We performed a randomized nonblinded, cross-over comparison
of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with conventional
intramuscular analgesia in 10 adolescents (13-18 years) undergoing
spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. PCA use afforded
more effective pain control (p < 0.02) on a 10-point
linear pain intensity scale than did intramuscular injections,
while causing an equal amount of sedation and no side effects.
PCA appears to be a promising technique for providing postoperative
pain relief in this group of adolescents. Further studies
are needed to define its role for other pediatric conditions.
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