As many as 20 percent of total knee replacement surgery patients experience persistent pain for up to six months after surgery, according to the report. The RUMC study enrolled 31 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. Persistent post-operative pain was defined as pain that occurred in the operate knee three to six months after surgery and that was rated four or higher on a 10-point rating scale.
The study also used two measures to assess patient mental health: the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score quality-of-life subscale and the Short Form-36 mental health subscale. The two scales’ scores were compared between patients with and without persistent postoperative pain at three, six and 12 months after surgery.
The study found that persistent post-operative pain was associated with poor mental health, with scores on the KOOS quality-of-life scale and SF-36 mental health subscale appearing significantly lower in patients with persistent post-operative pain. The researchers are now performing another study that examines the pre-operative factors that affect persistent post-operative pain.
Read the Anesthesiology News report on TKA and post-operative pain.
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