Expectations, Experiences and Attitudes of Orthopedic Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction toward Postoperative Pain and Its Management
Sasikaan Nimmaanrat MD, MMed (Pain Mgt)*, Boonsin Tangtrakulwanich MD, PhD**, Thunchanok Wanasuwannakul MD*, Thanarat Boonriong MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand ** Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate expectations, experiences, and attitudes of orthopedic patients undergoing arthroscopic cruciate
ligament reconstruction in terms of postoperative pain and management.
Material and Method: This prospective study involved 115 patients. Preoperatively, patients completed a preoperative
questionnaire regarding expectations toward postoperative pain and management. Postoperatively, they completed a
postoperative questionnaire regarding exact pain experiences and attitudes in relation to their pain and management.
Results : Almost all expected (95.6%) and experienced (98.3%) pain. The median values of maximum and average pain
measured by a verbal numerical rating score were 7.7 and 5.6, respectively. Approximately 3/5 reported marked and
maximum relief from analgesics received. Only one patient was not satisfied with pain management while the rest were
satisfied in varying degrees. A large proportion showed incorrect conceptions concerning postoperative pain and management.
Conclusion : Postoperative pain management is still an area for improvement. Misunderstandings of patients should be
explored and corrected as they can pose a barrier for effective pain relief. Pain management should begin with preoperative
explanations and advice followed by good care intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Keywords : Expectations, Experiences, Attitudes, Arthroscopic cruciate ligament reconstruction, Postoperative pain, Postoperative pain management
