Riassunto dello studio

One hundred patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty for hip arthritis or femoral head necrosis were randomized to receive either daily intravenous vitamin C (3 g/day) (n=50) or placebo (n=50) during the perioperative period. The primary outcome was postoperative morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain (VAS scores at rest and during movement), inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP), and hip range of motion. Outcomes were assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the vitamin C group had significantly lower morphine use and VAS pain scores, as well as reduced inflammatory markers and better hip flexion recovery. These findings suggest that multiple intravenous doses of vitamin C can effectively reduce pain and opioid use following total hip arthroplasty.