Expectations, experiences and attitudes of orthopedic patients undergoing arthroscopic cruciate ligament reconstruction toward postoperative pain and its management
Nimmaanrat, S.; Tangtrakulwanich, B.; Wanasuwannakul, T.; Boonriong, T.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 93(11): 1268-1273
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 21114205 Document Number: 12558
To evaluate expectations, experiences, and attitudes of orthopedic patients undergoing arthroscopic cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of postoperative pain and management. This prospective study involved 115 patients. Preoperatively, patients completed a preoperative questionnaire regarding expectations toward postoperative pain and management. Postoperatively, they completed a postoperative questionnaire regarding exact pain experiences and attitudes in relation to their pain and management. Almost all expected (95.6%) and experienced (98.3%) pain. The median values of maximum and average pain measured by a verbal numerical rating score were 7.7 and 5.6, respectively. Approximately 3/5 reported marked and maximum relief from analgesics received Only one patient was not satisfied with pain management while the rest were satisfied in varying degrees. A large proportion showed incorrect conceptions concerning postoperative pain and management. Postoperative pain management is still an area for improvement. Misunderstandings of patients should be explored and corrected as they can pose a barrier for effective pain relief Pain management should begin with preoperative explanations and advice followed by good care intraoperatively and postoperatively.
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