The effect of magnesium added to bupivacaine for arthroscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#analgesics #arthroscopy #bupivacaine #humans #magnesium

The effect of magnesium added to bupivacaine for arthroscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Xiang et al., 2021 | J Orthop Surg Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Xiang Weineng, Jiang Lin, ... Yang Chunhua. The effect of magnesium added to bupivacaine for arthroscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021-Oct-10;16(1):583. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02609-w

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The analgesic efficacy of magnesium sulphate added to bupivacaine for arthroscopy remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of magnesium sulphate in combination with bupivacaine for arthroscopy. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through July 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of magnesium sulphate plus bupivacaine versus bupivacaine for arthroscopy. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with bupivacaine for arthroscopy, combination analgesia using magnesium plus bupivacaine was associated with significantly prolonged duration of analgesia (SMD=0.93; 95% CI=0.27 to 1.60; P=0.006) and first time to analgesic requirement (SMD=196.57; 95% CI=13.90 to 379.24; P=0.03), reduced pain scores (SMD=-1.71; 95% CI=-2.96 to -0.46; P=0.007) and analgesic consumption (SMD=-1.04; 95% CI=-1.49 to -0.60; P<0.00001), but showed no remarkable influence on nausea or vomiting (OR=1.54; 95% CI=0.60 to 3.97; P=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulphate added to bupivacaine may significantly improve the analgesic efficacy for arthroscopy.

Key Findings

Six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with bupivacaine for arthroscopy, combination analgesia using magnesium plus bupivacaine was associated with significantly prolonged duration of analgesia (SMD=0.93; 95% CI=0.27 to 1.60; P=0.006) and first time to analgesic requirement (SMD=196.57; 95% CI=13.90 to 379.24; P=0.03), reduced pain scores (SMD=-1.71; 95% CI=-2.96 to -0.46; P=0.007) and analgesic consumption (SMD=-1.04; 95% CI=-1.49 to -0.60; P<0.00001), but showed no rema

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Analgesics
  • Arthroscopy
  • Bupivacaine
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Postoperative Pain
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09