Synopsis Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine>10°, as measured using the Cobb method on standing spinal radiograph. Surgical correction of scoliosis involves major orthopedic surgery and can lead to severe acute postoperative pain and persistent neuropathic pain. The current mainstays of treating postoperative pain following scoliosis surgery are systemic opioids, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and regional anesthetic techniques.
Gabapentin, an effective drug for neuropathic pain, has been recently studied in acute postoperative settings including spinal surgery in adults. Therefore, the study aimed at exploring the probable question of whether opioids can be used for post-operative pain in pediatric scoliosis. This week's 'MED FACT' discusses a clinical trial from Pediatric Anesthesia , “ Analgesic effects of gabapentin after scoliosis…
