Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) Surgery in Postamputation Pain Management
Published on: March 15, 2024
Neuropathic Pain after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Mohd Shahnaz Hasan1, Khean Jin Goh2, Hing Wa Yip1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Study Design:
Prospective study.
Purpose:
To investigate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of chronic neuropathic pain symptoms using painDETECT questionnaire in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery.
Overview Of Literature:
Post-lumbar surgery syndrome is a disease entity that describes neuropathic pain following spinal surgery. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for neuropathic pain in pediatric population undergoing corrective spinal surgery.
Methods:
Forty AIS patients were recruited. Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were recorded. The magnitude and characteristics of postoperative pain were assessed using the painDETECT questionnaire through telephone enquiries at intervals of 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Statistical analyses were followed by Pearson correlation test to determine the relationship between pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 weeks with the risk factors.
Results:
Based on the painDETECT questionnaire, 90% of the patients had nociceptive pain, and 10% had a possible neuropathic pain component at 2 weeks postoperatively as per a mean painDETECT score of 7.1±4.5. Assessments at 6, 12, and 24 weeks showed that no patients had neuropathic pain with painDETECT scores of 4.4±3.2, 2.9±2.9, and 1.5±2.0, respectively. There was a significant correlation between total postoperative morphine use during 48 hours after the surgery and a tendency to develop neuropathic pain (p=0.022).
Conclusions:
Chronic neuropathic pain was uncommon in AIS patients who had undergone PSF surgery. Higher opioid consumption will increase the possibility of developing chronic neuropathic pain.
