Heterogeneity of social participation in patients three months after total knee arthroplasty: a latent profile analysis.

BACKGROUND: Social participation is an important index of rehabilitation and social reintegration in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, most existing studies focus on improving patients' functioning and activities, with only a few examining the social participation among patients after TKA. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the heterogeneity of social participation in patients three months after TKA and analyze subgroup influencing factors, to promote functional exercise and postoperative follow-up in specific patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 255 patients who underwent TKA in a Tertiary Hospital in Jinan City, China, from March to July 2022. Three months after having undergone TKA, participants' data were collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Chinese version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-rating Scale, and Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify categories of patients' social participation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the different subgroups. RESULTS: Three months after TKA, the patients were divided into three subgroups: low social participation group (17.9%), moderate social participation group (40.8%), and high social participation group (41.3%). The vast majority of patients who underwent TKA exhibited moderate-to-high level of social participation. The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed that age, degree of pain, knee function, and kinesiophobia were the influencing factors of the potential profiles of social participation in patients three months after TKA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results support a distinct categorical feature of social participation among patients three months after undergoing TKA. Medical staff need to provide targeted guidance according to the potential classification characteristics of social participation to improve the level of social participation and promote rehabilitation of patients.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Kinesiophobia in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Nonpharmacological methods are used in the management of pain and kinesiophobia following total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this double-blind randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of foot reflexology on pain and kinesiophobia in patients following total knee arthroplasty. A total of 40 patients (20 in the control group and 20 in the intervention group) were randomly assigned to either of two groups for the study. The intervention group was exposed to foot reflexology. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores decreased faster in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 80.417; p < .001; η2 = 0.685). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores decreased in the intervention group over time, while they increased in the control group (p < .05). While a gradual increase was observed in the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores in the control group, there was a decrease in the intervention group (F = 84.860; p < .001; η2 = 0.696). The amount of analgesics used was lower in the intervention group (p < .05). Foot reflexology can be applied as an effective and safe method to manage pain and kinesiophobia in total knee arthroplasty patients.

In risk we trust? Making decisions about knee replacement.

Risk communication is a key legal and ethical component of shared decision-making. Decisions about total knee replacement, a common surgery, must contend with the fact that a minority of cases result in unintended outcomes, some of which have devastating effects. To understand how risks are communicated during decision-making, we audio-recorded and analysed 62 consultations between surgeons and patients. Various communication methods were evident, including listing risks without elaboration, discussing them in a conversational manner, abrogating discussion of risk, or using decision-tools. Discussion of risks was often brief in nature, and risk communication was sometimes curtailed or deferred by both patients and surgeons. Risks could also be observed to play a part in reinforcing policy norms of the doctor-patient relationship that highlighted patient responsibility. Nevertheless, patients and surgeons in the observed consultations appeared more interested in developing trusting relationships than in discussing risks. Because patients had sometimes experienced considerable deterioration in their knee function before their consultation, were in pain and struggled with mobility, the realities of clinical practice clashed with the policy norms of choice and patient responsibility. Rather, decisions could appear coerced by the disease process rather than being clear-cut examples of self-determination. While policy norms putatively use risk disclosure to frame communication between patients and clinicians as a transaction between customer and technician, the lack of conformity to these norms in the consultations may indicate resistance to this framing. A greater emphasis on determining positive roles for trust and care would help policy to present a nuanced understanding of decision-making. Risk communication could be seen as a factor in the formation of trusting relationships, improving its role in decision-making processes while recognising its inherent tensions with practice.

'The unexpected journey': a qualitative interview study exploring patient and health professionals experiences of participating in the knee arthroplasty versus joint distraction study (KARDS).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the knee arthroplasty versus joint distraction (KARDS) randomised trial was to investigate whether knee joint distraction (KJD) is non-inferior to knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement (KR). Here we report the findings from qualitative interviews that were part of the planned KARDS process evaluation. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews with staff and participants in secondary care. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. FINDINGS: We were unable to complete the full-planned KARDS process evaluation as recruitment to the trial was closed early but key common themes emerged.Eleven members of staff were interviewed from two KARDS sites (eight initial interviews just after site opening and three follow-up interviews at 12 months). Eleven KARDS participants (six KR and five KJD) were interviewed. One overarching theme emerged: 'An unexpected journey'. This incorporated subthemes including 'an important research question', 'a roller coaster ride', 'lessons learnt', 'managing expectations' and 'a slow recovery'. These encapsulate experiences of both staff and participants. CONCLUSION: The information that we were able to collect highlights that providing adequate and comprehensive information about all aspects of treatment including estimated timelines of recovery are essential in clinical trials of novel interventions. Incorporating a comprehensive rehabilitation package following KJD was a key learning. Process evaluations in these complex trials are essential to determine issues as early as possible so appropriate changes can be made to ensure participants have a smooth journey through the trial experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14879004.

A preliminary examination of the effects of childhood abuse and resilience on pain and physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: We examined associations of a self-reported history of childhood abuse with pain and physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also explored the potential moderating effects of positive childhood experiences (PCEs), an index of resilience, on these associations. METHODS: Prior to TKA, participants with KOA awaiting surgery (N = 239) completed self-report measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), PCEs, pain, and physical functioning. We evaluated associations of pain and physical functioning (Brief Pain Inventory [BPI] and Western Ontario and McMaster University of Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) based on the experience of ACEs (childhood abuse), with PCEs (childhood happiness and supportive parental care) as potential moderators. RESULTS: Greater exposure to childhood abuse was positively correlated with BPI pain interference as well as WOMAC pain and functioning scores. Additionally, childhood happiness and supportive parental care moderated the positive associations of childhood abuse with pain and physical functioning; though, surprisingly, the adverse effects of childhood abuse on these outcomes were more pronounced among participants with high levels of childhood happiness and supportive parental care. CONCLUSION: Overall, results show an association between a self-reported history of childhood abuse and pain and functioning in patients with KOA awaiting TKA. However, PCEs did not protect against the negative consequences of childhood abuse in our cohort. Further research is needed to validate these associations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between childhood abuse and PCEs and their potential influences on pain experiences in adults with chronic pain conditions, including KOA.

Orthopaedic surgeons' attitude toward physical activity for people after total hip or knee replacement: Northern vs Southern European country.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) is a key factor of lifestyle behavior enhancing general health and fitness, especially in people after total hip or knee replacement (THR and TKR). Orthopaedic surgeons can play a primary role in advocating the benefits of an active lifestyle. Aim of the study was 1) to assess the attitude of orthopaedic surgeons towards PA for people after THR/TKR and 2) to compare the attitude between a Northern European (the Netherlands) and a Southern European (Italy) country and analyze which factors influence the attitude towards PA. METHODS: A cross-cultural study. An (online) survey was distributed among orthopaedic surgeons in Italy and the Netherlands. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare surgeons' and clinics' characteristics, and questionnaires' scores, respectively. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess which surgeon characteristics influence attitude towards PA. RESULTS: A cohort of 159 surgeons (103 Italians and 56 Dutch) was analyzed. The median score of overall orthopaedic surgeons' attitude towards PA was positive (57 out of 72). Dutch surgeons showed a more positive attitude compared to Italian surgeons (p < 0.01). Main difference was found in the "Physical activity concern" factor, where Italian surgeons showed more concern about the negative effects of PA on the survival of the prosthesis. The regression analyses showed that "Country" and "Type of clinic" were associated with the surgeons' attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the orthopaedic surgeons' attitude towards PA for people with THR and TKR was positive. However, Dutch surgeons seem to be more positive compared to the Italian. The country of residence was the item that most influenced attitude. Further investigations are needed to untangle specific factors, such as cultural, socioeconomic, or contextual differences within the variable "country" that may influence orthopaedic surgeons' attitudes towards PA.

What recovery domains are important following a total knee replacement? A qualitative, interview-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore people's views of recovery from total knee replacement (TKR) and which recovery domains they felt were important. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews exploring the views of individuals about to undergo or who have undergone TKR. A constant-comparative approach with thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The process of sampling, collecting data and analysis were continuous and iterative throughout the study, with interviews ceasing once thematic saturation was achieved. SETTING: Tertiary care centre. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample was used to account for variables including pre, early or late postoperative status. RESULTS: 12 participants were interviewed, 4 who were preoperative, 4 early postoperative and 4 late postoperative. Themes of pain, function, fear of complications, awareness of the artificial knee joint and return to work were identified. Subthemes of balancing acute and chronic pain were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this interview-based study identify pain and function, in particular mobility, that were universally important to those undergoing TKR. Surgeons should consider exploring these domains when taking informed consent to enhance shared decision-making. Researchers should consider these recovery domains when designing interventional studies.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Preoperative Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgical Experiences.

We qualitatively explored the impact of preoperative mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) experiences. Participants (n = 10) who received MBSR prior to TKA participated in semi-structured interviews concerning their experiences with MBSR and its perceived impact on surgery. We analyzed interviews according to reflexive thematic analysis, and coded data into three main themes: 1) Impact of MBSR on surgery experiences; 2) Contributors to change; and 3) Motivations for participation. Participants noted they were able to relax, feel more confident, and cope more effectively during the preoperative period, and that others in their lives noticed positive changes following their participation in MBSR. Participants' openness to mindfulness and health-related beliefs and may have contributed to the positive impacts they experienced from MBSR. Participants described being motivated to participate in MBSR to help them prepare for their surgery and to learn new coping strategies. Participants described a strong level of commitment to the intervention. With further research, integration of MBSR into prehabilitation for TKA may be appropriate.

The functional and psychological impact of delayed hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 89,996 patients.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of presurgical waiting times on pre-/post-operative joint specific pain and function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and perspectives of patients awaiting primary elective total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacements. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception until 30th January 2023 (CRD42022288128). Secondary literature and unpublished datasets containing paediatric, non-elective, partial, or revision replacement populations were excluded. PRISMA 2020 reporting and GRADE certainty of evidence guidelines were followed. Residual maximum likelihood meta-analysis and linear meta-regression was performed to elucidate the influence of presurgical waiting time. Twenty-six studies were eligible for systematic review and sixteen for meta-analysis, capturing 89,996 patients (60.6% female, mean age 67.4 years) between 2001 and 2022. A significant deterioration in joint function (mean difference (MD):0.0575%; 95% CI 0.0064, 0.1086; p = 0.028(4d.p.); I2 = 73.1%) and HRQOL (MD: 0.05%; 95% CI - 0.0001.0009; p = 0.011(4 d.p.); I2 = 80.6%) was identified per additional day of waiting. Despite qualitative evidence, meta-analysis could not observe a relationship with postoperative outcome data. Patient responses to delayed THR and TKR surgery were unanimously negative. Immediate action should seek to reduce the increased patient anxiety and significant reductions in pre-operative joint functionality and HRQOL associated with prolonged pre-surgical waiting time, whilst mitigating any potential deleterious post-operative effects.

Biopsychosocial complexity in patients scheduled for elective TKA surgery: A feasibility pilot study with the INTERMED self-assessment questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Primary aim; to determine the feasibility of implementation of the INTERMED Self-Assessment (IM-SA) in adult patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aim; to measure biopsychosocial complexity, referral to psychiatry or psychology in cases of complexity and to gain insight into the relation between biopsychosocial complexity and length of stay (LOS), method of discharge (MOD) and polypharmacy. METHODS: A feasibility study was conducted with 76 participants in a general hospital in the Netherlands. Feasibility was determined by the number of completed questionnaires, time spent completing the questionnaire and the attitude of staff and patients towards the IM-SA. A cut off point ≥19 on the IM-SA was used to determine the prevalence of biopsychosocial complexity. A case file study was performed to check if referral to psychiatry or psychology had taken place. The Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient or Phi was used to determine if there was a relation between biopsychosocial complexity and LOS, MOD and polypharmacy. RESULTS: All participants completed the IM-SA. The average time spent completing the questionnaire was 11.46 min (SD 5.74). The attitude towards the IM-SA was positive. The prevalence of biopsychosocial complexity was 11.84%. Referral to psychiatry or psychology did not take place. There was no relation between complexity and LOS (Spearman's rho (r) = 0.079, p = 0.499, MOD (Phi = 0.169, p = 0.173) and polypharmacy (Phi = 0.007, p = 0.953). CONCLUSION: Biopsychosocial complexity can be identified in TKA patients during the pre-operative phase by using the IM-SA. Implementation of the IM-SA in a Dutch general hospital is feasible.

A Review of the Extent of Pain Catastrophizing in Patients Who Have Undergone Total Knee Replacement.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the current status and influencing factors of pain catastrophizing in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) and to provide a basis and reference for the clinical improvement of pain catastrophizing in these patients. DESIGN: This study was designed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, the Web of Science, the Elton B. Stephens Company, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the WanFang, Weipu and Chinese Biomedical Literature Databases. REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS: A scoping review was performed using PubMed, the Web of Science, the Elton B. Stephens Company, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the WanFang, Weipu, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Databases, and after literature screening and data extraction, the results were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were included in the study. Pain catastrophizing is mostly assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. The level of pain catastrophizing is an independent predictor of pain in patients undergoing TKR and is influenced by demographic, psychological, co-morbid, and prognostic factors. Pain catastrophizing interventions mainly consist of surgery, physiotherapy, medication, and psychological therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pain catastrophizing involves multiple factors, and it is necessary to explore the predictors affecting pain catastrophizing, improve the systematic evaluation of pain catastrophizing and adopt the appropriate intervention methods.

Patient health-related quality of life deteriorates significantly while waiting six to 12 months for total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Aims: The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. Methods: This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery. Results: There was a clinical and statistically significant deterioration in the EQ-5D while awaiting THA (mean change 0.071 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.018 to 0.124); p = 0.009) and KA (mean change 0.069 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.106); p < 0.001). For patients awaiting a THA, there were deteriorations in OHS (p = 0.003), PSQI (p = 0.008), both HADS depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002), and an increased prevalence in those in a state WTD (p = 0.010). For those awaiting KA, there were significant deteriorations in OKS (p < 0.001), UCLA (p = 0.001), and HADS depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in wellbeing (satisfaction with life, feeling life to be worthwhile, and happiness) and increases in anxiety for those awaiting THA or KA (p < 0.001). Those awaiting THA (odds ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.89); p = 0.016) and KA (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71); p < 0.001) had a significant decrease in satisfaction with their healthcare. Conclusion: As patients waited from six to 12 months for THA or KA, they experienced a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL. There were also deteriorations in joint-specific function, mental health, wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with healthcare.

The Needs and Experiences of Patients Returning to Work After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of qualitative research to examine the physical and psychological needs, as well as work experiences, of patients undergoing total knee replacement and total hip replacement surgeries during their process of returning to work. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative literature was conducted. A systematic search was conducted across 8 databases to identify qualitative or mixed-methods research on the needs and experiences of individuals with total knee replacement and total hip replacement who have returned to work. The search period extended from the inception of each database to March 2023. Two researchers independently utilized a predetermined search strategy to retrieve relevant English-language studies published in any year. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program appraisal tool. Findings from the studies were then summarized and integrated using the pooled integration method. RESULTS: There were 10 studies in total. Three key themes were identified from the original research: needs during the return to work process and rehabilitation training, faith and support to return to work, and constraints and challenges at work. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals and employers should conscientiously consider the physical and psychological requirements of patients who have undergone total knee replacement and total hip replacement when they are resuming work, taking into account the specific constraints and challenges that may arise in the workplace. To ensure a seamless transition back to work, it is essential to develop tailored occupational interventions, implement comprehensive return to work programs, and offer patients sufficient understanding and support. IMPACT: The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the physical and psychological needs, as well as the work experiences, of patients who have undergone total knee replacement and total hip replacement during their reintegration into the workforce. These findings have the potential to assist health care professionals and employers in providing enhanced support to facilitate successful return-to-work outcomes for patients.

A potential link between inflammatory profiles, clinical pain, pain catastrophizing and long-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty surgery.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postoperative pain after total knee replacement (TKR) is a major clinical problem. It is still unclear if specific inflammatory mediators are associated with long-term postoperative pain complications. The current exploratory study aimed to (1) evaluate a multiplex of inflammatory mediators 5 years after TKR surgery in patients with different degrees of postoperative pain intensities and (2) study any association of the markers with clinical pain intensity, cognitive and functional outcomes. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected 5 years after TKR surgery from 76 knee patients (43 females; 33 males) and analysed for 44 inflammatory markers. Pain (using visual analogue scale, VAS), the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the Oxford knee score (OKS) were evaluated. Patients were categorized as high or low groups based on VAS, PCS and OKS scores. Associations between inflammatory markers, VAS, PCS and OKS were analysed and the marker expressions were compared between groups. RESULTS: Pearson's correlations found 12 biomarkers associated with VAS (p < 0.05), 4 biomarkers with PCS and 3 biomarkers with OKS (p < 0.05). Four markers were altered in patients suffering from high compared to low chronic postoperative pain, three markers were altered in high compared to low catastrophizers and three markers were altered in patients with poor functional scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present exploratory study suggests that low-grade inflammation might be present in a subset of patients with high pain, high catastrophizing and low function 5 years after TKR. These exploratory results provide insights into some of the long-term postoperative complications after TKR surgery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This exploratory study evaluated a subset of inflammatory markers and the association to clinical pain intensity, knee function and pain catastrophizing in patients 5 years after total knee replacement surgery. Our results provide insights into the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that may drive the long experience of pain after TKR surgery.

Are There Racial and Ethnic Variations in Patient Attitudes Toward Hip and Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear why people who identify as Black or Hispanic are less likely to undergo discretionary musculoskeletal surgery such as arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Inequities and mistrust are important factors to consider. The role of socioeconomic factors and variation in values, attitudes, and beliefs regarding discretionary procedures are less well understood. A systematic review of the evidence regarding mindsets toward knee and hip arthroplasty among Black and Hispanic people could inform attempts to limit disparities in care. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence, we asked: (1) What factors are associated with racial and ethnic variations in attitudes toward discretionary hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis? (2) Do studies that investigate racial and ethnic variations in mindsets toward discretionary orthopaedic care control for potential confounding by socioeconomic factors? METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase (last searched August 2023) for studies that addressed racial and ethnic variations in mindsets toward discretionary musculoskeletal care use was conducted. We excluded studies that were not published in English, lacked full-text availability, and those that documented patient approaches without comparing them to the willingness to undergo a discretionary procedure. Twenty-one studies were included-14 quantitative and seven qualitative-including 8472 patients. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment of included studies. The studies included demonstrated low risk of bias: five quantitative studies lacked detail regarding nonresponse bias and one qualitative study lacked details regarding the racial and ethnic composition of its cohort. To answer our first research question, we categorized themes associated with racial differences in mindsets toward discretionary care and recorded the presence of associations in quantitative studies. To answer our second question, we identified whether quantitative studies address potential confounding with socioeconomic factors. There were no randomized trials, so no meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: In general, self-identified Black and Hispanic patients had a lower preference for hip and knee arthroplasty than self-identified White patients. Black patients were more likely to regard osteoarthritis as a natural and irremediable part of aging and prefer home remedies. Both Black and Hispanic patients valued support from religion and were relatively cost-conscious. Black and Hispanic patients had lower perception of benefit, were less familiar with the procedure, had higher levels of fear regarding surgery and recovery, and had more-limited trust in care. Generally, Black and Hispanic social networks tended to address these concerns, whereas White social networks were more likely to discuss the benefits of surgery. Thirteen of 14 quantitative studies considered and accounted for potential confounding socioeconomic variables in their analyses. CONCLUSION: The observation that lower preference for discretionary arthroplasty among Black and Hispanic patients is independent from socioeconomic factors and is related to accommodation of aging, preference for agency (home remedies), greater consideration of costs, recovery concerns, and potential harms directs orthopaedic surgeons to find ways to balance equitable access to specialty care and discretionary surgery while avoiding undermining effective accommodation strategies. It is important not to assume that lower use of discretionary surgery represents poorer care or is a surrogate marker for discrimination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation for central sensitization inventory: based on Chinese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to develop a simplified Chinese version of the central sensitization inventory (CSI-CV) and to evaluate its reliability and validity. METHODS: The CSI-CV was developed through a process involving the translation and back translation of the original CSI. Subsequently, experts reviewed and revised the content of the items to ensure their appropriateness. A total of 325 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), completed the CSI-CV at a prominent orthopedic center in Xi'an, China. Afterward, a random selection of 100 participants was chosen for retesting after one week. The reliability and validity of the inventory were evaluated through exploratory factor analysis, correlation coefficient calculation and other methods. RESULTS: The CSI-CV consists of 25 items in five dimensions (emotional distress, headache and jaw symptoms, physical symptoms, urological symptoms, and fatigue and sleep problems). The cumulative variance contribution rate was 75.3%, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.83, the Guttman split-half reliability coefficient was 0.88 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.965. The CSI-CV scores correlated moderately with the total scores of the brief pain inventory (r = 0.506), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (r = 0.466) and EuroQoL Group's five-dimension questionnaire (r = 0.576). CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that the CSI was successfully trans-culturally adapted into a simplified Chinese version (CSI-CV) that was reliable and valid for Chinese-speaking patients who awaiting TKA for KOA.

Surgical healing beyond the scalpel: exploring the impact of depressive symptoms on functional recovery in total knee arthroplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: Numerous recent studies have explored the association between the mental health condition of patients before surgery and the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty and to investigate the impact of pre-operative depressive symptoms as a significant and independent predictor on various health-related quality of life measures for patients undergoing knee surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period spanning from August 2019 to May 2020, an orthopedic database was established for the purpose of assessing patients' conditions before their surgeries. The data collection process occurred at three distinct intervals: prior to the surgery, as well as at the third and sixth months following the surgical procedure. In this study, we undertook an evaluation of both pre-operative and postoperative depressive symptoms, as well as functional status, utilizing various self-report measures. These measures included the Becks Depression Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Knee Society Clinical Rating System. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. The proportion of patients who were severely distressed decreased from 99% (149) at the baseline assessment to 76% (114) who had mild depression and 24% (36) at borderline at 3-months of follow-up. At 6-month follow-up period, 85% (128) patients were classified as normal, with 15% (22) displaying mild distress levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experiencing depression exhibited notable enhancements in various outcome measures. The findings from this study underscore a two-way relationship between mental health and surgical outcomes. Specifically, the surgical intervention yielded significant improvements in mental health status. Conversely, poorer pre-operative mental health status emerged as a predictive factor for comparatively less favorable outcomes stemming from the surgery.

SuRxgWell: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of telemedicine-based digital cognitive behavioral intervention for high anxiety and depression among patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders (anxiety, depression), sleep disorders, and catastrophizing lead to increased post-operative pain perception, increase in postoperative opioid consumption, decreased engagement with physical activity, and increased resource utilization in surgical patients. Psychosocial disorders significantly affect postoperative outcome. Unfortunately, studies focused on perioperative psychological assessment and treatment are scarce. We propose to test whether digital cognitive behavioral intervention (dCBI) can help surgical patients. dCBI such as RxWell™ is a proven treatment for mood disorders in medical patients such as reducing depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesize that RxWell™ will also be effective in surgical patients. This study aims to test whether RxWell™ can improve preoperative mood disorders and subsequently reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirement in patients scheduled for primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). We named the trial as the SuRxgWell trial. METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled trial that will enroll primary and unilateral THA or TKA patients with anxiety and/or depression symptoms before surgery to receive the SuRxgWell dCBI program and investigate its impact on postoperative outcomes including postoperative pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and catastrophizing. After signing an informed consent, subjects will be screened using the PROMIS questionnaires, and subjects with a T-score of ≥ 60 on the short Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 4a Anxiety and/or short PROMIS 4a Depression questionnaires will be randomized to either usual care (control group) or the cognitive behavioral intervention, RxWell™, plus usual care (intervention group). The control group will receive information on how to locate tools to address anxiety and depression, whereas the intervention group will have access to SuRxgWell 1 month prior to surgery and up to 3 months after surgery. The allocation will be 3:1 (intervention to control). Investigators will be blinded, but research coordinators approaching patients and research subjects will not. The primary outcome will be day of surgery anxiety or depression symptoms measured with the PROMIS Short Form v1.0 -Anxiety 4a/Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Measure (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Secondary end points include measuring other health-related quality of life outcomes including sleep disturbance, fatigue, ability to participate in social roles, pain interference, cognitive function, pain catastrophizing, and physical function. Other secondary outcomes include collecting data about preoperative and postoperative pain scores, and pain medication usage, and orthopedic functional recovery at baseline, day of surgery, and 1, 2, and 3 months after the surgery with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Hip injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). In addition, subjects will be asked to complete a GAD-7 and PHQ-8 questionnaires bi-weekly (via the RxWell™ app for the interventional group or REDCAP for the control group). Data about postsurgical complications, and resource utilization will also be recorded. We will also receive monthly reports measuring the usage and engagement of RxWell use for each participant randomized to that arm. The primary hypotheses will be assessed with intention-to-treat estimates, and differences in primary outcome will be tested using independent two sample t-tests. This trial is registered to the ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT05658796) and supported by the DAPM, UPMC Health Plan, and the NIH. DISCUSSION: Our trial will evaluate the feasibility of digital cognitive behavioral intervention as a perioperative tool to improve anxiety and depression before and after major orthopedic surgery in comparison to education. If digital cognitive behavioral intervention proves to be effective, this might have important clinical implications, reducing the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and improving outcomes.

Patients' experiences of subacute pain management following total hip or knee arthroplasty: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Total hip and knee arthroplasties are common surgeries performed worldwide, but the management of pain during the subacute period (defined as hospital discharge to 3 months postoperatively) is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine patients' experiences, facilitators and barriers to subacute pain management following total hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of patients following total hip or knee arthroplasty were conducted between June and August 2022. Participants were recruited from two tertiary metropolitan hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach to identify common themes. RESULTS: In total, 30 interviews were conducted with patients following hip or knee arthroplasty. Four main themes were identified: (i) Physical constitution before surgery (joint condition, analgesic use, age, and hearing); (ii) Attitude and knowledge (motivation, outlook on life, attitude towards taking medications, individual benchmarking, and knowledge); (iii) Socio-ethno-cultural factors (family and community connection, language, and religion), and (iv) Health-system support (health-professional delivered education, medications, services, staff, and costs). CONCLUSIONS: Participants' experiences of subacute pain following hip or knee arthroplasty were shaped by multidimensional factors. Strategies to empower patients through increased education and support during postoperative opioid tapering as well as a shift to a biopsychosocial approach to pain management during the subacute period may improve patient and health-system outcomes.

Mobile health supported multi-domain recovery trajectories after major arthroplasty or spine surgery: a pilot feasibility and usability study.

BACKGROUND: Recovery after surgery intersects physical, psychological, and social domains. In this study we aim to assess the feasibility and usability of a mobile health application called PositiveTrends to track recovery in these domains amongst participants undergoing hip, knee arthroplasty or spine surgery. Our secondary aim was to generate procedure-specific, recovery trajectories within the pain and medication, psycho-social and patient-reported outcomes domain. METHODS: Prospective, observational study in participants greater than eighteen years of age. Data was collected prior to and up to one hundred and eighty days after completion of surgery within the three domains using PositiveTrends. Feasibility was assessed using participant response rates from the PositiveTrends app. Usability was assessed quantitatively using the System Usability Scale. Heat maps and effect plots were used to visualize multi-domain recovery trajectories. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the change in the outcomes over time. RESULTS: Forty-two participants were enrolled over a four-month recruitment period. Proportion of app responses was highest for participants who underwent spine surgery (median = 78, range = 36-100), followed by those who underwent knee arthroplasty (median = 72, range = 12-100), and hip arthroplasty (median = 62, range = 12-98). System Usability Scale mean score was 82 ± 16 at 180 days postoperatively. Function improved by 8 and 6.4 points per month after hip and knee arthroplasty, respectively. In spine participants, the Oswestry Disability Index decreased by 1.4 points per month. Mood improved in all three cohorts, however stress levels remained elevated in spine participants. Pain decreased by 0.16 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.13-0.20, p < 0.001), 0.25 (95% CI: 0.21-0.28, p < 0.001) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.12-0.15, p < 0.001) points per month in hip, knee, and spine cohorts respectively. There was a 10.9-to-40.3-fold increase in the probability of using no medication for each month postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility and usability of PositiveTrends, which can map and track multi-domain recovery trajectories after major arthroplasty or spine surgery.