The effect of pregabalin on postoperative pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

Background: Despite the enormous success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, acute neuropathic pain can develop postoperatively and is both distressing and difficult to treat once established. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant agent that selectively affects the nociceptive process, has been used as a pain relief agent. The purpose of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to evaluate the pain control effect of pregabalin versus placebo after ACL reconstruction.

Method: A search of the literature was performed from inception to June 2022, using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane and EBSCO. Studies considered for inclusion were RCTs that reported relevant outcomes (postoperative pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, adverse events) following administration of pregabalin in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Result: Five placebo-controlled RCTs involving 272 participants met the inclusion criteria. 75 mg and 150 mg oral pregabalin was used in included trials. Two studies used a single dose of pregabalin one hour before anesthesia induction. Two studies used pregabalin 1 hour before anesthesia induction and 12 hours after. One study used daily pregabalin 7 days before and 7 days after surgery. Out of five papers, three papers found significantly lower pain intensity and cumulative opioid consumption in pregabalin group compared with placebo group. However, a decrease in pain scores was found in all trials. Pregabalin administration was associated with dizziness and nausea.

Conclusion: The use of pregabalin may be a valuable asset in pain management after ACL reconstruction. However, future studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up period are required.