The effect of addition of pregabalin and s-ketamine to local infiltration analgesia on the knee function outcome after total knee arthroplasty.

Pain reduction is important for early mobilization after total knee arthroplasy. Recent studies show that local infiltration analgesia and addition of anti-hyperalgesic drugs (pregabalin and s-ketamine) may improve postoperative analgesia and mobilization. This pilot study was meant to evaluate if this new method of analgesia might improve patients' ability to exercise in the first postoperative days. The secondary goal was to determine what side effects could be expected by using this drug combination. A pilot study showed that patients achieved knee flexion of 88.5 degrees (SD 9.6) already on the second postoperative day. The side effects were mild and mostly self-limiting.