Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Intramedullary Nail Fixation After Tibia and Femoral Fractures

Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Intramedullary Nail Fixation After Tibia and Femoral Fractures

The purpose of this trial is to determine whether oral acetaminophen and intravenous ketorolac are viable alternatives to opioid medication regimens for the pain management of patients with tibial and femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. This study will explore an alternative for opioid medications for patients undergoing intramedullary nailing of tibial and femoral shaft fractures.

The data analysis for the study will be performed separately for patients with femoral fractures and for patients with tibial fractures. Therefore, the data analysis will compare patients with femoral fractures receiving the experimental treatment to patients with femoral fractures receiving the control treatment (Group 1 vs. Group 2). Likewise, patients with tibial fractures receiving the experimental treatment will be compared to patients with tibial fractures receiving the control treatment (Group 3 vs. Group 4).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with tibial and femoral shaft fractures
2. Patients undergoing intramedullary nailing
3. Willing to participate in the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Chronic pain disorder (daily use of oral opioids)
2. Allergy or hypersensitivity to non steroid anti-inflammatory drug
3. Impaired renal, cardiac, or hepatic function
4. History of gastrointestinal bleeding or substance abuse