The effect of intra-articular Tenoxicam on knee effusion after arthroscopy

Purpose NSAIDs and analgesic drugs are used intra-articularly after knee arthroscopy for pain relief. However, synovial effusion is still a common cause of delayed physical therapy. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial effect of intra-articular injection of Tenoxicam on knee effusion after arthroscopy. Method This was a prospective non-randomized study on 134 patients with a mean age of 36.7 years. Knee arthroscopy on a day-case basis was performed; normal saline was used for irrigation. At the end of the procedure, fluid was aspirated from the knee joint and 20 ml of Tenoxicam diluted with 20 ml of 0.9 % normal saline was injected into the knee five minutes before deflation of limb tourniquet. The same surgeon performed clinical examination for knee effusion 14 days postoperatively. Results Encountered pathologies included meniscal injury, degenerative arthropathy, synovial plica and ACL rupture. Knee effusion developed in 15.7 % of the patients, particularly in those with degenerative arthropathy (p = 0.006) and meniscal lesions (p = 0.06). Conclusion Intra-articular Tenoxicam is a simple method for the prevention of postoperative knee effusion. Degenerative arthropathy and meniscal lesions are major risk factors for post arthroscopy knee effusion.