Perioperative Administration of Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with considerable postoperative pain. The relative analgesic efficacy and adverse effect profile of perioperative use of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors for patients undergoing TKA are unclear. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials evaluating perioperative administration of COX-2 inhibitors for TKA. Eight studies that had enrolled a total of 571 patients were identified. There was a statistical significance in postoperative pain scores (0-24 hours: P = .0007, 24-48 hours: P = .01, 48-72 hours: P < .0001), opioid consumption (P = .006), active range of motion (P = .002), itching (P = .005), and postoperative nausea/vomiting (P = .003) between groups. There was no difference in blood loss during the first 24 hours after operation between groups. The efficacy of perioperative administration of selective COX-2 inhibitors to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption after TKA is validated. Furthermore, it has important outcome benefits after TKA.