Single-dose intra-articular bupivacaine plus morphine after knee arthroscopic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled studies

12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis investigating the efficacy and safety of intra-articular bupivacaine and morphine for postoperative analgesia following arthroscopic knee surgery. Assessed outcomes included pain on a visual analog scale, requirement of supplementary analgesia, time to request of supplementary analgesia, and incidence of side effects. Results demonstrated that IA bupivacaine and morphine was associated with significantly lower pain immediately after surgery and at last assessment (between 2-48h) when compared to placebo, as well as a significantly lower rate of request for supplementary analgesia.