Riassunto dello studio

A total of 4 randomized controlled trials with 228 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy were included in this meta-analysis comparing the treatment of dexamethasone supplementation to nerve blockade or normal saline as control. The primary outcome of interest included was pain scores, measured at 4-6 hours and 12 hours post-operation. The secondary outcomes of interest included duration of block, time to first required analgesic, analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction. Pooled results demonstrated that pain scores were not significantly different between the two groups 4-6 hours post-operation, however, they were in favour of the dexamethasone group at 12 hours. Furthermore, all pooled secondary outcomes were significantly in favour of the dexamethasone group with favourable pooled patient satisfaction, longer duration of block, increased time to first analgesic required, and decreased analgesic consumption.