Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty After Preoperative Single-Dose Intravenous Dexamethasone Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials .

As enhanced recovery protocols evolve, questions remain about optimizing perioperative care in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Across four randomized trials, dexamethasone consistently improved several early postoperative outcomes: pain was lower at 24 and 72 hours, opioid use over the first 72 hours was reduced, and patients went home slightly sooner. It also clearly lowered the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting, a major source of discomfort after TKA. Importantly, no increase in wound infections was observed. Although the evidence base is small and somewhat imprecise, the overall pattern supports dexamethasone as a useful, safe adjunct that may soon be reflected in future clinical guidelines.