IV and oral acetaminophen work equally well after THA

Editor's Note

Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen did not result in a significant difference in pain scores, opioid consumption, or opioid-related adverse events compared with oral acetaminophen, finds this study presented March 12 at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

A total of 154 patients having total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive postoperative oral acetaminophen with an IV placebo or IV acetaminophen with an oral placebo.

Patients in both groups:

• had low pain scores
• had a low burden of opioid-related adverse events
• used modest amounts of opioids, corresponding to 6 doses of tramadol 100 mg over 3 days.

The findings support the use of oral acetaminophen, which is less costly and less invasive to administer, the authors say.