Postoperative pain following hospital discharge after knee replacement surgery: a patient survey

SUMMARY

To determine patients' pain experience and potential barriers to effective pain relief after discharge.

Cross-sectional survey at weeks 2 and 4 to consecutive patients after discharge following total knee arthroplasty on pain severity; use of pain medication and nonpharmacological strategies; side effects and perceptions of pain medication; adequacy of information; and patient satisfaction.

We recruited 105 participants (response rate: 94%). During the first 2 weeks at home, 40% of the participants experienced frequent severe-extreme pain and 20% of the participants reported that this was the most painful period. There was no/inadequate information on pain medication for 30% of the participants and nonpharmacological strategies for pain relief for 60% of the participants. Many participants had misconceptions about pain medications. More no to mild pain participants walked or exercised their knees longer daily, or were satisfied with pain relief since returning home, compared with moderate-severe pain participants.

Following discharge for total knee replacement, there was suboptimal use of pain medication and nonpharmacological strategies, probably leading to unnecessary pain, reduced mobility, limited therapeutic exercise and patient dissatisfaction.