Abstract
AIMS: To explore the effect of postoperative hydrocodone analgesia on inflammatory factors, NSE levels, and cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty from January 2020 to December 2023. Among them, 43 patients with postoperative hydrocodone analgesia were included in an observation group, and 57 patients without postoperative hydrocodone analgesia in a control group. We compared the differences of general clinical data, inflammatory factors (CRP, WBC and PCT), NSE levels, and cognitive function. RESULTS: After surgery, the VAS scores decreased in both groups compared to before treatment, and the decrease was more significant in the observation group than the control group (P < 0.05). The NSE, WBC, CRP, and PCT level in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group at one day, 3 days, and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). Moreover, the MMSE score and the serum S100β protein concentration significantly improved in the observation group at one day, 3 days and 7 days after surgery compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative hydrocodone analgesia can reduce the release of inflammatory factors after elderly hip replacement surgery, alleviating postoperative pain, and reducing the incidence of early postoperative cognitive impairment.