OBJECTIVES: Suboptimally treated postoperative pain is common and is a risk factor for developing chronic pain. Additionally, improving postoperative pain relief may improve patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction with care. The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with postoperative pain relief among persons who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Participants in the intent-to-treat population were randomly assigned to controlled-release oxycodone (CRO, n=125) or placebo (Pla, n=119) plus usual care on postoperative day two. Both groups were allowed supplemental analgesics as needed. Outcomes assessed in this analysis at baseline and overall were pain relief and impact of pain on daily functions using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI; an objective pain outcome measure) and two items related to satisfaction with postoperative pain care, specifically, “How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the relief you experienced from your post-surgery pain?” and “Overall how pleased have you been with the current care you have received for post-surgery pain?” RESULTS: Patients on CRO compared to Pla reported greater perceived amount of pain relief from study medications (p=0.007), with satisfaction of current care (p=0.069) trending towards significance. In addition, 85.8% (CRO) and 72.0% (Pla; p=0.033) would recommend the care they received, including pain management. Questions about satisfaction with pain management were positively and significantly associated with the Brief Pain Inventory pain relief item (r=0.47 and 0.38, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received CRO were more satisfied with their pain relief and were more likely to recommend their pain care to someone else.