Correlation Between Catastrophizing and Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Awaiting Total Knee Replacement

Abstract

Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability, particularly in the elderly population. Total knee replacement is the primary treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis, but not all individuals who undergo total knee arthroplasty are satisfied with the outcome. Psychological factors, such as pain catastrophizing, have been identified as significant contributors to the development of chronic pain after knee replacement. This study aims to correlate catastrophizing thoughts with knee pain, function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee replacement. Methods: Patients awaiting total knee replacement completed questionnaires assessing pain, function, and quality of life, along with the Pain-Related Self-Statements Scale (pain catastrophizing scale). Results: Fifty-three patients were included in the final analysis (64.2% female). The mean PRSS score was 2.6 on a 0-5 scale. The mean VAS and WOMAC scores were 68.0 and 57.34, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between PRSS and VAS (ρ=0.615; p=0.000) and between PRSS and WOMAC (ρ=0.682; p=0.000). There was also a negative correlation between PRSS and almost all SF-36 domains (-0.6 < ρ < 0.4; p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study found a high incidence of pain catastrophizing among patients awaiting knee replacement and a direct correlation between pain catastrophizing scores and worse pain, function, and quality of life outcomes.