Chronic postsurgical pain after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study in Japanese population

Objectives: To elucidate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Japanese population. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA in a Japanese tertiary hospital (211 knees) were assessed. CPSP after TKA was defined as moderate to severe pain (VAS >30 mm), either at rest or during walking, one year after surgery. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between CPSP and non-CPSP groups and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of CPSP. Results: The prevalence of CPSP was 8.8%. CPSP group showed significantly higher preoperative WOMAC subscales (pain, function and stiffness), higher rate of postoperative coronal malalignment (femorotibial angle >178 degrees or <170 degrees) and larger varus angle of tibial component compared with non-CPSP group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative higher WOMAC pain and postoperative coronal malalignment were independent risk factors of CPSP. In a subgroup analysis of patients with well-aligned TKA, preoperative pain VAS at rest was the only risk factor of CPSP. Conclusion: Preoperative severe pain and postoperative coronal malalignment were independent risk factors of CPSP after TKA. Preoperative pain management in patients with severe pain and good coronal alignment after TKA possibly minimize the development of CPSP.

Automated summary

This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a Japanese population. The results showed that higher preoperative pain scores and postoperative coronal malalignment were independent risk factors for CPSP. Preoperative pain management may help reduce the incidence of CPSP in patients with severe pain and good coronal alignment after surgery.