"Comparative Evaluation of Intra-articular Ketamine and Ketorolac for Enhancing Patient Satisfaction After Knee Arthroscopy"

Background:Postoperative pain management after knee arthroscopy remains a challenge despite the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Intra-articular analgesic injections such as ketamine and ketorolac have shown promise in improving patient satisfaction. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intra-articular ketamine versus intra-articular ketorolac in enhancing patient satisfaction after knee arthroscopy. Patients and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study included 75 patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia, randomly allocated into three groups (25 each). Group I received 1 mg/kg intra-articular ketamine, Group II received 60 mg intra-articular ketorolac, and Group III received saline placebo. patient satisfaction regarding post operative pain control was measured 24 hours after surgery using a numerical rating scale from 1 to 5. Results: Group I demonstrated significantly higher patient satisfaction, with 76% somewhat satisfied and 24% very satisfied, compared to Groups II and III (p < 0.001). postoperative nausea and vomiting were lowest in the ketamine group. No hallucinations or respiratory depression were reported in any group. Conclusion: Intra-articular ketamine provides superior patient satisfaction compared to ketorolac and placebo after knee arthroscopy, with a favorable side effect profile.