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Analysis of Risk Factors for Ipsilateral Shoulder Pain and Pain Intensity After Thoracic Surgery
Jia-Hao Li1, Jia-Hao Liu1, Hong-Rui Zhan1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China, sysu.edu.cn.
Pain Research & Management
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) is common after thoracic surgery, affecting 44.1% of patients. Middle age, segmentectomy, and anxiety are key risk factors, with anxiety significantly increasing pain intensity.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pain Management
- Postoperative Care
Background:
- Ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) is a frequent complication following thoracic surgery.
- Understanding the determinants of ISP is crucial for effective postoperative management and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the independent risk factors associated with the occurrence and intensity of ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
- To explore the relationship between psychological factors, surgical procedures, and demographic characteristics and ISP.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 204 patients undergoing thoracic surgery was assessed.
- Data collected included demographics, Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and ISP occurrence using the Brief Pain Inventory.
- Regression analysis was employed to determine independent risk factors for ISP.
Main Results:
- The incidence of ISP was 44.1% in the study population.
- Independent risk factors for ISP occurrence included age group 41-60 years and segmentectomy.
- Postoperative anxiety scores were significantly and positively correlated with ISP pain intensity, with each 1-point increase in anxiety score corresponding to an average increase of 0.158 points in pain intensity.
Conclusions:
- The high incidence of ISP after minimally invasive lung surgery necessitates attention during postoperative rehabilitation.
- Middle age, segmentectomy, and anxiety are identified as independent risk factors for ISP.
- Anxiety levels demonstrate a linear and positive correlation with ISP pain scores, highlighting the importance of psychological support.
