2015 AAHS Annual Meeting: Bupivicaine Extended-Release Liposome vs. Marcaine for Early Post-Operative Pain Control Following Wrist Operations: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

28 patients were randomized to recieve either Exparel (bupivacaine extended-release liposome) or Marcaine (bupivacaine) following either carpometacarpal arthroplasty (CMCA) or proximal row carpectomy (PRC). The purpose of the study was to determine whether Exparel was effective in reducing pain, reducing opioid use and opioid side effects, and improving long-term hand function when compared to Marcaine. Outcomes that were assessed included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), number of opioids taken, Overall Benefit of Analgesia Scale (OBAS), and QuickDASH. On the first postoperative day, pain scores and opioid consumption were reported to be significantly lower in the Exparel group compared to the Marcaine group. No significant between-group differences were observed beyond the first postoperative day in terms of pain and function scores, nor in rate of side effects.