Efficacy of Multimodal Periarticular Injections in Operatively Treated Ankle Fractures

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of a peri-articular multimodal injection for post-operative pain control following operative management of closed, rotational ankle fractures. Enrolled subjects will be randomized to either receive or not receive intra-operative injections in addition to standard opioid analgesic regimens. Patients will be treated with standard of care surgical techniques by the treating orthopaedic surgeon for the patient's specific fracture pattern. The patients randomized into the injection cohort will receive a 25cc intra-operative injection with 200 mg ropivacaine, 0.6 mg epinephrine, 5 mg and morphine into the local superficial and deep peri-incisional tissues while under general anesthesia. Total post-operative opioid consumption expressed in morphine equivalent dose will be recorded, including IV and oral opioids. Time in hours from operation conclusion to discharge and discharge disposition (to where the patient is discharged) will also be recorded. Post-operative pain scores will be assessed and recorded in the immediate post-operative period and every 4 hours subsequently until the patient is discharged. Medication related side effects will be monitored. The investigators hypothesize that the injection cohort will have reduced pain scores, lower narcotic requirements, shorter length of stay, and be more likely to discharge to home following surgery.

Primary Outcome

The primary outcome was VAS pain over the first 48 hours postoperatively. Patients reported pain with use of a 100-mm VAS, with 0-mm being no pain and 100-mm being the most extreme pain imaginable. A higher score indicates worse pain. Scores were reported as mean values at 24 hours post-surgery and 48 hours post-surgery.

Interventions

• DRUG Epinephrine
• DRUG Ropivacaine
• DRUG Morphine
• DRUG 0.9% sodium chloride solution