The use of gabapentin in the management of postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of gabapentin in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Two of the included studies featured two intervention groups, consisting of gabapentin administered preoperatively in one group and postoperatively in the other group, in addition to a placebo control group. In total, 7 group comparisons were present. Outcomes included postoperative pain intensity measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) during activity and at rest at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, morphine consumption at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, and incidence of adverse events. Findings indicated significant differences in morphine consumption at 24 hours postoperatively and in VAS pain at rest at 48 hours postoperatively in favour of the gabapentin group, though unit-of-analysis errors were present in both analyses. All other outcomes were comparable between gabapentin and placebo groups.