Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation (nerve stimulation) for the treatment of pain following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled pilot study
Authors' conclusion
Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation reduced pain scores and opioid requirements during the initial week after total knee arthroplasty.
Study context
- Population
- Patients after primary, unilateral total knee arthroplasty
- Participants
- 15 vs 15
- Comparison
- Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation vs sham stimulation for 5 days
- Active stimulationn = 15
- Shamn = 15reference
- Primary endpoint
- Dual primary: cumulative opioid use (oral oxycodone) and mean of the "average" daily pain (NRS)
- Follow-up
- First 5 postoperative days
Methodological detailspilot, double-masked, sham-controlled, Participants discharged with stimulator in situ; devices removed at home
- Pilot
- Double-masked
- Sham-controlled
- Participants discharged with stimulator in situ; devices removed at home
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
first five postoperative days
Active stimulation
4
median · IQR 2–12 · mg
Sham
13
median · IQR 5–23 · mg
Active stimulation
2.5
median · IQR 1.5–3.3
Sham
4.0
median · IQR 3.6–4.8
Active stimulation vs Sham: P = 0.039 · Active stimulation vs Sham: P = 0.014
Further findings
Median
| Outcome | Active stimulation | Sham | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awakenings due to pain · all eight postoperative nights | 5 (IQR 3–8) | 11 (IQR 4–14) | P < 0.001 |
Safety
Device-related localized cutaneous irritation, systemic side effects, or other adverse events
- None identified
Original publication
Percutaneous auricular neuromodulation (nerve stimulation) for the treatment of pain following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled pilot study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 21 February 2024. doi:10.
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