How effective is periarticular multimodal drug injection in open elbow arthrolysis? A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Evidence on the efficacy and safety of periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) in open elbow arthrolysis (OEA) is limited. This study aimed to investigate differences in postoperative pain, blood loss, and range of motion (ROM) between PMDI vs. no injection among patients undergoing OEA, and the presence of PMDI-related complications.

Methods: This prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial included 59 patients who underwent OEA. Patients randomly received PMDI (ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketoprofen) before wound closure or no injection. The primary outcomes were elbow pain over the first postoperative week at rest and during motion, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). VAS scores were compared to attain the 20-mm threshold values for a minimum clinically important difference. Parecoxib consumption on OEA night and postoperative days (PODs) 1-3 and total consumption during the first postoperative week were recorded. Blood loss was recorded every 24 hours until POD 3. ROM during rehabilitation was measured daily from day 1 to day 7 after surgery, as well as at 3-month follow-up. Medication-related side effects were recorded prospectively.

Results: The mean VAS score showed clinically important differences between PMDI and control groups at rest on OEA night (mean difference [MD], 25 mm; P < .001) and first 3 PODs with motion (POD 1: MD, 28 mm, P < .001; POD 2: MD, 21 mm, P < .001; POD 3: MD, 21 mm, P < .001) but not in other postoperative assessments. Parecoxib consumption was lower in the PMDI group on OEA night and PODs 1-3. Total parecoxib consumption during the first postoperative week was lower in the PMDI group vs. the control group (MD, 148 mg; P < .001). Blood drainage was less in the PMDI group vs. the control group on POD 1 (MD, 38 mL; P = .016) but not on POD 2 (P = .950), POD 3 (P = .259), or total (P = .184). The PMDI group exhibited significantly better ROM during the first 4 PODs than the control group, whereas there was no difference at 3-month follow-up. No medication-related side effects were noted in the PMDI group.

Conclusion: PMDI effectively relieves pain and reduces analgesic consumption for OEA patients, without an apparent increase in risks.

Keywords: Open elbow arthrolysis; blood loss; parecoxib; periarticular multimodal drug injection; range of motion; visual analog scale for pain.