Patient-controlled analgesia in the total joint arthroplasty patient.

In a prospective study of 30 total hip or knee joint arthroplasty patients, the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump was evaluated for patient acceptance and relief of pain. In 30 patients, (average age, 72.5 years) excellent analgesia was obtained with the PCA machine without the side effects of conventional intramuscular dosing. PCA was enthusiastically received by nurses, physicians, and patients, and it has become the method of choice in the author's hospital.