Abstract
Objective The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the periarticular hip infiltration
technique in the postoperative period of total hip arthroplasty.
Methods This is a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial in patients with femoral
neck fractures or hip osteoarthritis submitted to a total hip arthroplasty at our
institution. The periarticular infiltration technique consisted of the administration
of an anesthetic (levobupivacaine) and a steroid (dexamethasone) agent in the nociceptor-rich
tissues of the hip after orthopedic implants placement. The control group received
an injection of 0.9% saline into the same tissues. Pain, range of motion, and use
of opioid analgesic agents after 24 and 48 hours of the procedure were evaluated,
as well as the presence of adverse effects, time to resume walking, and total hospitalization
time.
Results The study evaluated 34 patients. The experimental group required fewer opioid agents
between 24 and 48 hours. The reduction in pain scores was greater in the placebo group.
Conclusion Periarticular anesthetic infiltration as a method of postoperative analgesia for
total hip arthroplasty reduced the rates of opioid intake between 24 and 48 hours.
It provided no benefits regarding pain, mobility, length of stay, or complications.
Keywords
arthroplasty, replacement, hip - injections, intra-articular - analgesia - rehabilitation
