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Despite the advancement in Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA) procedures, recent reports indicate that a considerable number of patients (10-30%) continue to report pain, or even worsening of their symptoms, well after their surgery. Although literature suggests that chronic post TJA pain is a common problem, there is limited information about its prevalence among Canadians. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude (prevalence) and categorize chronic pain characteristics (NP vs. Non NP) in the total hip and knee arthroplasty population. A retrospective review of 1143 TJA recipients identified 148 who experienced postoperative chronic pain. Chronic pain was defined as pain 3 (out of 5) on the Oxford Pain Questionnaire, 6 months or 1-year post surgery. Participants with chronic pain completed S-LANSS and MPQ (SF-2) questionnaires. Results indicated that 13% experienced chronic pain following TJA; a neuropathic subtype was found in 28% (S-LANSS) - 43% [NP-MPQ (SF-2)], of those. Individuals with chronic pain post TJA with neuropathic subtype reported severe pain intensity and higher disability levels, even 1.5 to 3.5 years post surgery, compared to those without chronic pain.
About the author
Dragana is a graduate of McMaster University, with Masters in Rehabilitation Sciences. She is currently working as a Physiotherapist at the Sunnybrook¿s Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre in Toronto. Her main clinical and research interests are chronic and neuropathic pain in individuals with musculoskeletal and women¿s health issues.
