Prospective Pain Study Comparing Different Treatments After Hand Surgery

PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING OXYCODONE, IBUPROFEN AND ACETAMINOPHEN AFTER WIDE AWAKE HAND SURGERY

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of three different types of pain medication (Oxycodone - an opioid, Ibuprofen - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and Acetaminophen - a non-opioid analgesic) in the management of postoperative pain following single soft tissue procedures of the hand and wrist performed exclusively under local anesthesia without sedation. The results of this study will help define optimal prescribing guidelines following the two most common hand surgeries while also potentially validating the use of opioid alternatives post-operatively in order to help mitigate excessive or unnecessary dispensal of opioid analgesics.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Patients indicated to undergo primary, unilateral carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release surgery under local anesthesia alone.
2. Age eligibility is > 18 years of age.
3. Local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and Bicarbonate.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Bilateral procedures.
2. Additional soft tissue or boney procedures performed simultaneously.
3. The use of sedation and/or general anesthesia.
4. Pediatric patients (age < 18 years).
5. Pregnant female patients.
6. Non-English speaking patients.
7. Known allergies or medical contraindications to Oxycodone, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen.
8. History of chronic pain and/or narcotic use preoperatively.