Pain Management Following Total Hip Arthroplasty With Percutaneous Auricular Stimulation (Neuromodulation): A...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neuromodulation
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation is used for opioid withdrawal and may have analgesic effects.
• Reports suggest potential postoperative pain relief from auricular neuromodulation.
• A device is available in the US for opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a postoperative auricular neuromodulation protocol.
• To estimate the treatment effects on postoperative pain and opioid consumption.
• To assess outcomes following total hip arthroplasty.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted.
• Adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty received an auricular neuromodulation device post-surgery.
• Participants were randomized to five days of electrical stimulation or sham in a double-masked manner.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrated feasibility in recruitment, intervention, and data collection.
• No statistically significant differences in pain levels or oxycodone use were found between active and sham groups.
• Six participants (three per group) discontinued the device early due to discomfort or sleep issues.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative auricular neuromodulation is feasible for total hip arthroplasty patients.
• The study did not find evidence of improved analgesia or opioid-sparing effects.
• Further research with different devices and larger sample sizes may be warranted.