Assessment of pain intensity after total hip arthroplasty using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Abstract

This study aimed to assess pain intensity in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The study was conducted between 2022 and 2023, enrolling 203 patients admitted to the Orthopedics Department. Participants self-reported their post-surgical pain 24 hours after THA by selecting a VAS rating that best represented their personal experience. Based on their diagnosis, participants were categorized into four relatively homogeneous groups: left-sided coxarthrosis, right-sided coxarthrosis, unilateral THA for bilateral coxarthrosis, and bilateral THA for bilateral coxarthrosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with frequency analysis performed using the chi-square (χ²) test. Pain intensity in patients undergoing uncemented THA ranged from mild irritation to pain requiring moderate analgesics. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in pain frequencies across groups (χ² (24, 203) = 37.192; P = 0.04), with variations largely attributable to the type of THA performed. VAS scores indicated that patients with unilateral THA for coxarthrosis reported moderate pain lasting up to 30 minutes, necessitating moderate-intensity analgesics. In contrast, participants undergoing bilateral THA experienced more severe pain, requiring the administration of strong analgesics for effective pain relief and increased functionality. Among surgical procedures, uncemented total hip prostheses were associated with the highest frequency of manageable pain, characterized as irritation or mild discomfort requiring moderate analgesics.