Is Bone Surgery Painful?

In general, orthopaedic surgery itself should not be painful. The surgeon will numb the surgical site or the patient would be put to sleep using anaesthesia. 

Anaesthesia is a medical treatment used to prevent pain and discomfort during medical procedures or surgery. It involves the use of drugs or other methods to block nerve signals from reaching the brain, thus preventing the patient from feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Different Types of Anaesthesia

• General anaesthesia is administered through IV or breathing mask and is used for invasive procedures because it renders you completely unconscious. 
• Regional anaesthesia numbs specific parts of the body while you are otherwise awake, such as during an epidural (childbirth), spinal (lower limb surgeries), and nerve blocks (localised areas).
• Local anaesthesia is when an anaesthetic is injected around the surgical site to block pain signals, usually for minor procedures.

Healing From Surgery Can Be Painful

Everyone experiences pain differently. How much pain you feel during surgery can depend on your pain threshold, the type and extent of the surgery, and how well the pain is managed. 

Invasive surgeries tend to be more painful than non-invasive surgeries because they involve cutting through skin, muscle, and other tissues, which can result in significant pain during the healing process. Non-invasive surgeries, on the other hand, generally involve less disruption to the body and are associated with less pain.

Surgery involves damage to the body, which triggers the release of chemicals, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, and can cause pain and swelling. Surgery also sometimes involves trauma to nerves, which can cause a type of pain called neuropathic pain. This type of pain can be chronic and difficult to treat.

The body's natural response to surgery is to send more blood and fluid to the site of the incision to help with healing. This can cause swelling, which can also contribute to pain.

Pain after surgery is a normal part of the healing process, but there are many ways to manage it, including medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage. It's important to work with your healthcare team to develop a pain management plan that works for you.

Pain Management Techniques For Recovery

Pain management techniques are methods and strategies used to alleviate or reduce pain in a patient. There are several pain management techniques available after bone surgery. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Oral pain medications: These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, acetaminophen, and opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. These medications can help manage pain, but they can also have side effects and risks, particularly if used for an extended period.
• Nerve blocks: This involves the injection of medication near specific nerves that transmit pain signals. This can provide pain relief for a longer period than local anaesthesia.
• Cold therapy: This involves the application of a cold pack to the surgical site, which can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Physical therapy: This can help improve mobility and strength around the surgical site, which can reduce pain and improve overall healing.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This involves the use of a small device that sends electrical impulses to the nerves in the affected area, which can help reduce pain.

So, Is Bone Surgery Painful?

Bone surgery should not be painful, as the surgeon will use anaesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. There are several types of anaesthesia that could be used, depending on the location, length and complexity of the surgery, and the patient's medical history. 

After surgery, pain management is a critical aspect of the healing process, and there are various techniques and medications available to alleviate or reduce pain.