Does Ethnicity or Sex Have an Impact on Medication Consumption after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy?

BACKGROUND

Pain following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) varies considerably among patients. Previous studies have suggested that gender and ethnicity may influence postoperative pain after orthopedic procedures. However, limited evidence exists regarding pain differences between Arab and Jewish patients after APM.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of gender and ethnicity with postoperative pain and analgesic consumption during the first month after APM.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary APM between 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively identified and stratified by gender and ethnicity. Intraoperative findings, including meniscal tear type and cartilage injury, were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), analgesic consumption was quantified in grams, and pain sensitivity was evaluated with the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ). Outcomes were analyzed weekly during the first postoperative month.

RESULTS

In total, 99 patients were included (65 men, 34 women; 39 Arabs, 60 Jews), comprising 22 Arab men, 43 Jewish men, 17 Arab women, and 17 Jewish women. Women reported lower KOOS scores and consumed more analgesics during weeks 3 and 4. Arab patients also demonstrated lower KOOS scores, higher PSQ scores, and greater analgesic consumption at selected postoperative intervals. Combined analysis showed an additive effect of gender and ethnicity, with Arab women reporting the poorest pain outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender and Arab ethnicity were associated with greater postoperative pain and increased analgesic requirements after APM. These factors should be considered when tailoring postoperative pain management, although baseline differences and cultural influences may partially explain the associations.