EFFECT OF REPETITIVE PERIPHERAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION ON POSTOPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL IN FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS) treatment on postoperative pain control after foot and ankle surgeries. METHODS: A controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at a tertiary hospital. 67 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgeries were randomized into two groups: a control group (CG) - placebo stimulation; and an experimental group (EG) - rPMS for 10 minutes using an intermittent stimulation protocol (10 cycles/5 seconds; 100 Hz; 55 seconds of rest). Stimulation was received for 5 consecutive days in the immediate postoperative period. Neuropathic Pain Score 4 (DN4), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) were administered on days D0, D5, D14, D30, and D90. Postoperative opioid consumption was compared between the groups. RESULTS: The most prevalent surgeries were in the forefoot (n=25). On DN4, the predominant pain was nociceptive (3.40 ± 1.54). Regarding pain, the VAS, BPI, and AOFAS scores demonstrated superior improvement in pain perception in the EG compared to the CG, with statistical significance. rPMS reduced postoperative opioid consumption. CONCLUSION: rPMS contributes to the control and reduction of pain perception and opioid consumption in the postoperative period of foot and ankle surgeries. Level of Evidence I; Randomized Clinical Trial.