Impact of Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia on Pain Management in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Abstract

Background: Effective pain management is critical in orthopedic trauma surgery to enhance recovery, reduce opioid consumption, and minimize complications. Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia (UGRA) has emerged as a promising technique for improving postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of UGRA on pain control, opioid consumption, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction compared to standard pain management. Methods: This prospective, comparative study was conducted with 60 patients undergoing orthopedic trauma surgery, divided into two groups: Group A (UGRA, n = 30) and Group B (Control, n = 30) at the Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data on pain scores (VAS), opioid consumption, time to first ambulation, postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and length of hospital stay were collected and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were made using appropriate tests. Results: UGRA significantly reduced pain scores at 1, 6, and 24 hours post-surgery (p < 0.001), with lower opioid consumption (10 ± 5 mg vs. 25 ± 8 mg, p < 0.001). Time to first ambulation was shorter in Group A (24 ± 4 hours vs. 30 ± 5 hours, p < 0.001). UGRA was associated with fewer complications, including nausea/vomiting (6.7% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.034) and respiratory depression (0% vs. 10%). Patient satisfaction was higher in the UGRA group (4.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), with a shorter hospital stay (4 ± 1 days vs. 6 ± 2 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion: UGRA provides superior pain control, reduces opioid consumption and complications, and enhances patient satisfaction in orthopedic trauma surgery, contributing to faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.