Intra-articular bupivacaine reduces postoperative pain and meperidine use after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind study

96 patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomized to an intra-articular injection of either 300mg bupivacine or saline as part of their multimodal postoperative analgesia regimen. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an IA injection of bupivacaine on reducing postoperative pain. Postoperative pain and meperidine consumption (used for pain in excess of 40mm on a 100mm VAS) were assessed over the first 72 postoperative hours. Results demonstrated significantly lower pain within the IA-bupivacaine group compared to placebo saline group, as well as reduced meperidine use in the first 24 postoperative hours.