Use of Tramadol to Control Restless Legs Syndrome after Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

A patient with a history of severe osteoarthritis and restless legs syndrome (RLS), who had recently undergone orthopedic surgery, began to experience the involuntary movement and pain associated with RLS. These symptoms, which also deprived the patient of sleep, complicated her postsurgical rehabilitation. The onset of symptoms coincided with attempts to discontinue her opiate analgesic regimen. The patient was evaluated; no significant comorbid conditions or drug therapies that might have aggravated her RLS symptoms were noted. After a discussion of the risks and benefits of the pharmacologic options, it was decided that Tramadol was the best therapy for this patient. A follow-up review of the patient's clinical course at 7, 30, and 60 days showed that Tramadol was quite effective in controlling her RLS symptoms and joint pain.