@article {Varrassi:January 1999:0001-5172:51,
author = "Varrassi, G.",
author = "Marinangeli, F.",
author = "Ciccozzi, A.",
author = "Iovinelli, G.",
author = "Facchetti, G.",
author = "Ciccone, A.",
title = "Intra-articular buprenorphine after knee arthroscopy: A randomised, prospective, double-blind study",
journal = "Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica",
volume = "43",
year = "January 1999",
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.",
pages = "51-55(5)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mksg/aas/1999/00000043/00000001/art00012"
doi = "doi:10.1034/j.1399-6576.1999.430112.x"
}