Intraarticular glucocorticoid, morphine and bupivacaine reduces pain and convalescence after arthroscopic ankle surgery: a randomized study of 36 patients.

In a double-blind randomized study, 36 patients undergoing arthroscopic removal of bony spurs and synovitis causing impingement of the ankle were allocated to intraarticular saline or bupivacaine 15 mg + morphine 5 mg + intraarticular methylprednisolone 40 mg. Combined methylprednisolone, bupivacaine and morphine reduced pain, joint swelling, time of immobilization, duration of sick leave and return to sports after the arthroscopic procedure. In the treatment group, 1 patient had transitory purulent arthritis requiring antibiotics and arthroscopic synovectomy occurred.