Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Acute to chronic postoperative pain in children: preliminary findings
Michelle A Fortier1, Jody Chou, Eva L Maurer
1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA. mfortier@uci.edu
Insights
Approximately 13% of children experience chronic postoperative pain, often after orthopedic surgery. This pain can last for months and impact daily activities, highlighting the need for preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic postoperative pain is a recognized issue with negative consequences.
- The incidence of chronic pain in pediatric surgical patients is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of chronic pain in children following surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 113 children and their parents.
- Data collection focused on the persistence and characteristics of post-surgical pain.
Main Results:
- Around 13% of children reported chronic postoperative pain, predominantly after orthopedic surgery.
- Pain typically began immediately post-surgery, was localized, intermittent, and lasted a median of 4.1 months.
- Nearly half experienced daily pain, with up to 30% reporting functional interference (e.g., sleep, activities).
Conclusions:
- Preventative measures are crucial given the significant number of children at risk.
- Further large-scale prospective cohort studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Background/Purpose:
Chronic postoperative pain is a well-established clinical phenomenon that is associated with adverse outcomes. The incidence of this clinical phenomenon in children, however, is not well established. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of chronic pain in children after surgery.
Methods:
Following a screening process, a total of 113 children and their parents were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding persistence and characteristics of pain after surgery were obtained.
Results:
Approximately 13% of the children, most of whom underwent orthopedic procedures, reported the existence of symptoms of chronic postoperative pain. Most of the children indicated that the pain started immediately after surgery, was localized to the surgery site, and was intermittent. Children reported a median duration of pain of 4.1 months, and approximately half of the children experienced pain most days of the week. Up to 30% of the children reported interference of pain in functioning in areas such as extracurricular activities and sleep.
Discussion:
Given the large number of children at risk for experiencing chronic postoperative pain, preventative efforts are necessary. Large-scale cohort prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of this cross-sectional study.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management