Transdermal NSAID Matches Oral Celecoxib After Knee Replacement - Report - MDSpire
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Transdermal NSAID Matches Oral Celecoxib After Knee Replacement

Randomized trial finds a topical anti-inflammatory patch provided similar pain relief, function, and safety as oral therapy during the first 6 weeks after surgery.

  • By

  • Doug Brunk

  • July 2, 2026

  • 4 min

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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

MeasureTransdermal EsflurbiprofenOral Celecoxib
Pain at Rest (POD 14)1.00.8
Pain with Movement (POD 14)2.52.3
Pain at Rest (Week 6)0.60.5
Pain with Movement (Week 6)2.01.8

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
  4. Ophthalmology Management — Rx Perspective - Using NSAIDs to Full Potential Recommendations
  5. Contact Lens Spectrum — treatment plan
  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

Original Source(s)

Transdermal NSAID Matches Oral Celecoxib After Knee Replacement

  • by Doug Brunk

  • July 2, 2026

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