Characterization of interventional rehabilitation procedures for chronic pain management in workers, performed during the year 2022 at the Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago: a case series

Abstract

Introduction: Interventional procedures have become a common alternative for the management of moderate to severe non-cancer chronic pain, aiming to relieve pain and improve functionality. No interventional rehabilitation procedure (IRP) series have been described in Chile. Our objective was to characterize the IRP performed in 2022 at the Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago (HTS) for the management of chronic pain associated with work-related conditions. Material or Patients and Methods: This study was an observational case se­ries. We included HTS Rehabilitation Department users with chronic pain who received any type of IRPs. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. Pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Results: A total of 112 patients were included, 63 women and 49 men, with a mean age of 50.28 years (range 29-75). Nociceptive pain was reported in 38.39% of patients, neuropathic pain in 28.57%, and mixed pain in 33.04%. At the time of the IRP, 54.46% of patients were undergoing regular mental health follow-up. Peripheral nerve blocks were administered to 29.05% of the patients. Ultrasound guidance was used in 24 cases (21.43%). Conclusion: This study offers an initial overview of IRPs utilized in managing work-related chronic pain. Further research is required to assess their effectiveness in this population.