Pain assessment intensity and pain relief in patients post-operative orthopedic surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of pain in patients after orthopedic surgeries; identify possible associations between physiological changes and postoperative pain; and describe the analgesia plan used. Methods: A prospective study was conducted between the immediate postoperative period and the 2nd postoperative period, in a public teaching hospital. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 109 (81.3%) patients underwent surgical procedures in the lower limbs. Increased pain in the 2nd PO was reported by 18 (75%) patients, with a prevalence of mild pain. There was no significant association between pain and physiological changes. The most common physiological change was skin pallor (IPO: 57/42, 5%; 1st PO: 22/41, 5%; and 2nd PO: 11/45, 8%). There was a predominance of the joint administration of simple analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates. Conclusion: Pain was present in most patients with a prevalence of mild pain. Additionally, there was no association between physiological changes and postoperative pain. The analgesia plan adopted was effective to control postoperative pain.