Pediatric Perioperative Pain Management

Abstract

Effective perioperative pain control in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery remains a challenge. Developing a successful pain control regimen begins preoperatively with assessment of the patient and discussion with the patient and family regarding expectations. Perioperative pain control regimens are customized based on the type of surgery, patient characteristics, and anticipated severity and duration of the postoperative pain. Recent study focuses on multimodal strategies and regional anesthesia options, allowing for decreased opioid use. This article provides an evidence-based overview of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative pain control for the pediatric orthopedic patient.

Keywords: Analgesia; Multimodal pain management; Pediatric acute pain; Pediatric anesthesia; Pediatric orthopedic surgery; Regional anesthesia.