Nocturnal Pain in Elbow Disorders May Predict Sleep Quality
Overview
A study involving 664 patients with elbow disorders found that 81% reported nocturnal pain, which was associated with poor sleep quality. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score was 7, indicating significant sleep disturbances across various elbow pathologies.
Background
Elbow disorders can significantly impact patients' quality of life, with nocturnal pain being a common complaint. Poor sleep quality is linked to increased pain and functional disability, making it crucial to understand the relationship between these factors in managing elbow conditions.
Data Highlights
The study enrolled 664 adult patients with elbow disorders, with 81% reporting nocturnal pain. The mean PSQI score was 7, indicating poor sleep quality. Poor sleep was common across all major diagnostic categories, with up to 70% of patients exceeding the threshold for poor sleep quality.
Key Findings
- 81% of patients with elbow disorders reported experiencing nocturnal pain.
- The mean PSQI score was 7, exceeding the threshold for poor sleep quality.
- Lateral epicondylar pain accounted for 66% of cases, followed by medial epicondylar pain and other conditions.
- There were no statistically significant differences in PSQI scores among different elbow pathologies.
- Worse sleep quality was associated with greater upper extremity disability and higher pain intensity.
- Sleep quality was not significantly associated with age, sex, body mass index, or symptom duration.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should assess sleep quality in patients with elbow disorders, as it may correlate with pain and functional impairment.
Conclusion
The study highlights the high prevalence of nocturnal pain and poor sleep quality in elbow disorders.
Related Resources & Content
- Schneider MM, et al., Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2026 -- Sleep quality and nocturnal pain in patients with elbow disorders: a prospective multicenter study
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- Sleep quality and nocturnal pain in patients with elbow disorders: a prospective multicenter study - PubMed
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- The bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis - PubMed
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