About this trial
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an oral methylprednisolone taper on acute postoperative pain, function, opioid consumption, nausea, and complications following outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesize that administration of an oral methylprednisolone taper starting on postoperative day 1 (POD 1) following TKA will be associated with improved pain and decreased opioid use, nausea, and complications at POD1-7, as compared to similar patients who receive placebo. Additionally, those taking methylprednisolone will report decreased pain and greater objective functional outcomes at 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively as compared to controls.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Any patient undergoing primary TKA with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis
Willingness to undergo randomization
Disqualifiers
Reported chronic corticosteroid or opiate use
Suspected or confirmed periprosthetic joint infection
Revision TKA
Primary diagnosis other than osteoarthritis, including avascular necrosis, fracture, or post-traumatic arthritis
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Methylprednisolone
- Placebo