A double blind trial of NSAID versus placebo during rehabilitation.

Forty patients participated in a randomized, parallel, double blind study of piroxicam, 20 mg daily, versus placebo, given orally for 10 days following open partial meniscectomy. On day 1, 3, 7, 11, and 21 after surgery the following parameters were studied: quadriceps torque measured isokinetically; patients' assessment of pain; active and passive range of motion measured with goniometer; degree of swelling and irritation of the operated knee; and efficacy of the medication. The mean values for all parameters, except for pain assessment, were in favor of the piroxicam group. This difference was most marked on day 7 and 11 and on these days highly significant. Our findings indicate that piroxicam may be able to improve early postoperative rehabilitation.