Arthroscopy of the knee. Ten-day pain profiles and corticosteroids

A prospective study was conducted to determine 10-day pain and analgesic use profiles of outpatients after arthroscopic surgery of the knee and to examine the effects of oral corticosteroid use on analgesic intake, perceived pain, and functional outcomes. Sixty-two patients who underwent a variety of arthroscopic procedures of the knee were matched on level of injury and surgical repair, and were assigned to two groups. The experimental group received a standard dosage of oral postoperative corticosteroids. The placebo group received the same dosage of a placebo (sugar pill). Both groups received the same prescription of an analgesic for pain relief after surgery. Results indicated that there were no significant differences for any dependent variables between the experimental and placebo groups. There were significant (P < 0.001) decreases in analgesic use and perceived pain throughout the 10 days. Conclusions were that most patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery of the knee perceive pain at low levels, use limited amounts of analgesics, and return to work within a week. The addition of oral corticosteroids does not influence this profile.