Meta-analyses of gabapentinoids for pain management after knee arthroplasty - a caveat emptor? A narrative review

The use of gabapentinoids for perioperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty has been the subject of nine systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A critical analysis of the clinical aspects of the methodology of these publications shows major flaws which limit the interpretation for the recommended use of perioperative gabapentinoids in pain management for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty. Consequently, readers and authors of systematic reviews and meta-analyses should critically assess the clinical aspects of the included studies.