Adirondack Health's joint replacement program completes non-opioid medication trial

SARANAC LAKE | Adirondack Health has successfully completed a clinical trial evaluating the use of Journavx (suzetrigine) in 100 hip and knee replacement patients. The goal of the trial was to offer joint replacement patients strong recovery progress without the lingering side effects commonly associated with traditional narcotic pain medications. At a time when surgery remains a leading gateway to opioid exposure for millions of Americans each year, this work represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis. As one of the first hospitals regionally to participate in this FDA-approved innovation, Dr. Bartlomiej Szczech, Dr. Lars Galldin, and Nurse Practitioner Chris Theobald teamed up to implement this first-in-class, non-opioid pain management approach with a clear goal: reduce or eliminate opioid use while maintaining exceptional patient comfort and outcomes. Throughout the trial, patients began this oral medication the morning of surgery and continued it during their recovery, alongside our established protocols, including regional nerve blocks and anti-inflammatory therapies. This trial builds on the strength of Adirondack Health's already high-performing joint replacement program. Since 2019, the joint replacement program has achieved the highest level of recognition from Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) as a Comprehensive Joint Replacement Center of Excellence. This designation requires the performance of at least 350 hip and knee replacements annually. In 2025, Adirondack Health completed 548 hip and knee replacements, as well as 59 shoulder replacement surgeries. As Dr. Szczech said, one of the things that makes Adirondack Health special is that despite being a small, rural hospital, when the organization sees medical advancements that could make a difference in patient care, it is able to cautiously evaluate them – like this trial – and if they're successful, implement them accordingly. With the success of this trial, Adirondack Health is looking into the possibility of expanding the use of Journavx in its other surgical practices, including bariatrics and urology.

Signup for our newsletter

Adirondack Health's joint replacement program completes non-opioid medication trial

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS