The Effect of Liposomal Bupivacaine Injection During Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Controlled Cohort Study
Authors: Domb BG, Gupta A, Hammarstedt JE, Stake CE, Sharp K, Redmond JM
Purpose
To compare the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine versus standard bupivacaine for pain control following total hip arthroplasty.
Methods
Retrospective chart review comparing 28 patients receiving intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine to 30 patients receiving standard bupivacaine, evaluating opioid consumption, length of stay, and pain scores.
Key Findings
- Liposomal bupivacaine patients had significantly shorter hospital stays (1.93 vs 2.47 days).
- Opioid consumption in the first 24 hours post-op was significantly reduced in the liposomal group.
- Pain scores were similar between groups at all time points.
Conclusion
Liposomal bupivacaine effectively reduces early postoperative opioid needs and hospital stay duration without compromising pain control.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Consider incorporating liposomal bupivacaine into multimodal analgesia protocols for THA to reduce opioid requirements and shorten hospitalization.
- Pain control efficacy is comparable to standard bupivacaine, with added benefits in early recovery metrics.
- Careful patient selection and cost considerations should guide use.