This study evaluated the efficacy of oral methylprednisolone and diclofenac sodium on post-operative sequelae after third molar surgery.
A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted (with institutional and university approval for dissertation) to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone with diclofenac sodium (group A) as compared with diclofenac sodium and placebo (group B) on three variables: Pain, swelling and trismus, after third molar surgery.
Thirty consecutive consenting patients for surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar were randomly placed into two groups of 15 each (groups A and B). Pain, swelling and trismus were observed by visual analog scale, facial measurements and inter-incisal opening. Scores were recorded after 24 and 72 h and on the seventh post-operative day. Results were subjected to the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test ( P = 0.05).
Mean difference in pain experienced between the two groups was statistically significant at 24 h ( P = 0.015) and 72 h ( P = 0.001) and on the seventh day ( P = 0.005). Difference in inter-incisal distance was insignificant ( P = 0.239) pre-operatively, but significant after 24 h ( P = 0.014) and 72 h ( P = 0.001) and on the seventh post-operative day ( P = 0.001). Mean difference in swelling was highly significant after 24 h ( P = 0.001) and 72 h ( P = 0.0001) and on the seventh post-operative day ( P = 0.047).