BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to compare analgesic effects and requirements for supplemental analgesic therapy after knee arthroscopy in patients given intraarticular morphine/bupivacaine, diclofenac i.m., or both compared with placebo.

METHOD

In a randomised, double-blind controlled trial 40 patients were divided into four groups. Patients received 25 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 mg of morphine intraarticularly in group I, 75 mg of diclofenac i.m. in group III, the combination of 75 mg of diclofenac i.m. and 25 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 mg of morphine intraarticularly in group II, and placebo in group IV. Postoperative analgesia was provided with fentanyl in the recovery room and acetaminophen was given for subsequent pain relief.

RESULTS

In the postoperative period, VAS scores for pain were highest in the placebo group, whereas they were lowest in the combination group. VAS scores were significantly lower in group I and II than group IV at the postoperative 2nd hour (p < 0.05). VAS score was significantly lower in group II than groups III and IV at the postoperative 3rd hour (p < 0.01). VAS scores were significantly lower in group I, II and III than group IV at the postoperative 6th hour (p < 0.05). Fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in group II than group IV (p < 0.05). Acetaminophen consumption in groups II and III were significantly lower than group IV (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of diclofenac i.m. and intraarticular morphine/bupivacaine appears to be the most beneficial analgesic combination due to its lower VAS scores and supplemental analgesic requirements in the postoperative period.