Clinical Report: Transdermal NSAID Matches Oral Celecoxib After Knee Replacement

Overview

A transdermal esflurbiprofen patch demonstrated noninferior pain control compared to oral celecoxib in patients post-total knee arthroplasty. Both treatments resulted in similar pain scores, functional recovery, and safety outcomes over a 6-week follow-up period.

Background

Post-operative pain management is critical for recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain control. This study addresses the role of a transdermal esflurbiprofen patch in comparison to oral celecoxib.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The transdermal esflurbiprofen patch provided pain control comparable to oral celecoxib.
• Average pain scores at rest and during movement improved significantly in both groups.
• Functional recovery measures showed no significant differences between the two treatment groups.
• No patients required rescue morphine in either group.
• Safety outcomes, including kidney function, were similar across both treatments.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that transdermal esflurbiprofen can be an effective alternative to oral celecoxib for managing post-operative pain in TKA patients. This may provide clinicians with additional options for multimodal pain management strategies.

Conclusion

Transdermal esflurbiprofen matches oral celecoxib for post-operative pain control in total knee arthroplasty.

Related Resources & Content

1. Comparison of transdermal and oral anti-inflammatory drugs on immediate post-operative pain control in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial | Arthroplasty | Springer Nature, 2026 -- Transdermal NSAID Matches Oral Celecoxib After Knee Replacement
2. Prednisolone May Reduce Early Pain After TKA, 2026 -- Prednisolone May Reduce Early Pain After TKA
3. Evaluating Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications: Implications for Clinical Practice, 2014 -- Evaluating Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications
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6. Comparison of transdermal and oral anti-inflammatory drugs on immediate post-operative pain control in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial | Arthroplasty | Springer Nature Link
7. Non-Opioid Analgesics for Postoperative Pain Management Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect