Analgesic Effect of Gabapentin in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

Analgesic Effect of Perioperative Gabapentin in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Dose-response Study

Pain is a major problem after TKA. Gabapentin may reduce acute postoperative pain. The investigators therefore investigate the effect of Gabapentin as a perioperative analgesic.

Pain is a major problem after TKA. Studies indicate that Gabapentin may reduce acute postoperative pain. However, the optimal dose is unknown and there is constant controversy on analgesic versus side-effects. The investigators therefore investigate the effect of Gabapentin as a perioperative analgesic in a dose-related manner and with a sample-size allowing evaluation of side-effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary, unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
• Age 50-85 years
• Ethnic Danes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with gabapentins, systemic glucocorticoids, opioids, anxiolytic agents, antiepileptics or antidepressive agents (last 4 weeks)
• History of depression or mania
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• History of malignancy
• History of epilepsia
• BMI > 40
• Disease affecting central or peripheral nerve function
• History of dementia
• History of renal insufficiency
• Allergy to Gabapentin
• Women with menstruation (last 2 years)