175. Discrepancy in patient-reported pain using the numeric pain scale and a percentage change to quantify treatment effectiveness after pain injections

• Published in: The spine journal 2020-09, Vol.20 (9), p.S86-S87
• Main Authors: Liabaud, Barthelemy, Ralhan, Puneet, Khanal, Sirish, Beaufort, Andrew, Lavian, Joshua D., Agarwal, Sanjeev
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1529-9430; 1878-1632
• DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.05.586

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRPS) may not match with patient-reported percentage pain reduction (PRPPP) at 1 to 4 weeks follow-up, as these patients may be reporting a higher estimated percentage improvement compared to the value calculated from their pain scores The objective of this study was to calculate patients’ pain level prior to and after various fluoroscopic injections using the NRPS. The calculated percent change was then compared to a patient-reported percent change. Our hypothesis was that there is a statistically significant difference in calculated NRPS vs patient-reported percentage change. The discrepancy between calculated percent change compared to the patient reported percent change was studied since accurately assessing patient reported pain impacts clinical management of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain This is a retrospective study using patient reported pre- and postinjection NRPS value were used to calculate a percent change in overall pain ([pre-post)/post] x 100). The calculated percent change was rounded to the nearest degree. This calculated percent change in pain was compared to the patient reported percent change (calculated % - reported %). An overall average change in calculated minus reported percent change was obtained for all the injections. A t-test was also performed to determine if there was a significant difference between the calculated percent change and the reported percent change. A total of 135 patients were included. The patient reported pre- and postinjection NRPS value were used to calculate a percent change in overall pain ([pre-post)/post] x 100). This calculated percent change in pain was compared to the patient reported percent change (calculated % - reported %). A total of 135 patients who underwent spinal corticosteroid injections under fluoroscopic-guidance between 2015 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patient reported pre- and postinjection NRPS value were used to calculate a percent change in overall pain ([pre-post)/post] x 100). This calculated percent change in pain was compared to the patient reported percent change (calculated % - reported %). An overall average change in calculated minus reported percent change was obtained for all the injections. Univariate analysis was utilized to compare the calculated percent change and the reported percent change. Data from 135 patient charts was analyzed with a total of 144 injections. This study included 36 males and 99 females. Th