Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Patient Guideline Summary
Publication Date: March 1, 2020
Last Updated: March 3, 2023
Objective
Objective
This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Hip Society, and Knee Society for Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty. It is limited to adults 18 years of age and older and should not be used as a reference for children.
Overview
Overview
- Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain.
- Note. It is desirable to reduce the use of stronger pain medications, mostly narcotics (opioids), as much as possible since narcotics have significant side effects.
- Acetaminophen is less expensive and safer than most other pain relievers.
- This patient summary focuses on the use of acetaminophen to treat pain associated with orthopedic surgery.
Treatment
Treatment
- Acetaminophen during, before, and after orthopedic surgery reduces pain and opioid use.
- Acetaminophen may be given either by mouth or intravenously.
- After surgery, acetaminophen may be given as part of a pain-relief program.
- Acetaminophen does not increase complications after surgery.
Abbreviations
- AAHKS: American Association Of Hip And Knee Surgeons
- AAOS: American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons
- ASRA Pain Medicine: American Society Of Regional Anesthesia And Pain Medicine
Source Citation
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Erens GA; AAHKS Anesthesia & Analgesia Clinical Practice Guideline Workgroup; Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ. Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, and Knee Society. J Arthroplasty. 2020 Oct;35(10):2697-2699. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2020.05.030. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32571591.
Disclaimer
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.