[Can the postoperative pain level be predicted preoperatively?].
OBJECTIVE
We searched for factors present preoperatively which could be used to predict the intensity of postoperative pain.


METHODS
We undertook a prospective study among all patients aged over 18 years who underwent shoulder surgery from January to September 2004 in our unit. The study included 86 patients for which the following data were noted preoperatively: past history of pain, intensity and duration of prior pain, triggering factors, localization, psychological context. The intensity of the postoperative pain was measured on a visual analog scale (VAS); measurements were noted up to 24 hours postop then at one month. Data processing was performed with Statview5.5.


RESULTS
Significant postoperative pain was correlated with a prior history of surgical pain, with duration of prior pain, with intensity of preoperative pain, and with depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant sustained preoperative pain can favor memory of pain leading to postoperative sensitivization of nociception neurons. Intense postoperative pain can favor the development of refractory chronic pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant postoperative pain can be expected in the following situations: pain after prior surgery, presence of chronic pain sustained for more than six months, intense preoperative pain, state of depression.
Dambreville
A
A
Service de chirurgie orthopédique et chirurgie du sport, Hôpital de l'Archet 2, CHU de Nice, 151, route de Saint-Antoine-de-Ginestière, 06202 Nice. alain.dambreville@wanadoo.fr
Blay
M
M
Carles
M
M
Hovorka
I
I
Boileau
P
P
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D009294:Narcotics; D000082:Acetaminophen; D009020:Morphine