Opioid-Sparing Nonsteroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs Protocol for Tibial Shaft Fracture Nailing .
Opioid-Sparing Nonsteroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs Protocol in Patients Undergoing Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Randomized Control Trial.
J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Jun 15;32(12):e596-e604.Ninety-six patients with closed tibial shaft fractures were randomized to receive either an NSAID-based pain regimen (n=52) or an opioid-based pain regimen (n=44) following intramedullary nailing. The primary outcome of interest was opioid consumption, measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). Secondary outcomes included pain control assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 12-hour intervals and fracture union rates monitored over nine months. Opioid consumption was significantly lower at all time points in the NSAID group compared to the opioid group, while VAS scores were comparable except at the 24-hour mark, where pain was significantly lower in the NSAID group. No significant difference in fracture healing rates was observed between the groups (p=0.820). Overall, the results suggest that an NSAID-based protocol effectively reduces opioid use without compromising pain control or fracture healing, supporting its role as an alternative for postoperative pain management.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics