Efficacy of multimodal drug injection after supramalleolar osteotomy for varus ankle osteoarthritis: A prospective randomized study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of postoperative pain is important to ensure patient comfort and functional improvement. Despite the frequent use of multimodal drug injection for pain control after orthopedic surgery, few studies have evaluated its use after supramalleolar osteotomy.

METHODS: Supramalleolar osteotomy was performed in 62 patients (65 ankles). Thirty patients (31 ankles) were randomly assigned to receive multimodal drug injection (injection group) and 32 patients (34 ankles) were assigned to receive no multimodal drug injection (control group). The two groups were compared with regard to the degree of postoperative pain, the number of times patients pushed the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) button, the total amount of fentanyl administered, and the frequency of additional diclofenac sodium injections.

RESULTS: The injection group had significant pain reduction during the first 36 postoperative hours compared to the control group. There were significant differences between the groups in the number of times that patients pushed the PCA button as well as the total amount of fentanyl administered up to 24 h postoperatively. The mean frequency of additional diclofenac sodium injections in the first 12 postoperative hours was significantly less in the injection group compared to that in the control group.

CONCLUSION: Multimodal drug injection was effective in reducing pain and decreasing both fentanyl and diclofenac sodium usage in patients undergoing supramalleolar osteotomy. Therefore, multimodal drug injection should be considered for improved pain control and patient comfort in the early postoperative period after supramalleolar osteotomy.