Does nonarticlar tenderness change after bariatric surgery?

BACKGROUND

A previous study reported an association between obesity and increased tenderness. However, the effect of weight reduction on tenderness is not known. The aim of the study was to assess tenderness thresholds before and after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

42 obese women were evaluated for tenderness before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. A count of 18 tender points at 9 symmetrical sites was performed by thumb palpation. 13 point sites (9 tender point sites and 4 control sites) were further studied using a dolorimeter.

RESULTS

The obese subjects displayed increased tenderness before surgery and its level did not change 6 months later. The mean tender point count before surgery was 8.8+/-3.9 and after surgery was 8.3+/-4.3 (P=0.500). The mean tenderness thresholds at nine tender points were 4.0+/-1.1 and 3.8+/-1.1, respectively (P=0.247).

CONCLUSION

Nonarticular tenderness in obese women remained high after weight reduction. These findings are relevant to physicians taking care of obese patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between weight reduction and pain thresholds.