PEDIATRIC PAIN PATTERNS DURING ILIZAROV TREATMENT OF LIMB LENGTH DISCREPANCY AND ANGULAR DEFORMITY

The Ilizarov method of gradual incremental distraction of long-bone de formities has provided dramatic functional improvement in children, bu t its cost in terms of pain may be high. The intensity of pain experie nced and its progression with time was measured prospectively in 23 pa tients (age 11-20 years) by the Adolescent and Pediatric Pain Tool (AP PT) and the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) Pain Scale at four test i ntervals. These instruments were composed of visual analogue scales, b ody diagrams, and word lists. Results indicated high levels of pain ex tending over several months, in sharp contrast to the general orthoped ic pain experience, The prolongation of pain throughout the entire cor rection and consolidation processes must be recognized to ensure appro priate management, particularly in the outpatient setting.