Reduced Opioids After Total Joint Replacement Surgery (REPAIRS): A pilot randomised controlled trial

Hip and knee replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful orthopaedic procedures, but recovery involves real pain — and opioid pain medications are often prescribed to manage it. There is growing recognition that many patients may not need as many opioids as are routinely prescribed, and that reducing opioid use after surgery can lower the risk of dependence and other side effects. The REPAIRS pilot trial tests whether a reduced opioid regimen is just as effective as the standard approach. About 50 patients going home after hip or knee replacement will be randomly assigned to either a standard or a reduced opioid prescription, with both groups also receiving a full non-opioid pain management regimen. Researchers will track pain levels, medication use, and patient satisfaction over six weeks. All participants and some key staff will also be interviewed about their experience of the study. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, are being discharged home after a total hip or knee replacement, and do not have a history of opioid use or contraindications to common pain medications. The pilot trial is run by Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.