Pharmacologic pain management before and after total joint replacement of the hip and knee

There are many effective treatment measures for OA of the hip or knee, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Nonoperative measures include patient education, physical therapy, activity modification, weight loss, and medications. Pharmacologic strategies include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, injections of cortisone or viscosupplementation, and, less commonly, tramadol or other pain relievers. In patients who may be candidates for TJR, narcotic medications should be avoided to preserve their benefits for the postoperative period. Over the past 20 years, multimodal pain management has been beneficial to the patient undergoing TJR surgery. Studies have shown this form of pain management decreases postoperative opioid consumption and the related adverse effects. Research is warranted in the areas of postoperative pain scores and patient satisfaction as institutional multimodal protocols continue to evolve.