Predictors of moderate or severe pain 6 months after orthopaedic injury: a prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine predictors of moderate or severe pain 6 months after orthopaedic injury.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Two adult level 1 trauma centers in Victoria, Australia.


METHODS
A total of 1290 adults admitted with orthopaedic injuries and registered by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry.


METHODS
Participant self-reported pain and health status using an 11-point numerical rating scale and the 12-item Short-Form health survey, respectively.


RESULTS
The prevalence of moderate or severe pain was 48% [95% confidence interval (CI), 45-51] at discharge and 30% (95% CI, 28-33) at 6 months postinjury. Failure to complete high school [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9)], self-reported preinjury pain-related disability [AOR 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3-2.5)], eligibility for compensation [AOR 2.1 (95% CI, 1.6-2.8)], and moderate or severe pain at discharge from the acute hospital [AOR 2.4 (95% CI, 1.8-3.1)] were found to be independent predictors of moderate or severe pain at 6 months postinjury.


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate or severe pain is commonly reported 6 months after orthopaedic trauma. Pain intensity at discharge and the effects of a "no-fault" compensation system are potentially modifiable factors that might be addressed through intervention studies to reduce the burden of persistent pain after orthopaedic trauma.
Williamson
Owen D
OD
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Epi
Grad Dip Clin
GD
Gabbe
Belinda J
BJ
Physio
B
B
Cameron
Peter A
PA
Edwards
Elton R
ER
Richardson
Martin D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D016353:Self-Examination; D014193:Trauma Centers; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult