Intraoperative Infiltration of Liposomal Bupivacaine vs Bupivacaine Hydrochloride for Pain Management in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors
Perets I, Walsh JP, Mu BH, Yuen LC, Ashberg L, Battaglia MR, Domb BG
Journal: J Arthroplasty. 2018 Feb;33(2):441–446
DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2017.09.013
Background
Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is marketed as a longer-acting local anesthetic for periarticular infiltration during total hip arthroplasty (THA), but its superiority remains unclear.
Methods: This prospective randomized trial compared LB + bupivacaine HCL versus bupivacaine HCL alone in 107 patients undergoing primary THA. Outcomes included opioid use, pain scores, ambulation, discharge timing, and side effects within 72 hours post-op.
Key Findings
No significant differences were found between the LB and control groups in pain scores, opioid consumption, ambulation, or time to discharge. No patients fell, and there were no differences in adverse effects.
Conclusions
The addition of LB to periarticular infiltration did not improve early postoperative pain control or functional recovery after THA.
What Does This Mean for Patients
Liposomal bupivacaine may not offer additional pain relief or recovery benefits in the first 72 hours after hip replacement compared to standard bupivacaine.