Pain perception, opioid consumption and mobility following lateral compression pelvic ring injuries: a two-year prospective cohort study.

Purpose: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to gain insight into the course of recovery in terms of pain, opioid consumption, and mobility in patients with a lateral compression (LC) pelvic injury.

Methods: Adult patients with an LC injury, without any cognitive disorders or limited mobility and who could communicate in Dutch were asked to participate. Pain in terms of NRS (numeric rating scale, range 0-10), opioid use and mobility were recorded at eight time points: at hospital admission, and three days, one week, six weeks, three months, six months, one year and two years after the injury. A sub-analysis was performed for nonoperatively and operatively treated patients.

Results: Ninety-seven patients were included, of which 23 (24%) were treated operatively and 74 (76%) conservatively. Pain at rest and exertion, were highest upon admission (mean NRS of 3.4 (SD = 2.6) and 4.4 (SD = 2.8), respectively) but decreased within six weeks (mean NRS of 0.8 (SD = 1.6) and 2.0 (2.0), respectively). After two years, the mean NRS was 0.5 (SD = 1.6) and 0.9 (SD = 2.1), respectively. Upon admission, 85% were given opioids, however only 11% used opioids after three months and 4% after two years. At three months, 35% were walking using walking aids and 58% were walking independently. After two years, 98% were walking independently.

Conclusions: Pain rapidly decreased within the first six weeks. Most patients did not need opioids after three months. Furthermore, most patients were walking with walking aids after six weeks. After two years, few patients experienced pain, used opioids or had difficulties walking.