[Translated article] Postsurgical analgesic efficacy by the intra-articular administration of ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine versus simple ropivacaine in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy

• Published in: Revista española de cirugía ortopédica y traumatología 2024-05, Vol.68 (3), p.306-312
• Main Authors: Valles Figueroa, J F J, Nájera Ríos, C I, Milán Castillo, V H, Olguín Rodríguez, M, Zapata Rivera, S
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• ISSN: 1988-8856
• DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2022.12.001

The effective relief of postsurgical pain in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy is important to allow the initiation of activities of daily living. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant added to ropivacaine by the intra-articular route. Seventy patients underwent knee arthroscopy which were randomly assigned into two groups (n=35). The RD group received ropivacaine 1.5mg/kg plus dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg intra-articularly. Group R received ropivacaine 1.5mg/kg intra-articularly. The analgesic effect was evaluated by measuring the intensity of pain (VAS score) and the duration of analgesia. A longer duration of the analgesic effect was observed in the RD group (655min) compared to the R group (318min) being statistically significant (p=0.03). Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to intra-articular ropivacaine improves the quality and duration of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.