Study Design: A retrospective cohort review. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Summary of Background Data: Historically, posterior spinal fusion has been recognized as a particularly painful surgery. Postoperative pain limits early patient mobilization and discharge, and negatively impacts patient satisfaction. Local infiltration of anesthetic agents combined with postoperative multimodal pain management is common. On the basis of existing data, the liposomal formulation of bupivacaine might play a role in promoting faster recovery during the immediate postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impact of LB on postoperative opioid requirements, ambulation, and duration of hospital stay, as well as potential health care cost savings. Materials and Methods: A historical cohort of adult lumbar spinal fusion patients was retrospectively evaluated, in which 105 patients received nonliposomal anesthetic and 105 received LB. Both groups were managed with a standardized postoperative analgesia regimen. Demographic information, opioid consumption, length of stay, distance ambulated, and total cost of inpatient stay were collected. Results: Although there was no difference in the pain scores between the 2 groups, the LB group was associated with significantly lower opioid usage throughout the postoperative period. More patients in the LB group were discharged within 2 days of surgery compared with the control group (88.6% vs. 38.1%, P<0.05). The control group was able to walk for a longer median distances (175 vs. 150 ft, P=0.02) on the first attempt, however, a significantly larger proportion of the LB group walked within the first 12 hours after surgery (61% vs. 3%, P<0.001). Also, LB usage was associated with $218 higher pharmacological cost compared with the control group but an overall $3035 lower cost for the entire hospitalization (P<0.001). Conclusion: Adjunctive usage of LB with lumbar fusion surgeries promotes earlier mobility, lower opioid consumption, and shorter length of stay resulting in overall lower health care cost. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Background: Achieving postsurgical pain control after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a critical factor for successful recovery because inadequately treated pain may lead to a delay in ambulation and hospital discharge and have an adverse impact on a patient’s quality of life. Objective: This study compares the effectiveness of immediate-release local anesthetics for pain control in THA vs liposomal bupivacaine (LB) related to patient outcomes and costs of care. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing THA at 3 hospitals from January 2013 to July 2016. The control group received plain bupivacaine or ropivacaine while the study group received LB. Generalized linear models were used controlling for several patient factors. Primary measures included length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, pain relief, opioid use, and mobility. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition and 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions. Results: One hundred and ninety-six patients were identified, with 103 as controls, 70 receiving LB, and 23 excluded. The LB group showed a decrease in LOS of 0.5 days (2.5 ± 2.6 vs 3.0 ± 2.1 days, P = .010), increased mobility on the day of surgery (27.6 ± 49.3 vs 12.5 ± 48.5 feet, P = .001) and the first day after surgery (186.8 ± 133.8 vs 155.2 ± 135.6, P = .039), and decreased hospital costs ($10 670 vs $11 351, P = .022). There were no significant differences in pain scores, opioid use, adverse events, discharge disposition, or readmissions. Study limitations include retrospective analysis, unblinded participants, and generalizability of results. Conclusions: LB provides an effective alternative to standard local anesthetics in patients undergoing THA based on improvements of inpatient parameters, LOS, and cost measures.