Effect of intravenous methylprednisolone on pain after intertrochanteric femoral fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND

Pain after surgery is one of the major problems in patients with intertrochanteric fracture. This study investigates administration of single-dose Methylprednisolone prior to surgery with the goal of reducing Post-operative pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Eighty two patients with stable intertrochanteric unilateral fracture were selected and divided into two groups: one received Methylprednisolone (MP) 125 mg and the other received placebo. Pain was evaluated at rest and 45° flexion of the hip in times 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours and during walking in times 24, 36, and 48 hours after the surgery. Post-operative nausea, vomiting and fatigue and changes in C - reactive protein (CRP) levels before and after the surgery were also recorded.

RESULTS

Pain at rest, 45° flexion of the hip and during walking after the surgery was significantly lower in the MP group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Fatigue (p = 0.002) and changes in CRP (p=0.001) were significantly lower in MP group. Incidence of nausea, vomiting (p = 0.37) and opioid consumption (p = 0.49) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Single-dose methylprednisolone 125 mg (IV) can reduce Post-operative pain in patients with intertrochanteric fracture undergoing elective surgery.