) was intraarticularly 0.64 ± 0.02 (mean ± SEM) and synovium-close 0.54 ± 0.06. Mean values of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), aggrecan and glucosyl-galactosyl-pyridinoline in the intraarticular dialysates were 18.1 ± 7.0 U/l, 243.6 ± 108.6 ng/ml and 108.0 ± 29.0 pmol/ml, respectively. COMP and glucosyl-galactosyl-pyridinoline concentrations were significantly higher intraarticularly compared to perisynovial tissue (P < 0.05), whereas for aggrecan, no significant difference was found (P = 0.06). The microdialysis method can be used for intraarticular and subsynovial determination of metabolites in human knees at these sites. The present methodology displays a potential for future studies of simultaneous biochemical changes within and around joints.

Antimicrobial delivery by intrasynovial catheterisation with systemic administration for equine synovial trauma and sepsis

To present the technique for intra-articular catheter placement and report the clinical outcomes of 38 cases of equine synovial trauma and/or infection treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobials administered via an intrasynovial catheter (ISC). Retrospective study. Medical records of 38 horses treated for synovial trauma and sepsis with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained via clinical re-evaluation or telephone contact with the owners. The majority of horses (84%) received amikacin and Timentin(R) four times daily. In addition, synovial lavage through the ISC was carried out in 27 horses (71%). Only radiological evidence of osteolysis had a significant negative impact on both lameness at the time of hospital discharge and the long-term outcome. In total, 92% of horses treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had clinical resolution of infection. Catheter obstruction occurred in three cases, necessitating replacement or removal, and two synovial fistulae developed at sites of open drainage. The majority of horses treated had a favourable outcome, with 86% being at least pasture sound and 43% returned to riding. Septic synovial structures treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had a good prognosis for survival and 43% returned to riding, which is consistent with the results of other studies. The use of a simple ISC should be considered when broad-spectrum intrasynovial antimicrobial administration and lavage of a septic synovial structure are indicated.

High‐volume infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

High-volume infiltration analgesia may be effective with a low risk of side effects in hip and knee arthroplasty. The present placebo-controlled study was carried out to evaluate the analgesic effect of high-volume infiltration analgesia in bilateral total knee arthroplasty, along with a detailed description of the infiltration technique. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 12 patients undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty, saline or high-volume (170 ml) ropivacaine (0.2%) with epinephrine was infiltrated around each knee, with repeated doses administered through an intra-articular catheter for 24 h and pain and opioid requirements assessed for 48 h in a fast-track setting. Pain at rest and during movement was significantly reduced for up to 32 h with the high-volume local anesthetic infiltration technique. No major side effects were observed. The median hospital stay was 4 days. High-volume infiltration analgesia is effective in knee arthroplasty and, due to its simplicity, may be preferable compared with other analgesic techniques in knee arthroplasty.

Arthroscopic Release of Frozen Shoulder

Arthroscopic release of the frozen shoulder is a reliable procedure when performed correctly and with the right surgical indications. The primary components of this technique include a scalene block and forward elevation manipulation followed by surgical release of the rotator interval and anterior-inferior capsule. Postoperative pain control for the first 48 hours is provided by an intraarticular pain catheter. Patients are instructed in shoulder range of motion exercises and provided with a continuos passive motion device.

Intraarticular Administration of Ketorolac, Morphine, and Ropivacaine Combined with Intraarticular Patient-Controlled Regional Analgesia for Pain Relief After Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study

In this study we assessed the efficacy of intraarticular regional analgesia on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. Fifty-one patients undergoing shoulder surgery (Bankart) were recruited into this double-blind study. At the end of the operation, patients were randomized to three groups to receive intraarticularly via a catheter: Group 1: ropivacaine 90 mg (9 mL), morphine 4 mg (10 mL), and ketorolac 30 mg (1 mL) (total volume 20 mL); Groups 2 and 3: saline (20 mL). In addition, Groups 1 and 3 received 1 mL saline IV while Group 2 received ketorolac 30 mg (1 mL) IV. Postoperatively, Group 1 received pain relief using 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine on demand via the intraarticular catheter while Groups 2 and 3 received 10 mL of saline intraarticularly. Group 3 was the Control group. Postoperative pain at rest and on movement were lower in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 during the first 30 and 120 min, respectively. The time to first request for local anesthetic infusion was longer in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). The median morphine consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours was less in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in analgesic consumption between Group 1 and Group 2. The median satisfaction score was higher in Group 1 compared with Groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 3 (P < 0.001). A combination of intraarticular ropivacaine, morphine, and ketorolac followed by intermittent injections of ropivacaine as needed provided better pain relief, less morphine consumption, and improved patient satisfaction compared with the control group. The group that received IV ketorolac consumed less morphine and was more satisfied with treatment than patients in the control group.

Reduced hospital stay and narcotic consumption, and improved mobilization with local and intraarticular infiltration after hip arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial of an intraarticular technique versus epidural infusion in 80 patients

Background Epidural analgesia gives excellent pain relief but is associated with substantial side effects. We compared wound infiltration combined with intraarticular injection of local anesthetics for pain relief after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the well-established practice of epidural infusion.Methods 80 patients undergoing elective THA under spinal block were randomly assigned to receive either (1) continuous epidural infusion (group E) or (2) infiltration around the hip joint with a mixture of 100 mL ropivacaine 2 mg/mL, 1 mL ketorolac 30 mg/mL, and 1 mL epinephrine 0.5 mg/mL at the conclusion of surgery combined with one postoperative intraarticular injection of the same substances through an intraarticular catheter (group A).Results Narcotic consumption was significantly reduced in group A compared to group E (p = 0.004). Pain levels at rest and during mobilization were similar in both groups but significantly reduced in group A after cessation of treatment. Length of stay was reduced by 2 days (36%) in group A compared to group E (p < 0.001).Interpretation Wound infiltration combined with 1 intraarticular injection can be recommended for patients undergoing THA. Further studies of dosage (high/low) and duration of intraarticular treatment are warranted.

Postoperative analgesia in total hip arthroplasty: A randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled study on peroperative and postoperative ropivacaine, ketorolac, and adrenaline wound infiltration

Background Comfort and lack of pain are important for optimal mobilization after hip replacement. We investigated the efficacy of double wound infiltration.Patients and methods 40 consecutive patients undergoing total hip replacement were randomized into two groups in this double-blinded study. They received wound infiltration at the end of surgery and through an intraarticular catheter 24 h postoperatively. The catheter was placed at the end of surgery. One group received solutions of ropivacaine, ketorolac, and adrenaline. Patients in the control group were injected with saline instead. The observation period was 6 weeks.Results The patients who received the analgesic solution had less pain up to 2 weeks postoperatively. They reached an earlier and lower pain minimum during the first days postoperatively, had lower use of analgesia up to day 4 postoperatively, and were more satisfied. Use of analgesic solution resulted in less joint stiffness and better function 1 week postoperatively.Interpretation Operative and postoperative wound infiltration with multimodal drugs reduces pain and the requirement for analgesics after hip replacement, leading to faster postoperative mobilization.

Intra-Articular Morphine 5 mg After Knee Arthroscopy Does Not Produce Significant Pain Relief When Administered to Patients With Moderate to Severe Pain via an Intra-Articular Catheter

Intra-articular (IA) morphine for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroscopy is controversial. The IA catheter technique for test drug administration allows baseline pain assessment before inclusion. Results from one such randomized controlled trial (RCT) in patients with moderate to severe pain have shown equal effects of IA saline with or without morphine 2 mg. However, the IA catheter technique may have an unintended placebo effect. The aims of this placebo-controlled RCT were (1) to compare the analgesic effect of IA saline 1 mL (placebo) with morphine 5 mg given through an IA catheter and (2) to analyze the impact on pain of immediate or delayed removal of the IA catheter. Sixty patients operated under general anesthesia had an IA catheter inserted at the end of arthroscopy. Patients who reported moderate or severe postoperative pain during the following hour were randomized to IA saline 1 mL (placebo) or IA morphine 5 mg and to immediate or delayed removal of IA catheter. Forty of 60 patients (67%) developed moderate to severe pain within 1 hour. In addition, 5 patients experienced intolerable pain and were excluded. Significantly more women (24/26) than men (26/39) reported at least moderate pain (P = .018) during the first hour after surgery. There were no differences between IA morphine 5 mg and placebo in pain intensity or pain relief at any time during the 48-hour observation period. There was no detectable effect on pain intensity of early compared with late removal of the IA catheter. IA morphine 5 mg does not produce clinically significant pain relief in patients with moderate or severe pain after knee arthroscopy.

Synovial Fluid and Plasma Concentrations of Ceftiofur After Regional Intravenous Perfusion in the Horse

To determine radiocarpal (RC) joint synovial fluid and plasma ceftiofur concentrations after regional intravenous perfusion (RIP) and systemic intravenous (IV) administration. Experimental cross-over study. Five normal adult horses. One RC joint was randomly selected for RIP and the contralateral RC joint was sampled to determine intrasynovial ceftiofur concentrations after IV administration. Wash-out between IV and RIP was > or = 14 days. After surgical introduction of an intraarticular catheter, ceftiofur (2 g) was administered under general anesthesia either IV or by RIP after tourniquet application. Plasma and synovial fluid were collected over 24 hours. Samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and the results were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed effect model. Mean synovial fluid ceftiofur concentrations were consistently higher after RIP than after IV administration and were > 1 mug/mL (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] for common pathogens) for >24 hours. Mean synovial fluid peak concentration of ceftiofur after RIP and IV administration was 392.7+/-103.29 microg/mL at 0.5 hours postinjection (HPI) and 2.72+/-0.31 mug/mL at 1 HPI, respectively. Large variations in synovial fluid and plasma ceftiofur concentrations were observed between horses regardless of administration technique. RIP did not cause adverse effects. Under the present experimental conditions RIP with ceftiofur (2 g) induced significantly higher intraarticular antibiotic concentrations in the RC joint in comparison with IV administration. Moreover, after RIP, synovial fluid ceftiofur concentrations remain above the MIC for common pathogens (1 microg/mL) for > 24 hours. No adverse effects from the technique or the antibiotic were observed. RIP with high doses of ceftiofur may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy when treating equine synovial infections which are caused by cephalosporin susceptible microorganisms.

Gender is a confounding factor in pain trials: women report more pain than men after arthroscopic surgery

A gender difference in the incidence of acute pain may be a confounder in analgesic trials. We have tested the hypothesis that the incidence of acute pain after knee arthroscopic procedures is greater in women than men. We performed three RCTs on intra-articular analgesics in which no postoperative analgesia was given until the need for such treatment was documented by scoring moderate-to-severe pain on a verbal rating scale (VRS 0–4; n=219), and a 0–100 mm visual analogue pain scale (VAS) within 2 h postoperatively. All trials were performed with an intra-articular catheter technique. The design allowed us to study the natural course of pain after arthroscopic surgery until analgesia was required. Women reported more pain of at least moderate intensity than men (84 vs 57%; P<0.0001), indicating that being female is a risk factor for early postoperative pain (RR 1.47, 95% confidence interval from 1.23 to 1.74). The VAS score corresponding to moderate and severe pain is similar in men and women. Only short acting anaesthetics were given in order to minimise carry-over effects. Since previous trials on arthroscopic analgesics neither measured baseline pain nor stratified for gender, a difference between treatment groups could result from an uneven distribution regarding these factors. Our findings have major implications for the interpretation of previously published trials on intra-articular analgesia.