The Journal of arthroplasty
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Does Dexamethasone Reduce Hospital Readiness for Discharge, Pain, Nausea, and Early Patient Satisfaction in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty? A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
Reduction in postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty may facilitate earlier discharge from hospital and reduce healthcare costs. This study was performed to primarily assess whether perioperative dexamethasone reduced hospital length of stay and to assess the effect on pain, nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction. ⋯ The administration of intravenous dexamethasone could lead to earlier readiness for discharge especially in patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty, primarily by a reduction in postoperative pain scores and/or morphine requirements.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Multiple Doses of Perioperative Dexamethasone Further Improve Clinical Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of multiple doses of preoperative dexamethasone on pain and recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ Multiple dexamethasone doses further reduced postoperative pain, decreased consumption of analgesic drugs, and provided more powered inflammation control. These findings call for further studies to further evaluate its safety.
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Comparative Study
Inpatient Versus Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Which Has Higher Patient Satisfaction?
More surgeons are offering patients the option of having adult reconstructive procedures performed as an outpatient at an ambulatory surgery center. However, it is unknown if these patients have higher or lower satisfaction with their care than patients having a traditional inpatient stay. The purpose of this study is to compare satisfaction between inpatients and outpatients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Although satisfaction was high in both groups, when differences were present they favored outpatient surgery in the ambulatory surgery center.
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One of the most effective prophylactic strategies against periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is administration of perioperative antibiotics. Many orthopedic surgeons are unaware of the weight-based dosing protocol for cefazolin. This study aimed at elucidating what proportion of patients receiving cefazolin prophylaxis are underdosed and whether this increases the risk of PJI. ⋯ Cefazolin underdosing is common, especially for patients weighing more than 120 kg. Our study reports that underdosed patients were more likely to develop PJI. Orthopedic surgeons should pay attention to the weight-based dosing of antibiotics in the perioperative period to avoid increasing risk of PJI.
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A notable minority of patients experience persistent postsurgical pain and some of these patients consequently have prolonged exposure to opioids. Risk factors for prolonged opioid use after surgery include preoperative opioid use, anxiety, substance abuse, and alcohol abuse. The window to intervene and potentially prevent persistent opioid use after surgery is short and may best be accomplished by both surgeon and anesthesiologist working together. ⋯ Regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques also reduce opioid consumption. Although many patients will recover without difficulty, the small minority who do not should receive customized care which may involve multiple office visits or consultation of a pain specialist. Enhanced recovery pathways are useful in optimizing outcomes after surgery.