Postoperative Pain

Postoperative pain is a common and expected consequence of surgical procedures, particularly those involving bone or extensive tissue manipulation, characterized by an acute increase in pain intensity during the early recovery phase. It is typically assessed using tools like the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) or morphine sulfate equivalent consumption and is influenced by factors including anesthesia type, surgical technique, and patient-specific variables. Pain often peaks within the first 2 to 5 days post-surgery and may persist longer in cases involving nonunion corrections or skin graft harvesting, where additional tissue trauma contributes to heightened discomfort. While generally temporary, postoperative pain can be significant and requires effective management to support recovery and prevent chronicity.