Knee Replacement Surgery Outcomes Affected by Pain Meds

Knee Replacement Surgery Outcomes Affected by Pain Meds

A study recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reported that patients taking pain medications (narcotic pain relievers) prior to knee replacement surgery experienced worse results then those not taking pain meds.

The study showed that those taking pain meds prior to knee replacement surgery had more difficulty recovering after knee surgery, had longer hospital stays, experienced more knee pain after the replacement, had more complications, and were more likely to need additional knee surgeries  then those not dependent on pain medications. 

Michael A. Mont, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, and lead researcher in the study, expected that the research would show that opioid users would have more difficulty dealing with knee replacement surgery then those not taking pain medications.  However, he was surprised to discover how great the differences between the two groups ended up being.  He stated, “Previous studies have found that patients who use opioids are more dissatisfied after [knee replacement] surgery…but these are more powerful finding since patients [who use pain meds] require additional [knee] surgeries.  This is a topic our orthopedic community and other care providers need to address together.”

Dr. Mont along with the co-authors of the study suggested that surgeons consider the following procedures prior to performing knee replacement surgery on patients.

1)      Slowly weaning patients off opioid pain medications.

2)      Prescribing non-opioid medications.

3)      Considering non-pharmacological alternatives as part a pain management strategy.

The Bottom Line:

There are several non-pharmacological alternatives to treating severe knee pain.  Some are more effective than others, but you must talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medication. If you live in the Dallas – Fort Worth or surrounding areas one option to consider is Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™. Dr. Schnee’s Knee Program, is a unique system, which combines non-surgical cold laser therapy along with physiotherapy, to help relieve knee pain.  It is considered a safe, painless, and non-pharmacological option for patients who are searching for knee pain relief.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C.-is considered an authority in the field of cold laser therapy for the treatment of knee pain, and offers knee treatments in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the Irving area. “Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program™- knee pain relief without knee surgery since 2001.”

To contact Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C. at the DFW Spine & Joint Center call 214-596-1051 or visit http://www.HelpMyKneePain.com

Knee Replacement Surgery Outcomes Affected by Pain Meds

Study: pain meds adversely affect knee replacement surgery outcomes. Try non drug alternatives before having knee surgery. Dallas knee pain relief doctor shares info.

Source: The Journal of  Bone and Joint Surgery