Pain and Functionality Following Sternotomy: A Prospective 12-Month Observational Study.

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Surgical Outcomes
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Sternotomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Persistent post-sternotomy pain is a significant concern for patient recovery.
• Understanding factors contributing to chronic pain is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document pain, functionality, and analgesic use for 12 months post-sternotomy.
• To identify factors associated with persistent post-sternotomy pain.
• To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of post-sternotomy pain.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 110 patients undergoing sternotomy.
• Data collected via telephone interviews at 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.
• Initial survey included patient history, psychological scales, and pain catastrophizing.

Main Results:

• High incidence of moderate-severe pain in the early post-discharge period (30% at 10 days, 11% at 6 weeks).
• At 12 months, 15.5% reported mild pain and 0.9% moderate-severe pain.
• Neuropathic pain was reported by 41.2% of patients with daily pain at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Persistent post-sternotomy pain is prevalent at 12 months.
• Further research is needed on intensive post-discharge pain management.
• Early identification of neuropathic pain symptoms may reduce chronic pain incidence.