LACK OF EFFICACY OF INTRAARTICULAR OPIOIDS FOR ANALGESIA AFTER DAY-CASE ARTHROSCOPY

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to a ssess the analgesic efficacy of intra-articular opioids following arth roscopy of the knee. At the completion of surgery, patients received a nd intra-articular injection of: morphine 1 mg, buprenorphine 30 mu g or 0.9% saline. There were no differences in pain scores among groups for the first 24 h postoperatively. We have found no clinical evidence for a peripherally-mediated opioid analgesic effect.