Transcutaneous nerve stimulation for the treatment of postoperative pain

Postoperative pain and rehabilitation parameters were compared in groups of patients with or without transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) after orthopedic surgery. There was a subjective improvement, but only a non significant difference in opiate requirements with the use of TENS postoperatively; rehabilitation parameters turned out to be of limited value in evaluating its effect. Two patients had an allergic reaction after the use of TENS for postoperative pain relief.