Transdermal fentanyl patch for postoperative analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of a transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP) (50 μg/hour) applied 10-12 hours before surgery versus placebo for postoperative pain control of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Materials And Methods: We enrolled 40 patients undergoing elective TKA under spinal anesthesia using isobaric or hyperbaric bupivacaine. Subjects were randomized to receive a TFP (Duragesic(®) 50 μg/hour) or placebo patch applied with a self-adhesive to the anterior chest wall 10-12 hours before spinal anesthesia.