A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Usage, Preference, and Clinical Experience of Aceclofenac–Paracetamol–Serratiopeptidase Combination among Orthopedic Surgeons

Introduction: Acute musculoskeletal pain and inflammation are frequently encountered in orthopedic practice and require effective multimodal therapy. Fixed-dose combinations such as aceclofenac–paracetamol–serratiopeptidase are commonly used for pain relief and swelling reduction. This survey aimed to evaluate the usage patterns, prescribing preferences, and clinical experience of orthopedic surgeons in India with this combination.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among orthopedic surgeons attending a national-level conference in India after obtaining an ethics committee waiver. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms and hard-copy formats. Information on demographics, frequency of prescription, indications, preferred duration of therapy, perceived efficacy, tolerability, adverse events, patient compliance, and likelihood of recommendation was captured and analyzed descriptively.

Results: A total of 138 orthopedic surgeons participated (132 males, 6 females), with a mean age of 46.41 ± 12.58 years. The combination was prescribed very frequently or often by 125 respondents. Common indications included post-traumatic pain and swelling (103), post-operative pain and inflammation (85), and soft tissue or sports injuries (48). The preferred treatment duration was 6–10 days for most respondents (79). Compared with aceclofenac–paracetamol alone, the addition of serratiopeptidase was perceived as better for swelling reduction by 132 surgeons. High satisfaction with overall pain relief was reported by 128 respondents. Tolerability was considered better or similar to other NSAID combinations by 132 surgeons. Gastric irritation/dyspepsia and nausea/vomiting were the most frequently observed adverse events, while 39 respondents reported none. Improved patient compliance compared with multi-drug regimens was noted by 129 surgeons.

Conclusion: The aceclofenac–paracetamol–serratiopeptidase combination is widely used and favorably perceived by orthopedic surgeons in India, offering effective pain relief, enhanced swelling control, acceptable tolerability, and improved patient compliance in routine management of acute musculoskeletal pain with inflammation.