Effect of anti-inflammatory treatments on patient outcomes and concentrations of inflammatory modulators in the post-surgical and post-traumatic tibiofemoral joint setting: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are several anti-inflammatory therapeutic options that can be used in the context of post-surgical and post-traumatic knee settings. Each of these options carries with it certain benefits, as well as potential issues depending on the duration and administration of each therapy. An understanding of how these anti-inflammatory drugs modulate various biomarkers of inflammation is also necessary in understanding how they can affect patient and objective outcomes following acute knee injury or surgery. This review covers the many traditional therapeutic options that have been used in treating knee injuries, as well as some natural therapeutics that have shown anti-inflammatory properties.

METHODS: A current review of the literature was conducted and synthesized into this narrative review.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Many traditional anti-inflammatory therapeutics have been shown to be beneficial in both post-traumatic and post-surgical tibiofemoral joint settings at reducing inflammation and improving patient outcomes. However, many of these treatments have risks associated with them, which becomes problematic with prolonged, repeated administration. Natural anti-inflammatory compounds may also have some benefit as adjunctive treatment options in these settings.

CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple different therapeutic options that can be used in acute knee settings, but the specific mechanism of injury or surgical context should be weighed when determining the best clinical approach.