The Journal of arthroplasty
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Intra-articular morphine and/or bupivacaine in the management of pain after total knee arthroplasty.
The purpose of this study was to determine if intra-articular injection of morphine or bupivacaine significantly decreased postoperative pain as well as the use of intravenous narcotics for pain relief in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In a prospective, double-blind, randomized fashion, 105 patients undergoing TKA were divided into the following 4 groups defined by the intra-articular injection they received: group 1 (n = 27) received saline solution, group 2 (n = 26) received morphine sulfate (5 mg), group 3 (n = 24) received bupivacaine (50 mg), and group 4 (n = 28) received a combination of morphine sulfate and bupivacaine. The injections were administered immediately after wound closure by the Hemovac drainage tubing that remained clamped for 45 minutes after surgery to allow for absorption. ⋯ Results were suggestive of a modest short-term reduction in pain scores in the morphine and bupivacaine treatment groups compared with placebo (saline); however, results were statistically significant only at 4 hours because of the great variability in the pain score data. The total amount of postoperative pain medication used in the first 24 hours after surgery was not statistically significant between the 4 treatment groups. Thus, the results put into question the benefit of postoperative intra-articular administration of morphine or bupivacaine in patients undergoing TKA.
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Comparative Study
Visual analog scale for the assessment of total hip arthroplasty.
The use of a visual analog scale (VAS) for the assessment of total hip prostheses was evaluated in 54 patients (58 hips), on average 3.4 years following operation. The Harris hip scores were determined in each case and the patients were also asked to record their overall assessment of their new hips on a VAS. ⋯ There was a high correlation between the Harris hip scores and the VAS scores (+0.84). Use of a VAS provides a simple and reliable basis for the assessment of a total hip arthroplasty.
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This study examines the relationship between mortality rates and hospital patient volume for major orthopaedic surgery. All Medicare patients from fiscal years 1993 and 1994 in diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) 209, 210, and 214 were included, covering hip and knee arthroplasty, other hip and femur procedures, and spine procedures. ⋯ Age and sex were examined as potential causes of the differences in mortality rates, but no attempt was made to adjust for comorbidities or orthopaedic degree of difficulty. Results for 1995 are included in an appendix.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Bladder management after total joint arthroplasty.
This study was undertaken to determine the impact of an indwelling Foley catheter on bladder dysfunction and incidence of urinary tract infections after total joint arthroplasty. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted assigning use of an indwelling Foley catheter (group 1) or intermittent catheterization (group 2) for 48 hours following operation. Postoperative cultures were obtained on days 2 and 5, and the number of intermittent catheterization events and void and catheterization volumes were recorded. ⋯ Bladder management by indwelling Foley catheter saved more than 150 minutes of direct nursing contact per patient and $3,000 in total hospital costs. Indwelling Foley catheters reduced the frequency of postoperative urinary retention, were less labor intensive than intermittent straight catheterization, and were not associated with an increased risk of urinary infection. In the setting of epidural anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for total joint arthroplasty, management by indwelling catheter is a cost-effective strategy to facilitate postoperative return of normal bladder function.
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The case of an active 53-year-old man with a well-functioning unicompartmental knee arthroplasty who suffered an acute athletic injury to the knee is described. A mechanical problem was diagnosed and he was successfully treated by arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy for a displaced meniscal tear. This case points to an important difference noted by history and physical examination between an acute injury to the unreplaced compartment of a knee with a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and progression of the arthritic process.