[Implementation of standardized postoperative pain therapy for orthopaedic patients. Comparison between unsystematic and standardized pain therapy].
BACKGROUND
The painless clinic and postoperative pain therapy are currently major issues in the management of surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of a standardized pain therapy on the postoperative pain level after orthopaedic procedures.


METHODS
We investigated two different groups of patients who underwent an orthopaedic surgical procedure. Group 1 (n = 249) received a pain therapy which was based on an individual and surgery-dependent concept whereas group 2 (n = 243) was treated with a standardized pain therapy concept. The effect of the treatment was monitored with a VAS-based protocol.


RESULTS
Up to day 9 after surgery there was a significant difference between the two groups in regard to the postoperative pain. The patients of group 2 had less pain but had more unwanted side effects caused by the pain therapy during the first 3 days after surgery. Mobility and mental disposition were positively affected.


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of a standardized pain therapy is successful in reducing postoperative pain. Mobility and mental disposition are also influenced positively. As a consequence the incidence of unwanted side effects is rising.
Goebel
S
S
Orthopädische Klinik, König-Ludwig-Haus, Brettreichstrasse 11, 97074 Würzburg. s-goebel.klh@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Wollmerstedt
N
N
Lobmüller
A
A
Walther
M
M
Kirschner
S
S
Eulert
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult