Opioid-based vs. opioid-free analgesia in hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
This study found that the opioid-free regimens, compared to the opioid-based, were associated with lower VAS pain scores, though with considerable variability.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty26 trials analysed
- Participants
- 1,681 adults
- Comparison
- Opioid-free vs opioid-based perioperative analgesia
- Opioid-freen = 846
- Opioid-basedn = 835reference
- Outcome
- Co-primary: rest VAS pain score and movement VAS pain score
Methodological detailsGrading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessment
- GRADE assessment
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Opioid-free vs Opioid-basedMD (95% CI)P value
Movement VAS at 12 h
−1.43(−2.66 to −0.20)
P = 0.022Movement VAS at 24 h
−1.18(−2.25 to −0.10)
P = 0.032Resting VAS at 12 h
−1.51(−2.89 to −0.13)
P = 0.032Resting VAS at 24 h
−1.12(−1.94 to −0.29)
P = 0.008Original publication
Opioid-based vs. opioid-free analgesia in hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. Published 7 February 2026. doi:10.
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