Factors affecting central sensitization inventory score before surgery for distal radius fractures

Volar locking plate fixation enables early postoperative return to daily activities. However, from the patient's perspective, undergoing surgery can pose substantial challenges. In particular, the perioperative period is considered a time of high psychological stress. The central sensitization inventory (CSI) score is an assessment tool for psychosocial factors in pain. In the present study, the utility of CSI scores for assessing the psychosocial factors influencing patients' status before surgery for distal radius fracture (DRF) were evaluated. This study included 22 patients who underwent volar locking plate fixation of DRF. Before surgery, data on sex, side of injury, fracture type, age, interval (in days) from injury to evaluation, numerical rating scale (NRS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score and CSI score were collected. We analyzed the relationship between each evaluation item and CSI score. There were no significant associations between CSI score and sex (P=0.389), side of injury (P=0.774), fracture type (P=0.063), interval from injury to evaluation (P=0.529, r=-0.142) and Q-DASH score (P=0.385, r=0.195). On the other hand, significant associations between CSI score and age (P=0.049, r=0.424) and NRS (P=0.003, r=0.607) were found. CSI scores were significantly associated with age and NRS before volar locking plate fixation for DRF. Mental stress management and nociceptive pain relief for elderly patients may be useful in preoperative patient care.