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Intra-articular Knee Injection Is Less Painful Than Expected
Assaf Albagli1, Ehud Rath1, Matias Vidra1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated with Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 17, 2024
Summary
Patients undergoing intra-articular knee injections (IAKI) experience significantly less pain than anticipated. Educating patients on expected pain levels may improve procedural compliance.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Intra-articular knee injections (IAKI) are common for diagnosis and therapy.
- IAKI can cause patient anxiety and fear.
- The difference between expected and actual pain during IAKI is not well-studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the difference between anticipated and experienced pain during IAKI.
- To explore factors influencing fear and anxiety related to IAKI.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 patients undergoing IAKI was studied.
- Patients recorded anticipated pain, experienced pain (Visual Analogue Scale - VAS), anxiety index, and fear factors.
- Injections were performed by an orthopedic specialist in an outpatient setting.
Main Results:
- A significant difference was found between expected pain (mean VAS 6.19) and experienced pain (mean VAS 2.07, P < 0.001).
- This pain difference was significant in both males and females.
- The delta between expected and experienced pain varied significantly between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Patients consistently underestimate the pain associated with IAKI.
- Educating patients about realistic pain expectations can reduce anxiety.
- Providing quantified pain information may enhance patient compliance with IAKI procedures.
