Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2003 Apr;20(2):237-56.
doi: 10.1016/S0891-8422(03)00005-3.

Preemptive analgesia in foot and ankle surgery

Affiliations
Review

Preemptive analgesia in foot and ankle surgery

Jill A Frerichs et al. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2003 Apr.

Abstract

Central neuroplasticity, or changes in CNS processing due to surgical nociception. can amplify postoperative pain. As a result, a hyperalgesic state called wind-up can occur, having debilitating effects on postoperative patients. Preemptive analgesia works to prevent this process and results in a more positive surgical experience. Inhibition of afferent pain pathways by use of local anesthetic blocks, altered perception of pain with opioid use, and inhibition of pain pathways by NMDA receptor antagonists are examples of preemptive analgesia. Using a combination of preemptive modalities and addressing patients' perceptions can aid in interrupting pathologic pain cycles. Positive and modest results have been obtained from animal and human preemptive trials, yet basic pathophysiology demonstrates the validity and importance of preemptive analgesia. Future studies are needed to test effective blockade of afferent input while controlling perception, hyperalgesia, and NMDA receptor activity. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research now recommends a multifaceted approach to postoperative pain. The goal in pain management is to inhibit destructive pain pathways, maintain intraoperative analgesia, and prevent central sensitization. Preliminary results of multimodal preemptive analgesia trials continue to be promising.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by