Traumeel S？ for pain relief following hallux valgus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

We performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the homeopathic preparation Traumeel S？ in minimizing post-operative pain and analgesic consumption following surgical correction of hallux valgus. Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either Traumeel tablets or an indistinguishable placebo, and took primary and rescue oral analgesics as needed. Maximum numerical pain scores at rest and consumption of oral analgesics were recorded on day of surgery and for 13 days following surgery.Traumeel was not found superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial, however a transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score favoring the Traumeel arm was observed on the day of surgery, a finding supported by a treatment-time interaction test (p = 0.04).Traumeel was not superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial. A transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score on the day of surgery is of questionable clinical importance.This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. # NCT00279513The management of postoperative pain following ambulatory orthopedic surgery is an issue of ongoing concern for patients and for physicians performing these procedures. Numerous studies have found pain control to be inadequate [1-6]. Pain is the most frequent cause of delayed discharge and unanticipated readmission following ambulatory surgery [7,8], as well as for contacting the family physician after discharge [9]. Nearly a third of patients have moderate to severe pain 24 hours after ambulatory surgery [10], while eleven percent experience severe pain [11]. Both moderate and severe pain can last for up to a week after surgery [9]. Treatment for post-operative pain typically includes anti-inflammatory medications and opiates, both of which are associated with adverse effects, limiting patient compliance and ef