Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch and Conventional Analgesics in Intra-capsular Femur Neck Fracture Post Hemiarthroplasty.

Abstract

One of the most common fractures in the elderly population is a fracture of the neck of femur. Effective post-operative analgesia is a major challenge. Age-related co-morbidities restrict the choice of analgesics. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of transdermal buprenorphine [TDB] patch and conventional analgesics following hemiarthroplasty for intra-capsular fracture neck of femur. This was a prospective, randomized control study done in 60 patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for intra-capsular fracture neck of femur over a period of 2 years. Patients were randomized in 2 groups. Group A received a combination of IV paracetamol and tramadol for first 48 h followed by oral formulation. In Group B patients, a transdermal buprenorphine patch of 5 mcg/h was applied at the beginning of surgery and was continued 2 weeks post-operative.Pain score by VAS was observed both at rest and on movement and followed up till 14 days post-operative. Primary target was to maintain a VAS ≤ 4. Rescue analgesic was given if the VAS was ≥ 6. Secondary targets were number of rescue analgesics required, adverse reactions and complications if any. Group B had significantly lower pain scores at rest and during movement [<i>p</i> value 0.0012 to ≤ 0.0001], so was rescue analgesia requirement. No significant side effects were seen in TDB group. TDB patch is safe and provides superior analgesia and compliance as compared to conventional analgesics in the post-operative period in proximal femur fracture surgeries.