Role of Pregabalin in Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Acute pain is the most common complication after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) causing delayed mobilization and increased demands of morphine, leading to higher operative cost. Generally opioids and NSAIDs are used but the adverse effects limit their use. So a non-opioid agent like pregabalin is often recommended. Pregabalin can significantly improve pain scores, physical functions, satisfaction and reducing chronic neuropathic pain and the requirement of other analgesics in patient undergoing TKA. Patients received either standard analgesics as per the existing hospital policy (group A) or pregabalin added to the standard analgesics(group B). Pregabalin(75mg) was given as one capsule, the last night before the surgery and continued one capsule twice a day until end of postoperative day (POD)14 and one capsule at bedtime POD15, POD16. The group B showed significant reduction in pain score after 2 weeks of the surgery. It was 3.20±1.03 in group A and 2.48±0.77 in group B. The mean comparison of satisfaction level in group A and group B was found to be 7.80±0.96 and 9.52±1.04 respectively. The mean comparison of incidence of neuropathic pain in group A and group B was found to be 6.70±4.01 and 4.24±4.14 respectively. Our study concluded that pregabalin is effective in reducing pain after 2 weeks post TKA, and incidence of neuropathic pain. Increased patient satisfaction level and the quality of life of patients were observed in pregabalin treated group.