The efficacy and safety of two low-dose peri-operative dexamethasone on pain and recovery following total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

110 patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomized to two perioperative intravenous administrations of either dexamethasone 10mg or placebo saline. Patients were assessed for inflammatory markers, analgesic outcomes, and antiemetic outcomes over the first 3 days postoperatively, as well as for the length of hospital stay. Inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared to the placebo group on POD1-3. Despite no significant difference in VAS pain scores between groups, with the exception of during walking on POD1, the incidence of parecoxib use and total parecoxib consumption was significantly lower in the group that received dexamethasone. Additionally, the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group, as was the incidence of metoclopramide use.