[The influence of the local preemptive anesthesia on postoperative pain after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures].

BACKGROUND

Severe postoperative pain is one of the causes of prolonged hospitalization, rehabilitation and complications after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures. Preemptive local anesthesia is effective in reduction of postoperative pain in general surgery, neurosurgery, gynecology and orthopedic surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the role and effectiveness of preoperative local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical site in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures under general anesthesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

88 patients with acute distal radius intra-articular and unstable fractures were randomly assigned to receive preoperative infiltration of the surgical site with a mixture of local anesthetic agents or with saline. We measured the time from the fracture to surgery and intensity of pain at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the release of the tourniquet using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We noted all the side effects and the requirement for intravenous (IV) rescue analgesia. From analysis of chart review of their follow up visits at 2, 6 and 12 weeks we obtained DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, ROM (Range of Motion) of the wrist and grip strength of the hand.

RESULTS

The level of postoperative pain measured by the VAS scale decreased significantly during first 24 hours after surgery in the study group in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.05). We observed a positive correlation between the time elapsed between the fracture and surgery and the average VAS score in the study group. Chart review of follow up visits at 2, 6 and 12 weeks revealed significant decreased DASH score at 2 weeks and significant increased wrist flexion and extension at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Six patients from the control and three subjects from the experimental group used rescue analgesia. We did not observe any side effects of the drugs. In one patient from the control group, we noted complex regional pain syndrome in late follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Preemptive local anesthesia is effective in reduction of postoperative pain after ORIF of distal radius fractures within first 24 hours. The effectiveness of preemptive local anesthesia decreases with the time elapsed between the fracture and operation. It is safe and reduces the use of rescue analgesia.