Oral Dexamethasone as an Intervention for Postoperative Pain and Nausea Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Protocols in perioperative pain management during total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have contributed to early discharge after surgery. As practices move to favor ambulatory surgery in total joint arthroplasty changes must be made to postoperative pain and nausea management. Spinal anesthesia has been essential in managing associated ambulatory TJA, however, nausea and vomiting are known detrimental side effects. The use of systemic steroids has also been shown in the literature to reduce pain scores, length of stay, the need for antiemetics, and increase the distance of ambulation without increasing the rate of surgical site infection or prosthetic joint infection. As more same-day total joint replacement is incorporated into practice, an oral alternative may prove beneficial.

Inclusion criteria

• adult patients age 18 and older who will be undergoing joint replacement

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes ( HbA1C, >7.5%), impaired hepatic function (Child class, >B), impaired renal failure (Glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), chronic narcotic use, alcohol and/or opioid dependence, patients with a known adverse reaction to corticosteroids, and patients unable to give informed consent.