Post-operative Analgesia in Elective, Soft-tissue Hand Surgery

Post-operative Analgesia in Elective, Soft-tissue Hand Surgery: A Randomized, Double Blind Comparison of Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Versus Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone

The purpose of this research study is to find out which combination of pain medications following surgery work the best and result in the fewest side effects.

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy of acetaminophen/hydrocodone (AH) to acetaminophen/ibuprofen (AIBU) in providing adequate post-operative pain relief in elective, soft tissue hand surgery patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than or equal to 18
• Male or Female (non-pregnant)
• Elective, soft tissue hand surgery indicated based on diagnosis made by either clinical exam or diagnostic studies (ie nerve conduction study, EMG) or a combination of the two (carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, first dorsal compartment release, ganglion cyst excision, second extensor compartment release)
• Subjects are capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to study medication
• Any pre-existing pain condition requiring analgesia
• Fibromyalgia
• Recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• Coagulopathy (primary or medication-related)
• Renal impairment
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Patients who consent to the study but require unexpected admission, including those requiring admission resulting from operative complications, will be excluded before randomization