Single-dose intra-articular bupivacaine after knee arthroscopic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled studies

23 studies comparing the use of single-dose intra-articular (IA) bupivacaine to placebo intervention for the reduction of pain following arthroscopic knee surgery were analyzed to determine if a single dose of intra-articular bupivacaine was a safe and effective pain management intervention. Results from the analysis demonstrated that a single IA dose of bupivacaine resulted in significantly less pain experienced by patients, significantly less supplementary analgesia required, and significantly longer time to first analgesic request when compared to placebo intervention. Short term side effects were comparable between the two interventions.