Published online Aug 18, 2022. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i8.703
Peer-review started: October 1, 2021
First decision: January 11, 2022
Revised: January 28, 2022
Accepted: July 22, 2022
Article in press: July 22, 2022
Published online: August 18, 2022
Processing time: 319 Days and 10.4 Hours
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between the quantity of opioid consumption in relation to visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores both pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The amount of opioids prescribed after orthopaedic procedures vary widely in the literature, and only a few established guidelines exist that have standardized acceptable duration and magnitude of opioid use. Our findings showed that patients ceased to depend on opioids between postoperative days 15-30 compared to their preoperative consumption status, which correlated to a mean VAS pain score of 3.15. This information can be used to set patient expectations and allows surgeons to tailor their prescribing habits based on pain intensity reported by their patients.
The impact of opioids has gained significant clinical and research interest given their potential to prognosticate postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the relationship between opioid use and pain is essential given the shifting emphasis placed upon health safety and quality.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between the quantity of opioid consumption in relation to VAS pain scores both pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing primary THA. We hypothesize that both opioid consumption and VAS pain scores will decrease for all patients following surgery when compared to their preoperative status.
Administer surverys to aassociate VAS pain scores with opioiid pill consumption.
Our findings showed that patients ceased to depend on opioids between postoperative days 15-30 compared to their preoperative consumption status, which correlated to a mean VAS pain score of 3.15.
This information can be used to set patient expectations and allows surgeons to tailor their prescribing habits based on pain intensity reported by their patients.
Future research should aim to consider other patient factors that influence pain severity. Our current understanding of the independent impact of pain on opioid consumption after THA remains inconclusive.