Prevalence and factors associated with severe pain in the postoperative period of orthopedic surgery

Rev Bras Enferm. 2026 Jun 12;79:e20250090. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2025-0090. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: to determine prevalence and associated factors of severe pain in postoperative orthopedic surgery patients.

METHODS: a cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study was conducted at a university hospital in São Paulo with 63 postoperative orthopedic surgery patients. Clinical, demographic, and lifestyle variables were collected. The presence of severe pain was assessed using the Numerical Verbal Scale, considering scores ≥7 for severe pain. Statistical analysis employed the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's chi-square, and Logistic Regression tests.

RESULTS: the prevalence of severe pain was 63.5% (95% Confidence Interval: 51.6% to 75.4%). An association was found between mobilization and severe pain. Physical activity was a protective factor against severe pain (Odds Ratio=0.3; 95% Confidence Interval=0.1 to 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of severe pain was high and associated with mobilization, with prior physical activity being identified as a protective factor.

PMID:42307365 | DOI:10.1590/0034-7167-2025-0090