Comparing the Effectiveness of Intra-Articular Injection of Bupivacaine, Dexmedetomidine Vs. 0.9% Saline on Pain Control after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Mohammadreza   Minator Sajjadi; Reza  Zandi; Mohammad Ali  Okhovatpour; Pooyan  Jalalpour; Mohammadreza   Moshari

doi:10.18502/jost.v4i2.2957

Mohammadreza Minator Sajjadi
Reza Zandi
Mohammad Ali Okhovatpour
Pooyan Jalalpour
Mohammadreza Moshari

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v4i2.2957

Keywords: Intra-Articular Injections; Postoperative Pain; Arthroscopy; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Bupivacaine; Dexmedetomidine

Abstract

Background: In different ways, drugs are administered to reduce postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to compare the dexmedetomidine (DEX) intra-articular injection with bupivacaine hydrochloride and sterile 0.9% saline administration following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

Methods: Sixty cases who underwent ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received intra-articular DEX; the second group received intra-articular bupivacaine, and the final group received intra-articular 0.9% saline. Postoperative pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results: The mean VAS scores at 6 and 24 hours after surgery were lower in the bupivacaine group, compared to the other groups. Pain was more severe in the control group (0.9% saline), with higher VAS scores reported at 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery.

Conclusions: Bupivacaine has more significant effects than DEX in postoperative pain management after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.