Influence of the Chronic Pain Intensity on the Postoperative Pain Intensity in the Orthopaedic Patients: Outcome from the International Project Pain-Out

Abstract

Objectives. This research explores the relationship between chronic pain intensity experienced by patients prior to surgery and the intensity of pain they encounter postoperatively. Primary objectives are to determine how chronic pain levels influence post-surgical pain perception.

Methods. Altogether 258 patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study, conducted at the Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Riga, Latvia from November 2022 up to December 2023. On the first post-operative day, eligible patients, who had been in the ward for at least 6 hours, were randomly selected. They were administered a questionnaire, utilizing a rating scale from 0 to 10 to assess the intensity of their worst and least pain. Additionally, the patient was asked to evaluate the chronic pain they experienced before the surgery. This study was conducted as part of an international project “PAIN OUT”.

Results. According to the study results, 67.4% (174) of patients noted that they experienced chronic pain before surgery. The median for chronic pain intensity score is 7 [IR; 5;8]. For patients without chronic pain, worst pain median score since surgery is 5 [IR: 3;7.5] and for patients with chronic pain, worst pain median score is 6 [IR: 3;8], (p = 0.297). For patients without chronic pain, least pain median score since surgery is 1 [IR: 0;2], for patients with chronic pain, least pain median score is 2 [IR: 1;3], (p = 0.008). Women had a worst pain 8 [IR: 5;9], men 7 [IR: 4;8], (p=0.009).

Conclusions. Patients with chronic pain report higher levels of the least pain since the surgery compared to those without chronic pain. Women with a chronic pain report higher level of worst pain since surgery.

Acknowledgements. No conflict of interest regarding topic of the study.