[Piroxicam in arthroscopic surgery of the knee. A prospective randomized double-blind multicenter study with preoperative and short term postoperative treatment].

Preoperative prophylactic and short term postoperative treatment with piroxicam was evaluated against placebo in 332 patients who were suspected of having a meniscal tear. 244 had undergone arthroscopic meniscal resection and 88 diagnostic arthroscopy only. The patients received 40 mg piroxicam preoperatively, 40 mg on the day of surgery and 20 mg on days 1 and 2. The patients who received piroxicam had significantly less pain and less swelling, independent of surgical procedure. After meniscal resection the patients achieved better range of motion and had less need of rescue analgesics. After diagnostic arthroscopy the patients returned to work sooner when treated with piroxicam. Adverse events were few in both groups and could not be related to medication. The study supports data recommending short term treatment with a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug in arthroscopic procedures.