The effect of intra-articular instillation of bupivacaine on postarthroscopic morbidity: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Abstract

Forty patients undergoing diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee were included in a randomized double-blind study to investigate the effect of bupivacaine on postarthroscopic morbidity. The arthroscopies were performed under local anesthesia using 1% lidocaine with adrenaline. At the conclusion of the arthroscopic examination, 10 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with adrenaline or 10 ml placebo was instilled and left in the joint cavity. The two groups of patients were compared with regard to postarthroscopic duration of the anesthesia, degree of postarthroscopic pain, number of analgesic tablets taken, need for crutches or other walking aids, and days away from work. There was no difference between the patients receiving bupivacaine and patients receiving placebo for any of the parameters investigated.