A Study On Comparison Of Pain Score Between Upper Limb And Lower Limb Fractures

Introduction: Pain is the most common chief complaint of patients presenting to Emergency Department (ED). Pain is not simply a signal for tissue injury, but also a signal to seek repair and recuperation. The aim of this study was to determine whether upper limb (UL) or lower limb (LL) fracture has more pain and to evaluate the association between types of fracture (UL vs LL) with adequacy of pain relief. Methodology: A study was conducted from July to October 2005 in ED, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria were selected. Paramedics in charged were the assistants; at the same time became the observer. The paramedics were not involved in the decision making for pain management. Pain severity score was assessed by using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results: 42 patients were enrolled. 85.7% (n=36) were male and 14.3% were female. Mean age is 29.6 years old. Mean NRS on arrival for UL and LL fractures were 6.47 ± 1.70 and 7.80 ± 2.53 respectively. Mean NRS for mixed fractures (both UL and LL) was 7.60 ± 3.36. There was no statistically significant association between fracture sites and analgesic administration (p value=0.300). There were 70.6% and 70.0% of the patients with UL and LL fractures had adequate pain relief whereas 80% of patients with mixed fractures had adequate pain relief (p value= 0.902). Conclusion: LL and mixed fractures had more pain score on arrival but there was no statistically significant association between fracture sites and analgesics administration and no association between fracture sites with adequacy of pain relief.