Arthritis Clinical Trials

This study is being done to determine if a drug called gabapentin helps in the postoperative management of patients undergoing hip and knee operations. The investigators wish to determine the effect of gabapentin on pain and sleep following surgery. If we can lessen a patient's pain and improve sleep, the patient will be better able to participate in their physical therapy. Gabapentin has already been shown to lessen postoperative pain when given before surgery. In healthy patients, it has also been shown to improve certain aspects of sleep. We hope to identify the effect of the drug, when given after surgery, on patients' pain and sleep.