Perioperative Use of Melatonin in Joint Arthroplasty: A Critical Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #melatonin #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #postoperative-pain #delirium

Perioperative Use of Melatonin in Joint Arthroplasty: A Critical Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Studies

Saleh et al., 2025 | J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother | Systematic Review

Citation

Saleh Ayman K, Ramadan Hany Said Ismail, ... Alshahrani Naif N. Perioperative Use of Melatonin in Joint Arthroplasty: A Critical Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Studies. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2025-Jun;39(2):276-285. doi:10.1080/15360288.2025.2490654

Abstract

Joint arthroplasty for shoulder, hip and knee joints is a widely performed surgical intervention in orthopedics practice. Early postoperative complications include pain, delirium and cognitive dysfunction, urinary retention, sleep disturbance, anxiety and others. Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone successfully tried for management of many painful conditions, postoperative sleep disturbance, and postoperative delirium. This systematic review aimed to critically analyze the randomized clinical studies on the therapeutic effects of perioperative melatonin administration in patients submitted to joint arthroplasty. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight articles were progressed to final analysis. The effect of melatonin administration on postoperative pain and sleep quality was assessed by six studies while its effect on delirium was assessed by two studies. In conclusion, the present review found variable degrees of success of melatonin administration for management of postoperative pain, sleep disturbance and delirium. However, based on published studies, use of melatonin for management of these conditions lacks robust clinical evidence.

Key Findings

However, based on published studies, use of melatonin for management of these conditions lacks robust clinical evidence.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • anxiety

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Postoperative Pain
  • Delirium
  • Sleep Wake Disorders
  • Arthroplasty
  • Perioperative Care
  • Postoperative Complications

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

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