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T
here's a straightforward way to reduce the number of compli-
cations following total knee replacements and improve the
recoveries of patients who undergo these notoriously painful
procedures: Stop relying on opioids to provide pain relief.
It's been know for years that opioid-related side effects — PONV,
constipation, sedation and respiratory depression — limit short-term
recovery from total knees. Providers and patients are now becoming
increasingly aware of the long-term negative effects of using opioids
to manage post-op pain. For example, approximately 6% of opioid-
naïve patients will still be taking the painkillers up to 6 months after
surgery, according to Ellen M. Soffin, MD, PhD, an anesthesiologist at
the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
The trend to go "opioid-free" sounds like a worthwhile goal to man-
Kendal Gapinski | Contributing Editor
Help Total Knee Patients Recover in Comfort
Alternative therapies reduce their reliance on opioids to manage post-op pain.
SOME NERVE Extending the effect of regional blocks is key to keeping patients comfortable beyond the first day of recovery.
