Risk factors for postoperative pain in the first three weeks after arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder surgery is a painful procedure. Adequate postoperative pain control increases patient satisfaction. The objectives of this study were to investigate postoperative pain development in shoulder surgery and to assess risk factors for high postoperative pain.

HYPOTHESIS

Patients who undergo rotator cuff repair are more painful than patients who undergo different kinds of shoulder surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four hundred and sixty five patients who underwent shoulder surgery were included in this retrospective cohort study. A linear mixed model analysis was used to compare NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) for pain between different kinds of shoulder surgery in the first three weeks postoperatively. To assess risk factors for high postoperative pain odds ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

Pain development in the first 3 weeks differed between procedures with rotator cuff repair being the most painful procedure. Risk factors for high postoperative pain were female sex and subacromial decompression with distal clavicle resection.

DISCUSSION

Patients who undergo rotator cuff repair are indeed more painful than patients who undergo different kinds of shoulder surgery. With identifying these differences in pain development and the risk factors for high postoperative pain after shoulder surgery, we can optimize postoperative pain treatment. However, further research is needed to support these results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective cohort study.