Comparative Study of Functional Outcome and Pain Control with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Non-NSAIDs in Early Post-operative Period in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract

Introduction: Primary aim - To evaluate the pain control with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-NSAIDs in early post-operative period during hospital stays in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare them. Secondary aim - To evaluate the functional outcome with NSAIDs and non-NSAIDs in early post-operative period after 28 days, 3 months, and 6 months in TKA and compare them.

Objectives: The objectives are as follows: (1) To assess the effectiveness of NSAIDs and non-NSAIDs in pain control during early post-operative period after TKA, using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during hospital stay-every 4 hourly. (2) To compare the VAS pain scores in NSAIDs and non-NSAID patients during hospital stays. (3) To assess the functional outcome in NSAIDs and non-NSAIDs patients using Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and knee society score (KSS) after 28 days, 3 months, and 6 months. (4) To compare the functional outcome obtained by OKS and KSS in NSAIDs and non-NSAIDs patients after 28 days, 3 months, and 6 months.

Materials and methods: Study duration: This study was 12 months (April 1st, 2023-March 31st, 2024).

Study design: This was a comparative prospective study.

Conclusion: Evaluation of Oxford KSSs for pain management post-surgery for long duration showed statistically significant 44 difference in the OKS score at 1 month and 3-months (p = 0.05) between the two groups. Thus, at 6 months, the NSAID and non-NSAID group patients report similar pain scores with minimal or no pain.