The Effect of Corticosteroids on Quality of Life Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: HIPSTER Study

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly effective and commonly performed procedure for end-stage osteoarthritis. Perioperative inflammation contributes to postoperative pain, fatigue, and delayed recovery. Dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid with strong anti-inflammatory properties, is widely used in orthopedic surgery and incorporated into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for THA to reduce pain, PONV, and fatigue. While intermediate doses of dexamethasone (25 mg) are considered safe and beneficial in the short term, their long-term effects on health-related quality of life and persistent pain remain unclear. Therefore, the main objective of the HIPSTER trial is to evaluate the effect of different doses of a single intraoperative intravenous dose of dexamethasone (5 mg versus 25 mg) on health-related quality of life up to three months after surgery.