Effect of intravenous methylprednisolone on pain after intertrochanteric femoral fracture surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pain after surgery is one of the major problems in patients with intertrochanteric fracture. This study investigates administration of single-dose Methylprednisolone prior to surgery with the goal of reducing Post-operative pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Eighty two patients with stable intertrochanteric unilateral fracture were selected and divided into two groups: one received Methylprednisolone (MP) 125 mg and the other received placebo. Pain was evaluated at rest and 45° flexion of the hip in times 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours and during walking in times 24, 36, and 48 hours after the surgery. Post-operative nausea, vomiting and fatigue and changes in C - reactive protein (CRP) levels before and after the surgery were also recorded.

RESULTS:

Pain at rest, 45° flexion of the hip and during walking after the surgery was significantly lower in the MP group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Fatigue (p = 0.002) and changes in CRP (p=0.001) were significantly lower in MP group. Incidence of nausea, vomiting (p = 0.37) and opioid consumption (p = 0.49) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION:

Single-dose methylprednisolone 125 mg (IV) can reduce Post-operative pain in patients with intertrochanteric fracture undergoing elective surgery.

• Authors: Poupak Rahimzadeh, Farnad Imani, Seyed Hamid Reza Faiz, Nasim Nikoubakht, Azadeh Sayarifard
• Journal: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR (J Clin Diagn Res) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. GC01-4 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 2249-782X [Print] India
• PMID: 24959459 (Publication Type: Journal Article)