Evaluation of Low-Dose Versus High-Dose Opioid Pathway in Opioid-Naive Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains challenging. Tramadol is a weak opioid with potentially lower side effects and risk for dependency than stronger opioids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of tramadol after TKA in opioid-naïve patients compared with stronger opioids.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary TKA was performed. In September 2018, opioid-naïve patients were prescribed tramadol instead of oxycodone. Patients receiving tramadol (low-opioid group) were matched to patients discharged with oxycodone before this transition (high-opioid group). We compared morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption and outcomes up to 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Two-hundred and five

SUBMITTER: Kleeman-Forsthuber L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8889259 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature