This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate the association between perioperative dexamethasone administration and early postoperative recovery following primary total knee arthroplasty. In routine clinical practice, dexamethasone may be administered orally, intravenously, or not administered, depending on the surgeon's established perioperative protocol. The primary objective is to assess early postoperative recovery in terms of pain intensity, functional mobility, and knee joint range of motion. Secondary objectives include evaluation of inflammatory response, postoperative metabolic changes, opioid requirement, and the severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Group allocation is non-randomized and determined solely by the standard perioperative management approach routinely applied by the surgeon selected by the patient. No additional interventions are introduced for research purposes. All outcomes are assessed prospectively during the early postoperative period.
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Postoperative Pain Intensity Measured with Visiual Analog Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: Measuring once in the preoperative period and every 6 hours during the first 48 hours after surgery.
Functional Mobility (Timed Up and Go Test)
Timeframe: Preoperatively and daily during the first 2 postoperative days.
Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Score
Timeframe: Assessed daily during the first 2 postoperative days.
Postoperative Opioid Requirement
Timeframe: During the first 48 hours after surgery.
Atahan Eryilmaz, Resident Physician