The association of anesthetic method with developing back pain after lower extremity operations

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Anesthetic technique selection for lower extremity surgery is a debated topic among anesthesiologists.
• Postoperative back pain is a common concern following lower extremity procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence and severity of back pain between general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia.
• To identify factors contributing to postoperative back pain development.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 148 patients undergoing elective lower extremity surgery.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: general anesthesia (n=74) and spinal anesthesia (n=74).
• Back pain incidence and severity (using Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-operation.

Main Results:

• Overall incidence of back pain decreased from 35.8% at week 1 to 1.4% at week 8.
• The spinal anesthesia group exhibited a higher incidence and severity of back pain compared to the general anesthesia group, particularly in the first week.
• Significant differences in back pain incidence and severity were observed between the groups at week 1, and severity at week 4.

Conclusions:

• Spinal anesthesia appears to be a significant factor contributing to postoperative back pain.
• General anesthesia may be associated with a lower risk of developing back pain after lower extremity surgery.