Joint replacement surgery has long been associated with opioid use to manage post-operative pain. However, with the ongoing opioid health risks, the question many are asking is: Is it possible to achieve opioid-free joint replacement surgery? Recent advancements in non-opioid pain management are making this a viable option.
The Shift Towards Opioid Sparing Pain Management for Hip & Knee Replacement
A key development in this area is the use of longer-acting, non-opioid pain relief options. For instance, ZYNRELEF®, a drug that has been on the market for about a year and a half, is being utilized by pioneering surgeons in Georgia as part of their pain management protocols for hip and knee joint replacements. This innovative approach helps patients manage pain more effectively while minimizing and avoiding opioid use, promoting a safer and faster recovery.
What is ZYNRELEF®?
ZYNRELEF® is an extended-release, dual-acting, local anesthetic designed to manage post-surgical pain and reduce the need for opioids. It combines bupivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, with meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Together, these ingredients provide prolonged pain relief at the surgical site, typically for up to 72 hours after the procedure.
How ZYNRELEF® Enhances Joint Replacement
ZYNRELEF® is directly applied to the surgical wound during the operation, providing continuous medication release over an extended period. This targeted approach is particularly beneficial in joint replacement surgeries, where optimal pain management is essential for a smooth recovery. By reducing the need for opioids, ZYNRELEF® helps lower the risks associated with narcotics, such as addiction, side effects, and complications, ensuring a safer and more comfortable postoperative experience for patients.
Dr. Ricahrd Boe is on the forefront of advanced joint replacement, and the first in Georgia to use ZYNRELEF® New products like this represent a significant advancement in post-operative care, offering patients and healthcare providers a safer alternative to traditional opioid-based pain management options. As the medical community continues to explore and refine these non-opioid alternatives, patients can look forward to more effective and safer pain management strategies in hip and knee joint replacement surgery.
AUTHOR: Richard Boe, MD is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement and robotic assisted knee replacement surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics serving the greater Atlanta area. Dr. Boe is an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Georgia Orthopaedic Society.