[Effect of steroids on postoperative pain and pyrexia]

Effect of steroid (Solucortef or Solumedrol) 1g on postoperative pain and pyrexia was investigated in 103 patients after total hip joint or knee joint replacement. In control group without intraoperative steroid administration, 95.0% of the patients suffered postoperative pain, but in group with intraoperative steroid administration, postoperative pain was observed in 33.3% of patients. Supplemental administration of dichlofenac sodium 50 mg could not reduce postoperative pain. Intraoperative administration of a large dose of steroid was also effective in relieving postoperative pyrexia.