Numeric Rating Scale Pain Scores Research Articles

Effects of Deep Neuromuscular Block during Robot-Assisted Transaxillary Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The occurrence of significant pain and paresthesia after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy has been reported, and some patients experience chronic symptoms even three months after surgery. This study scrutinized the effects of deep neuromuscular block during robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy on postoperative pain and sensory changes. In this single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 88 patients who underwent robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the moderate or deep neuromuscular block groups. Study endpoints included postoperative pain, paresthesia, and sensory change after surgery. The linear mixed models for numeric rating scale pain scores in the chest, neck, and axilla all showed significant intergroup differences over time (p = 0.003 in chest; p = 0.001 in neck; p = 0.002 in axilla). In the post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction, the pain scores of the chest, neck, and axilla were significantly lower in the deep neuromuscular block group on postoperative day one compared to the moderate neuromuscular block group (adjusted p < 0.001 in chest, neck, and axilla). This study demonstrated that deep neuromuscular block could reduce postoperative pain after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy. However, it could not demonstrate that deep neuromuscular block reduces paresthesia or hypoesthesia after the surgery.

Interpretation threshold values for patient-reported outcomes in patients participating in a digitally delivered first-line treatment program for hip or knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveEstablish proportions of patients reporting important improvement, acceptable symptoms and treatment failure and define interpretation threshold values for pain, patient-reported function and quality-of-life after participating in digital first-line treatment including education and exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). MethodsObservational study. Responses to the pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0–10 best to worst), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 12 (KOOS-12) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 12 (HOOS-12, both 0–100 worst to best) were obtained for 4383 (2987) and 2041 (1264) participants with knee (hip) OA at 3 and 12 months post intervention. Threshold values for Minimal Important Change (MIC), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and Treatment Failure (TF) were estimated using anchor-based predictive modeling. Results70–85% reported an important improvement in pain, function and quality of life after 3 and 12 months follow-up. 42% (3 months) and 51% (12 months) considered their current state as satisfactory, whereas 2–4% considered treatment failed. MIC values were −1 (NRS) and 0–4 (KOOS/HOOS-12) across follow-ups and joint affected. PASS threshold value for NRS was 3, and 53–73 for the KOOS/HOOS-12 subscales Corresponding values for TF were 5 (NRS) and 34–55 (KOOS/HOOS-12). Patients with more severe pain at baseline had higher MIC scores and accepted poorer outcomes at follow-ups. ConclusionThreshold estimates aid in the interpretation of outcomes after first-line OA interventions assessed with NRS Pain and KOOS/HOOS-12. Baseline pain severity is important to consider when interpreting threshold values after first-line interventions in these patients.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block &lt;i&gt;versus&lt;/i&gt; transversus abdominis plane block for intraoperative and postoperative pain control in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: results of the ARTEMIDE randomised controlled trial

Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), one of the most common surgeries among women, results in moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. The use of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for pain management in LH has been evaluated but with conflicting results. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block has emerged as an effective and safe technique for relieving visceral pain. This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of posterior TAP block versus ESP block following LH. We conducted a prospective, randomised, multicentre study. Seventy-six patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists I–III) scheduled for elective LH were included in the final analysis. The interventions performed were posterior TAP block (TAP group) and ESP block at T8 (ESP group). We adopted numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for pain at different time points, intraoperative remifentanil need, rescue analgesic requirements, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 36 postoperative hours, and days of hospitalisation as criteria of evaluetion. At nearly all time points, NRS scores did not significantly differ between the TAP and ESP groups. The TAP group had higher NRS scores for pain in the immediate postoperative period (p=0.008). The need for intraoperative remifentanil was higher in the TAP group (p=0.0018). When needed, remifentanil was infused at slower maximum infusion rates in the ESP group than in the TAP group (mean±SD: 0.02±0.04 vs. 0.04±0.05, respectively; p=0.006). The total rescue analgesic requirements in the first 36 postoperative hours did not significantly differ between the two groups. We conclude that following LH, the posterior TAP and ESP blocks can achieve similar levels of pain management.

Does Linear or Spot Injection Technique Matter in Upper Face Botulinum Toxin Type A Application? A Split-Face Randomized Trial.

Although the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) has been shown to vary depending on injection layer, reconstitution volume, and BoNTA formulation, the effect of injection pattern has rarely been mentioned. The authors compared the therapeutic effects in patients treated with BoNTA with retrograde linear and traditional spot injection techniques. Twenty-eight participants were enrolled in a split-face, patient-blinded randomized clinical trial. Each patient received BoNTA injected with linear injection technique on one side and with spot injection technique on the other side. Outcomes included wrinkle improvement rates (WIRs) of the 2 injection techniques determined by wrinkle scores derived from an Antera 3-dimensional camera, muscle activity assessed by ultrasound, and patient-reported pain rating on a numeric rating scale. All participants completed the study. For forehead wrinkles, WIR on the linear side was significantly larger than that on the spot side at 1 week and 1 month ( P < 0.02). For glabellar wrinkles, WIR on the linear injection side was significantly larger than that on the spot side at 1 week ( P = 0.04). However, for periorbital wrinkles, WIR on the spot side was significantly larger than that on the linear side at 1 week ( P < 0.03). No significant difference was observed between the injection patterns in terms of muscle contraction and numeric rating scale pain scores. Compared with the traditional spot injection, retrograde linear injection was superior in reducing forehead lines and glabellar lines, but less effective in reducing periorbital lines when identical dosages were injected. Therapeutic, II.

Impact of body mass index on outcomes after lumbar spine surgery

The impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes after lumbar spine surgery is currently unknown. Previous studies have reported conflicting evidence for patients with high BMI, while little research has been conducted on outcomes for underweight patients. This study aims to examine the impact of BMI on outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. This prospective cohort study enrolled 5622 patients; of which, 194, 5027, and 401 were in the low (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–30), and high (≥ 30) BMI groups, respectively. Pain was assessed via the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) for the lower back, buttock, leg, and plantar area. Quality of life was assessed via the EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Inverse probability weighting with propensity scores was used to adjust patient demographics and clinical characteristics between the groups. After adjustment, the 1-year postoperative scores differed significantly between groups in terms of leg pain. The proportion of patients who achieved a 50% decrease in postoperative NPRS score for leg pain was also significantly different. Obese patients reported less improvement in leg pain after lumbar spine surgery. The outcomes of patients with low BMI were not inferior to those of patients with normal BMI.

Manual Therapy versus Localisation (Tactile, Sensory Training) in Patients with Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomised Clinical Pilot Trial.

Manual therapy (MT) techniques typically incorporate localised touch on the skin with the application of specific kinetic forces. The contribution of localised touch to the effectiveness of MT techniques has not been evaluated. This study investigated the immediate effects of MT versus localisation training (LT) on pain intensity and range of movement (ROM) for neck pain. In this single-blind randomised controlled trial thirty eligible neck pain volunteers (23 females and 7 males), aged 28.63 ± 12.49 years, were randomly allocated to MT or to a motionless (LT) group. A single three-minute treatment session was delivered to each group's cervico-thoracic area. The LT involved tactile sensory stimulation applied randomly to one out of a nine-block grid. Subjects were asked to identify the number of the square being touched, reflecting a different location on the region of skin. MT involved three-minute anteroposterior (AP) glides and sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAG) techniques. Pre- and post-intervention pain intensity were assessed using a pressure pain threshold (PPT) algometer and the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Neck ROM was recorded with a bubble inclinometer. Improvements in ROM and self-reported pain were recorded in both groups (p < 0.001) without differences in NPRS, ROM or PPT scores between groups (p > 0.05). Tactile sensory training (localisation) was as effective as MT in reducing neck pain, suggesting a component of MT's analgesic effect to be related with the element of localised touch rather than the forces induced during passive movements.

ED90 of epidural esketamine with 0.075% ropivacaine for labor analgesia in nulliparous parturients: a prospective, randomized and dose-finding study.

Background: Because it has been reported that racemic ketamine had a local anesthetic-sparing effect when used for epidural analgesia this would suggest the likelihood of a potential advantage (less pruritus) over opioid drugs. Esketamine has greater analgesic efficacy than racemic ketamine, but the optimum dosage regimen for epidural use is undetermined. The aim of this study was to determine the ED90 of epidural esketamine when coadministered with 0.075% ropivacaine for labor analgesia. Methods: A total of 65 laboring nulliparous patients were enrolled in this study from 16 March 2022 to 15 October 2022. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 or 1.0mg/mL esketamine with 0.075% ropivacaine epidurally. An effective response to the epidural loading dose was defined as numerical rating scale pain score ≤3at 30min after the end of the epidural loading dose (10mL of the ropivacaine 0.075% solution with the added esketamine). The ED90 of epidural esketamine coadministered with 0.075% ropivacaine with 95% confidence intervals for labor analgesia was determined using probit regression. Secondary outcomes and side effects were recorded. Results: The estimated value of ED90 with 95% CIs for epidural esketamine with 0.075% ropivacaine was 0.983 (0.704-2.468) mg/mL. The characteristics of sensory and motor block, consumption of ropivacaine per hour, duration of first or second stage, Apgar scores did not differ among the five groups. The incidence of mild dizziness in Group esketamine 1.0mg/mL was significantly higher than that in other groups (p < 0.05). No statistical differences were found in other side effects among groups. Conclusion: The ED90 value of epidural esketamine coadministered with 0.075% ropivacaine for labor analgesia in nulliparous parturients was about 1.0mg/mL. Furthermore, our results suggested that epidural esketamine would cause dose-dependent mild dizziness especially at doses up to 1.0mg/mL. As a single epidural additive, esketamine may not be suitable for labor analgesia. Future studies may investigate the appropriate dosage of esketamine at slightly higher concentrations of local anesthetics or larger initial volume of analgesia, or explore other potential advantages of esketamine. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=159764), identifier (ChiCTR2200057662).

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Attention Distraction Method on Perception of Pain During the Use of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Technique

Background: Distraction techniques are identified as cognitive processes that interfere with pain perception by preventing transmission of pain signals to the brain. The focus of these techniques is to direct the attention of the patient to a different stimulus other than the pain sensation. Dry needling (DN) is a mildly invasive technique which is used to treat pain associated with Myofacial trigger points (MTrPs). Even though previous studies have evaluated the influence of distraction techniques on the pain perception during various interventions, the effects during DN are not available in literature. Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of distraction technique on the perception of pain during MTrP-DN technique and also the influence of age and gender on the differences of pain perception. Methods: Sixty patients with non-specific neck pain were randomly assigned to either the control or interventional groups. Only DN was performed for the control group, while patients in the intervention group, were asked to count backwards from 10 to 1 while slowly breathing in and out without letting their attention be distracted during the DN. The level of pain perception was evaluated immediately after DN by using numeric rating scale (NRS). The ethical approval was obtained by the Ethics Committee of the National Hospital, Kandy. Results: A significant difference was noted (p&lt;0 0.05) in NRS pain scores between control and the intervention groups regardless of the gender and the age category. Conclusion: The counting down distraction technique appears to be effective in improving pain perception during DN in the patients with non-specific neck pain.

Femoral nerve blockade during endovenous laser ablation of great saphenous vein decreases pain but does not affect the use of opioids during the procedure

BackgroundEndovenous laser ablation (EVLA) using tumescent anesthesia for treatment of an insufficient great saphenous vein (GSV) can be painful and require intravenous pain management and, sometimes, sedation with propofol. Femoral nerve blockade (FNB) anesthetizes the femoral nerve distribution and is usually used for anterior thigh and knee procedures. It is easy to inject with ultrasound guidance because the nerve is easy to visualize in the groin. The aim of the present double-blind, randomized controlled trial was to determine whether FNB before tumescent anesthesia decreases the pain of GSV EVLA combined with local phlebectomy. MethodsEighty patients who underwent GSV EVLA combined with local phlebectomy under tumescent anesthesia were randomized into two groups. The placebo group (control group; 40 patients) was given placebo FNB with 0.9% saline before tumescent injection. The FNB group (intervention group; 40 patients) received 1% lidocaine with adrenaline for FNB before tumescent injection. Only the study nurse, who performed the randomization, knew which patients were in which group. The patients and operating surgeon were unaware of the randomization group. FNB was performed under ultrasound guidance. The effectiveness of anesthesia was tested 10 minutes after injection using the pin-prick test and a numeric rating scale (NRS). The NRS was completed before and during tumescent anesthesia and during EVLA ablation and local phlebectomy. The motor function of the femoral nerve was tested at the end of the procedure and 1 hour after using the Bromage method. Patients had a follow-up visit 1 month after the procedure, and their need for pain medication and the duration of sick leave were recorded. ResultsNo differences were found in the gender distribution, age, or GSV dimensions at baseline. The mean length of the treated GSV segment was 28 cm and 30 cm and the mean energy used was 1911 J and 2059 J in the placebo and FNB groups, respectively. The median NRS score for pain during tumescent injection around the GSV was 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-4) in the placebo group compared with 1 (IQR, 1-3) in the FNB group. Very little pain was experienced during laser ablation. The median NRS score was 0 (IQR, 0-0) and 0 (IQR, 0-0.75) in the placebo and FNB groups, respectively. The most painful stage was injection of tumescence to the local phlebectomy sites in both groups. The median NRS score was 4 (IQR, 3-7) in the placebo group and 2 (IQR, 1-4) in the FNB group (P = .01). During local phlebectomy, the NRS score was 2 (IQR, 0-4) vs 1 (IQR, 0-3) in the placebo and FNB groups, respectively. Only the difference in pain during injection of tumescence before local phlebectomy was significant. ConclusionsFNB seems to decrease pain during EVLA combined with local phlebectomy. Patients experienced the highest pain when tumescence was injected before local phlebectomy, and those in the FNB group experienced significantly less pain than the placebo group. No indication for routine use of FNB is indicated. However, it could be used to decrease the pain for patients who experience strong pain during varicose vein surgery, especially if extensive local phlebectomies are required.

Subjective Versus Objective Pain Assessment in the Postpartum Period: Improving Pain Control After Vaginal Delivery [ID: 1378006

INTRODUCTION: The numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) is a validated measure to quantify acute pain; however, its utility after vaginal delivery is unclear. Poorly controlled postpartum pain can increase rates of complications; therefore, pain control is paramount. We investigated how subjective pain relates to objective pain in the postpartum period. METHODS: A prospective, observational study at a single academic hospital included patients with vaginal deliveries February to October 2021. Women with opioid use disorder, wound complication, hysterectomy, or readmission were excluded. Subjective pain assessment and NPRS were completed 2 weeks postdischarge. Subjective pain was recorded as “well controlled” versus “poorly controlled.” The numerical pain rating scale was scored 0–10. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight patients were included, and 174 (73%) followed up. One hundred twenty (69%) reported “well-controlled” pain, and 54 (31%) reported “poorly controlled.” There was no significant difference in delivery mode, laceration, or nonopioid medication use (P&gt;.05). Patients who used oxycodone were significantly more likely to report “poorly controlled” pain (P=.02). “Poorly controlled” pain was associated with higher median NPRS score (5 [interquartile range (IQR) 4–6] versus 2 [IQR 0–3], P&lt;.001). Among patients with “poorly controlled” pain, 11 (20.4%) had NPRS scores of 0–3. Of those who reported “well-controlled” pain, 22 (18.3%) had NPRS scores of 4–10. CONCLUSION: While NPRS scores were higher for patients with “poorly controlled” pain, this was not universal. It is critical to accurately respond to postpartum pain for the nearly 20% of patients whose subjective experience did not correlate with their objective score. Titrating pain control to subjective and objective goals may improve patient experience and outcomes.

Evaluation of erector spinae plane block in cardiac surgery patients in terms of acute and chronic pain scores.

Pain after cardiac surgery is a frequently encountered morbidity associated with poor quality of life and postoperative recovery. There have been several regional anesthesia modalities for this purpose. We aimed to investigate acute and chronic postoperative analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent cardiac surgery between December 2019 and December 2020. According to regional anesthesia management, there were two groups: ESPB and control groups. Patient demographic data, surgical outcomes, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Prince Henry Hospital Pain Scores (PHHPS) were recorded. Patients in the ESPB group were significantly younger than those in the control group (p=0.023). The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the ESPB group (p=0.009). Patients in the ESPB group had significantly lower NRS and PHHPS pain scores assessed at the 48th hour after extubation (p=0.001 for both cases) and three months after discharge (p<0.001 and p=0.025, respectively). Significance remained after adjustment for age (p=0.029 and p<0.001, respectively) and duration of surgery (p=0.003 and p=0.041, respectively). ESPB might benefit patients with cardiac surgery by reducing acute and chronic postoperative pain.

Comparison of the Analgesic Efficacy of Lidocaine Spray versus Tramadol and Fentanyl for Pain Control in Rib Fractures.

To compare the analgesic efficacy of lidocaine spray with tramadol hydrochloride and fentanyl citrate in rib fractures. A randomised, controlled open-label study. Place and Duration of the Study: Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Turkiye, from June to November 2021. Patients over the age of 18 years, who applied to the Emergency Department with blunt chest trauma, were divided into three groups. Groups were created from patients who were given lidocaine 10% spray (local), i.v. 100 mg of tramadol, and i.v. fentanyl 50 mcg. A total of 48 patients, each of whom was 16, were included in the study. Numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores of the patients at baseline, 15th, 30th and 60th minutes were compared. These scores and the number of falls at follow-up were analysed comparatively between the 3 groups. The age and gender distribution of the patients included in the study were found to be statistically similar between the groups. Although the degrees of decrease in NRS scores in the 0-15, 0-30, and 0-60 minute periods were higher in the tramadol group, these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.465/ 0.256/ 0.678, respectively). While no side effects were observed in the lidocaine group, there were 4 (25.0%) patients in the fentanyl group and 2 (12.5%) patients in the tramadol group. Lidocaine spray can be used safely in the management of acute pain in rib fractures, as it has fewer side effects and is as effective as opiates. Analgesia, Fentanyl, Lidocaine spray, Pain, Rib fracture, Tramadol.

Clinical implications of additional posterior fractures in combined anterior-posterior pelvic ring fractures in elderly patients

ObjectivesHistorically, pelvic ring fractures (PRF) are considered to occur predominantly in the anterior ring and therfore to be mechanically stable. Combined anterior and posterior (A + P) PRF are expected to be less mechanically stable and therefore to be associated with higher levels of pain and reduced mobility compared to isolated anterior fractures. The current study investigates the clinical relevance of combined A + P PRF in elderly patients. MethodsA prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in patients >70 years of age with anterior PRF after low-energy trauma diagnosed on conventional radiographs. All patients underwent an additional CT-scan. Patients were divided into two groups; isolated anterior or combined A + P fractures. Patients were treated conservatively with adequate analgesia for at least one week. If patients could not be mobilised after conservative treatment, surgical fixation was performed. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, dependence on walking aids and Activities of Daily Living scores (ADL) were measured at 2–4 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months after fracture. Results102 patients (age 81.1 ± 7.6 years) were included. Isolated anterior fractures were diagnosed in 25 (24.5%) and A + P fractures in 77 (75.5%) patients. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Most patients were successfully treated conservatively and 5 (4.9%) underwent percutaneous trans-iliac, trans-sacral screw fixation after failure of conservative treatment. At 2–4 weeks post trauma, patients with A + P fractures had similar median pain scores (3 (range 0–8) vs. 5 (0–10), p = 0.19) and ADL scores (85 (25–100) vs. 78.6 (5–100), p = 0.67), but were more dependent on walking aids (92.8% vs. 72.2%; p = 0.02) compared to patients with isolated anterior fractures. There were no significant differences at 3 months. At one year follow-up the median NRS pain and ADL scores for both fracture groups were 0 and 100, respectively. Mortality was 10.8%, and additional loss to follow-up was 17.6%. ConclusionsThe vast majority of elderly patients with PRF have combined A + P fractures. The clinical implications of additional posterior pelvic ring fractures in elderly patients appears to be limited.

Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Does Not Provide Significant Benefit for Primary Hip Arthroscopy with Pericapsular Infiltration: A Randomized Control Trial

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TQLB) with pericapsular injection (PCI) versus PCI alone in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in terms of perioperative pain control, as well as postoperative function in the postoperative anesthesia unit (PACU) setting. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively randomized to receive 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in a TQLB (n= 52) with PCI versus PCI alone (n= 51). The PCI included 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine given by the surgeon. All analyzed patients received general anesthesia. The primary outcome was postoperative pain scores assessed via the numerical rating scale (NRS) at 30 minutes postoperatively and immediately prior to discharge. Secondary outcomes were opioid utilization, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), PACU recovery time, quadriceps strength (assessed after completion of PACU phase 1 criteria), and adverse events (nausea/vomiting). Average age, body mass index, and preoperative pain assessment were not significantly different between groups. There were no differences in NRS pain scores preoperatively, 30 minutes postoperatively, or immediately prior to discharge between groups (P > .05). Intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the TQLB group (MME: 16.8 ± 7.9) compared to controls (MME 20.6 ± 8.0; P= .009). However, there was no difference in the total opioid consumption (P > .05). There was no significant difference in total PACU length of stay (minutes) between the treatment (133.0 ± 48) and control groups (123.5 ± 47; P > .05). Quadriceps weakness was not significantly different between groups (P= .2). There was no difference in the number of patients that experienced nausea or vomiting between the TQLB group and control group (13% vs 16%; P= .99). Neither group had any reported serious adverse events. TQLB and PCI do not improve postoperative pain scores or total opioid consumption compared to PCI alone. TQLB may decrease the amount of intraoperative opiate usage. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

P003 A dedicated short MRI protocol for assessing synovitis: evaluating patient acceptability and rheumatologist perceptions

Abstract Background/Aims Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an increasingly important role in diagnosing and monitoring patients with inflammatory arthropathies due to its ability to detect early, sometimes subclinical, inflammatory changes, including synovitis. It is a sensitive, accurate and relatively non-operator dependent modality. However, it is typically perceived as expensive and time-consuming, and is used infrequently for evaluation of synovitis in clinical care. MRI is thought to be generally well-tolerated by patients, however, there is a paucity of research on patient experience of MRI, particularly in rheumatology where patients may have complex and/or chronic pain. To improve the acceptability, cost-effectiveness and overall utility of MRI for clinicians and patients, we introduced a short synovitis MRI protocol (MRI-SSP) for rapid assessment of synovitis in the hands and feet. Here, we evaluated the acceptability of MRI-SSP to patients and the perceived utility of the protocol for rheumatologists. Methods Different structured questionnaires were designed for patients and rheumatologists which contained qualitative (free-text) and quantitative (five-point Likert-scale) questions. All patients undergoing MRI-SSP of the hand or wrist at University College London Hospital (UCLH) between 01/02/22 to 01/07/22 were prospectively invited to participate and completed the questionnaire via telephone within four weeks of their scan. All rheumatologists at our centre were invited to respond to an online questionnaire. Likert scores were analysed quantitatively and thematic analysis was performed on free-text comments. Results Patient experience - 30 patients agreed to participate (mean age 48 years, range 21-74; 87% female). Average patient Numerical Pain Rating Scale score was 5.1/10 (range 1-10). We found that: 90% found the scan length acceptable; 90% had no or mild side-effects from intravenous contrast; 40% had no pain during the scan; 57% had no anxiety during the scan; 97% found the scan acceptable overall; 97% would be happy to have the scan again; scan length and comfort were important for patients; good radiographer communication helped to alleviate patient anxiety. Rheumatologist perception - 10 rheumatologists responded. Of these, 40% perform ultrasound to assess for synovitis in clinic. We found that: 90% strongly agreed that the MRI-SSP report was helpful in answering clinical questions; 90% strongly agreed that the MRI-SSP influenced clinical decision making; there was a mixed response regarding which modality rheumatologists preferred for assessing synovitis (40% no preference, 30% MRI, 30% ultrasound) and this was independent of which rheumatologists performed ultrasound in clinic. Conclusion Overall, patients found MRI-SSP to be an acceptable investigation, and rheumatologists felt it helpful in clinical decision-making. Important factors affecting patient acceptability were scan length and comfort. In general, our results suggest that dedicated short MRI scanning protocols have the potential to improve the acceptability and accessibility of MRI for rheumatology patients. Disclosure N. Thorley: None. L. Dwyer-Hemmings: None. S. Singh: None. T.J.P. Bray: None. L. Bida: None. M.A. Hall-Craggs: None.

Comparison of post-op opioid use and pain between short and long cephalomedullary nails in elderly intertrochanteric fractures.

It remains unknown if cephalomedullary nail (CMN) length has an impact on pain and opioid use following fixation. Given the lack of level I evidence favoring a specific CMN length to prevent adverse surgical outcomes, we investigated if CMN length impacts acute postoperative pain and opioid use. The authors hypothesize that the use of longer CMNs results in increased pain scores and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) intake during the 0-24h (h) and 24-36h postoperative period. A retrospective chart review was performed from 2010 to 2020 of patients ≥ 65years-old who underwent CMN for IT fractures and fractures with subtrochanteric extension (STE). We compared patients who received short and long CMNs using numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores and MME intake at 0-24h and 24-36h postoperatively. 330 patients receiving short (n = 155) and long (n = 175) CMNs met criteria. CMN length was found to not be associated with higher pain scores in the early postoperative phase. However, patients with long CMNs received higher MME from 0-24h (25.4% estimated mean increase, p value = 0.02) and 24-36h (22.3% estimated mean increase, p value = 0.04) postoperatively, even after adjusting for covariates, gender, and age. Patients with long CMNs received greater MME postoperatively. Additionally, differences in pain and MME were not significantly different between patients with and without STE, suggesting our findings were not influenced by this pattern. These results suggest longer CMNs are associated with higher acute postoperative opioid intake among patients with IT fractures. Therapeutic level III.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral costal margin block in laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy: A double-blind randomized trial

BackgroundUltrasound-guided costal margin block (CMB) is a superficial and easily applicable technique. The current study aims to investigate its analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and describe its feasibility. MethodsForty-two patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized to receive standard general anesthesia with (block group, n = 21) or without (control group, n = 21) ultrasound-guided bilateral CMB. The primary outcome was 24-h intravenous morphine equivalents after surgery. Secondary outcomes included consumption of titrated morphine, 24–48 h morphine equivalents, consumption of intraoperative remifentanil, numerical pain rating scale scores, time to first opioid dose, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and recovery events. ResultsThe postoperative 24-h morphine equivalents in the block group were significantly reduced compared to the control group (14.4 ± 7.4 mg vs. 29.9 ± 9.8 mg, p < 0.001). Both the titrated morphine consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and intraoperative remifentanil consumption were lower in the block group than in the control group. Patients in the block group had relatively lower average pain scores in PACU and reported more satisfaction with pain relief. Adverse effects and hospital length of stay after surgery were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionAs a novel and easily-performed technique, ultrasound-guided bilateral CMB can reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy.

Persistent incisional pain at 1 year after craniotomy: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThere have been few reports on persistent incisional pain at 1 year after craniotomy. Hence, this study aimed to explore the distribution of pain at 1 year after elective craniotomy and its related factors.MethodsThis retrospective study included data prospectively collected to assess postoperative functional disability. We included patients aged > 55 years at the time of recruitment for our initial study and who had complete data regarding the pain numeric rating scale (NRS) score at 1 year post craniotomy. The primary outcome was the pain NRS score, which was assessed at the postanesthetic clinic as well as at 3 months and 1 year after craniotomy. Multivariable negative binomial regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between the pain NRS score at 1 postoperative year and 12 clinically meaningful covariates. These included the Short Form-8 scores for bodily pain and mental health, with higher scores indicating better health.ResultsWe analyzed data from 102 patients. The mean (95% confidence interval) pain NRS scores at the three measurement points were 2.8 (2.3–3.3), 1.2 (0.8–1.6), and 0.6 (0.3–0.8), respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative bodily pain (risk ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.98) and the pain NRS score at the postanesthetic clinic (risk ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.52) were associated with the risk of persistent pain at 1 postoperative year.ConclusionsThe pain score at 1 year after elective craniotomy was minor; however, preoperative bodily pain and postoperative pain scores were significantly related factors.

The Relationship Between Frailty and Functional Outcomes, Range of Motion, and Reoperation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether frailty is associated with functional outcomes, motion, and reoperation at a minimum of 2 years after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for proximal humerus fracture. We performed a retrospective study of 153 patients who underwent rTSA for proximal humerus fracture at two level 1 trauma centers from 2003 to 2018 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Frailty was assessed using the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI). The primary outcome variable was the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score at minimum 2-year follow-up. The secondary outcome variables were the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), the Shoulder Subjective Value (SSV), the 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, surgical complication, and reoperation. Bivariate comparisons were made between mFI and outcome variables. The mean age of the 153 patients was 70 years, and 76% were women. Forty patients (26%) had a mFI score of 0, 65 patients (42%) had a mFI score of 1, 40 patients (26%) had a mFI score of 2, and 8 patients (5%) had a mFI score of 3. Twenty-seven patients (18%) had complications, and 21 patients (14%) underwent reoperation. At minimum 2-year follow-up, mFI was not associated with ASES shoulder score, SPADI, SPADI pain or disability subscales, SSV, NRS pain score, active and passive shoulder forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation, complication, or reoperation. Provided they survive the initial physiologic insults of trauma and surgery, patients with higher mFI scores treated with rTSA for proximal humerus fracture can expect similar medium-term restoration of shoulder function. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(5):274-279.].

The analgesic effect of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol versus inhalational anaesthesia for acute postoperative pain after hepatectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative pain control can be challenging in patients undergoing hepatectomy. A previous retrospective study on hepatobiliary/ pancreatic surgeries showed better postoperative pain control in patients who received propofol TIVA. The aim of this study was to determine the analgesic effect of propofol TIVA for hepatectomy. This clinical study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03597997).MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was performed to compare the analgesic effect of propofol TIVA versus inhalational anaesthesia. Patients aged between 18 and 80 years old with an American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status of I-III scheduled for elective hepatectomy were recruited. Ninety patients were randomly allocated to receive either propofol TIVA (TIVA group) or inhalational anaesthesia with sevoflurane (SEVO group). Perioperative anaesthetic/analgesic management was the same for both groups. Numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores, postoperative morphine consumption, quality of recovery, patient satisfaction and adverse effects were evaluated during the acute postoperative period and at 3 and 6 months after surgery.ResultsNo significant differences were found for acute postoperative pain scores (both at rest and during coughing) and postoperative morphine consumption between TIVA and SEVO groups. Patients given TIVA had lower pain scores with coughing at 3 months after surgery (p = 0.014, and FDR < 0.1). TIVA group was associated with better quality of recovery on postoperative day (POD) 3 (p = 0.038, and FDR < 0.1), less nausea (p = 0.011, and FDR < 0.1 on POD 2; p = 0.013, and FDR < 0.1 on POD 3) and constipation (p = 0.013, and FDR < 0.1 on POD 3).ConclusionPropofol TIVA did not improve acute postoperative pain control compared to inhalational anaesthesia in patients who underwent hepatectomy. Our results do not support the use of propofol TIVA for reducing acute postoperative pain after hepatectomy.