Which medication class is commonly prescribed for postoperative pain management in orthopedic patients?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for postoperative pain management in orthopedic patients due to their effectiveness in reducing both pain and inflammation. After orthopedic surgeries, patients typically experience pain as a result of tissue trauma, and managing this pain is crucial for rehabilitation and recovery.

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that mediate inflammation and pain. This dual effect of alleviating pain and reducing inflammation makes NSAIDs a preferred choice in the postoperative setting, especially in orthopedic cases where swelling and discomfort are significant.

While other medication classes play roles in pain management, such as muscle relaxants for muscle spasms or corticosteroids for inflammation, NSAIDs remain the go-to option specifically for addressing postoperative pain in orthopedic patients. They are also favored due to their relatively favorable side effect profile compared to stronger analgesics, making them suitable for a wide range of patients in the recovery phase following surgery.