Use of Nanotechnology as an Alternative to Opioids for Post-operative Pain Management Following TKA

Abstract

Introduction: In response to the current opioid crisis, there is a great interest to develop non-pharmacologic approaches to post-operative pain management for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Case report: We report a case of a patient whose post-operative pain following TKA was managed using the newly designed NeuroCuple™ device, a patch based on the use of nanotechnology. The NeuroCuple™ device was placed above the knee by the patient at home. The use of the NeuroCuple™ device allowed the patient completely avoid the use of any opioids at home.

Conclusion: Our report suggests that the use of the NeuroCuple™ device may represent an interesting alternative to opioids for the peri-operative management of pain following a primary, unilateral TKA.

Keywords: Primary knee arthroplasty; nanotechnology; peri-operative pain management.