Table 3

Comparison of post operative pain and nausea and vomiting scores

Post operative pain and nausea scores

FNC group (n = 27)

PCA only group (n = 21)

Statistical significance

Average pain score (VRS)

3.8 (2.6, 4.6)

3.4 (2.7, 4.8)

NS

% pain scores above 3

45.3 ± 24.3*

48.5 ± 25.9

NS

Day 0 highest reported pain score

7.2 ± 1.7

8.36 ± 1.7

p < .017 Effect size medium, r = .35

Day 1 highest reported pain score

6 (6,7)

8 (6,9)

p < .034 Effect size medium, r = .31

Day 2 highest reported pain score

3.6 ± 2.1

4.3 ± 2.8

NS

% PONV scores above 0 **

3.3 (3,12.5)

6.4 (0,14)

NS

*Mean ± SD, or median (IQR: 25,75), reported according to normality

**Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was classified as either: none (0), mild - intermittent nausea (1), moderate - dry retching (2) or, severe - vomiting (3).

Fetherston and Ward Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2011 6:7   doi:10.1186/1749-799X-6-7