Intra-articular buprenorphine after knee arthroscopy: A randomised, prospective, double-blind study

Authors: Varrassi, G.; Marinangeli, F.; Ciccozzi, A.; Iovinelli, G.; Facchetti, G.; Ciccone, A.

Source: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, Volume 43, Number 1, January 1999 , pp. 51-55(5)

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Abstract:

Background:

Demonstration of peripheral opioid receptors in inflamed synovia supports the concept of peripheral opioid analgesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of intra-articular administration of buprenorphine after knee arthroscopy. Methods:

In a double-blind randomised trial, 48 patients were assigned to four groups: group A patients received buprenorphine 100 μg i.a. and NaCl 0.9% i.m., group B patients received bupivacaine 0.25% 50 mg i.a. and NaCl 0.9% i.m., group C patients received NaCl 0.9% i.a. and buprenorphine 100 μg i.m., and group D patients received NaCl 0.9% i.a. and NaCl 0.9% i.m. Intensity of postoperative pain was evaluated by VAS at recovery (T₀) and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h after operation (T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, T₅), at rest and during passive 10° knee flexion. Total analgesic requirements and side effects related to study drugs were recorded. Results:

The VAS scores were significantly higher in groups C and D than in group A and B patients. The differences were significant at T₀, T₁, T₂ and T₃. At T₁, group C and D patients had greater analgesic requirement than groups A and B. No patients developed side effects. Conclusion:

Intra-articular buprenorphine and i.a. bupivacaine, both produced equally good postoperative pain control and allowed a significant reduction of analgesic requirement after knee arthroscopy.

Keywords: Intraarticular: buprenorphine, bupivacaine; arthroscopy; postoperative, analgesia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-6576.1999.430112.x

Publication date: 1999-01-01