Patient-reported Outcome Measures Of Pain Research Articles

The Test-retest Reliability of Pain Outcome Measures in People with Phantom Limb Pain.

To quantify the test-retest reliability of three patient-reported outcome measures of pain for people living with phantom limb pain (PLP) and assess impact of test-retest errors on future research and clinical decisions. Thirty-nine participants (30 males), mean (SD) age: 55 (16), mean (SD) years post amputation: 6.8 (8.3), reported their PLP levels on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the revised Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2), and a pain diary, on two occasions 7-14 days apart. Mean systematic change, within-subjects SD, limits of agreement (LOA), coefficient of variation and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were quantified alongside their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Systematic learning effects (mean changes) were not clinically relevant across the VAS, SF-MPQ-2 and pain diary. Within-subjects SDs (95%CI) were 11.8 (9.6-15.3), 0.9 (0.7-1.2), and 8.6 (6.9-11.5), respectively. LOA (95%CI) were 32.6 (26.5-42.4), 2.5 (2-3.3), and 23.9 (19.2-31.8), respectively. ICCs (95%CI) were 0.8 (0.6-0.9), 0.8 (0.7-0.9), and 0.9 (0.8-0.9), respectively, but may have been inflated by sample heterogeneity. The test-retest errors allowed detection of clinically relevant effect sizes with feasible sample sizes in future studies, but individual errors were large. For people with PLP, a pain intensity VAS, the SF-MPQ-2, and a pain diary show an acceptable level of inter-session reliability for use in future clinical trials with feasible sample sizes. Nevertheless, the random error observed for all three of the pain outcome measures suggests they should be interpreted with caution in case studies and when monitoring individuals' clinical status and progress.

What Factors Identified in Initial Osteoarthritis Management Are Associated With Poor Patient-reported Outcomes After THA? A Register-based Study.

Some patients report long-term pain or no improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or are dissatisfied after THA. However, factors associated with these poorer patient-reported outcomes after surgery are inconsistent and have typically been studied in the late phase of hip osteoarthritis (OA) among patients already eligible for surgery. Earlier identification of risk factors would provide time to address modifiable factors, helping to improve patients' pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after surgery and reduce the burden on orthopaedic clinics by referring patients who are better prepared for surgery. We analyzed data from patients with hip OA referred to a first-line OA intervention program in primary healthcare at a stage when they had not been referred for THA, and asked: (1) What percentage of patients who proceed to THA report lack of improvement in pain, lack of improvement in HRQoL as measured by the EQ-5D, or are not satisfied with surgery 1 year after THA? (2) What associations exist between baseline factors at referral to this first-line OA intervention program and these poorer patient-reported outcomes 1 year after THA? We included 3411 patients with hip OA (mean age 67 ± 9 years, 63% [2160 of 3411] women) who had been referred for first-line OA interventions between 2008 and 2015 and subsequently underwent THA for OA. All patients were initially identified through the Swedish Osteoarthritis Register, which follows and evaluates patients in a standardized national first-line OA intervention program. Then, we identified those who were also registered in the Swedish Arthroplasty Register with a THA during the study period. We included only those with complete patient-reported outcome measures for pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively, representing 78% (3411 of 4368) of patients, who had the same baseline characteristics as nonrespondents. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the associations between 14 baseline factors and the aforementioned patient-reported outcomes of pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction 1 year after THA, adjusted for all included factors. Five percent (156 of 3411) of the study population lacked improvement in pain, 11% (385 of 3411) reported no improvement in HRQoL, and 10% (339 of 3411) reported they were not satisfied with surgery 1 year after THA. Charnley Class C (multiple-joint OA or another condition that affects the ability to walk) was associated with all outcomes: lack of improvement in pain (OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.24 to 2.71]; p = 0.002), lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 1.83 [95% CI 1.42 to 2.36]; p < 0.001), and not being satisfied (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.07 to 1.82]; p = 0.01). Older age was associated with a lack of improvement in pain (OR per year 1.03 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.05]; p = 0.02), lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR per year 1.04 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.06]; p < 0.001), and not being satisfied (OR per year 1.03 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.05]; p < 0.001). Depression was associated with a lack of improvement in pain (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.00 to 2.35]; p = 0.050) and with not being satisfied (OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.11 to 2.04]; p = 0.01) but not with a lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.76 to 1.43]; p = 0.79). Having four or more comorbidities was associated with a lack of improvement in HRQoL (OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.39 to 3.10]; p < 0.001) but not with a lack of improvement in pain and not being satisfied. The results of this study showed that older age, Charley Class C, and depression in patients with first-line OA interventions were risk factors associated with poorer outcomes regarding pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after THA. Screening patients with hip OA for depression early in the disease course would provide increased time to optimize treatments and may contribute to better patient-reported pain, HRQoL, and satisfaction after future THA. Further research should focus on identifying the optimal time for surgery in patients with depression, as well as what targeted interventions for depression can improve outcome of surgery in these patients. Level III, therapeutic study.

Minimum Clinically Important Difference in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Few studies have established the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for physical function and pain. To establish MCID for physical function and pain patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for MIS-TLIF through anchor- and distribution-based methods using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) as the anchor. Ninety-eight patients undergoing primary MIS-TLIF with preoperative and 1-year postoperative ODI scores were identified. MCID was calculated using anchor- and distribution-based methods. ODI responders were classified as patients who decreased by 1 disability classification. PROMs of Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), 12-Item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back/leg, and ODI were collected preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Anchor-based methods were average change, minimum detectable change, change difference, receiver operating characteristic curve, and cross-sectional analysis. Distribution-based methods were standard error of measurement, receiver change index, effect size, and 0.5 ∗ ΔSD. Anchor-based methods ranged from 4.2 to 11.9 for PROMIS-PF, 6.0 to 15.8 for SF-12 PCS, 1.8 to 4.6 for VAS back, and 2.1 to 4.0 for VAS leg. The area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic analysis ranged from 0.66 to 0.81. Distribution-based methods ranged from 1.1 to 3.9 for PROMIS-PF, 1.6 to 10.4 for SF-12 PCS, 0.5 to 1.6 for VAS back, and 0.6 to 1.8 for VAS leg. Patients undergoing MIS-TLIF had a wide range of MCID values. The receiver operating characteristic curve was selected as the most clinically appropriate method. The corresponding MCID values were 4.2 for PROMIS-PF, 6.8 for SF-12 PCS, 1.8 for VAS back, and 2.4 for VAS leg.

8918 Relationship between Brainwave Biomarker and Endometriosis Pain Symptoms before and after Laparoscopic Surgery

Study Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between peak alpha frequency (PAF), an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based biomarker for pain sensitivity, and pain symptoms for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Design Prospective observational pilot study. Setting Large academic hospital. Patients or Participants Patients (n=18) undergoing laparoscopic endometriosis excision surgery were invited to participate. Participants enrolled before surgery and were followed up to 6 weeks postoperatively. Interventions N/A. Measurements and Main Results Participants completed a physical exam, quantitative EEG, and symptom questionnaires before and after surgery (2-weeks and/or 6-weeks post-op). We hypothesized that PAF would increase after surgery indicating an improvement in pain symptoms. To measure PAF, EEG data was collected using a BrainBit dry electrode headset. Patient-reported outcome measures for pain and endometriosis symptoms were collected using Modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2, Endometriosis Health Profile 30, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for each measure before and after surgery. Overall, we observed an increase in PAF following surgery, where median values shifted from 9.88 Hz preoperatively (IQR 9.84 - 9.99 Hz) to 10.01 Hz postoperatively (IQR 9.84 - 10.06 Hz). Preliminary results suggest that preoperative PAF is moderately inversely correlated with average preoperative pain reported using BPI (rho = -0.52) but is not strongly correlated with other measures. Conclusion While the reported results are underpowered to determine statistical significance, PAF was found to increase six weeks after endometriosis surgery. Furthermore, preoperative PAF appears to be inversely correlated with preoperative pain symptoms, suggesting that PAF is a useful measure for tracking pain in patients with endometriosis. Additional investigation and follow-up is needed to determine how PAF relates to long-term surgical outcomes for patients with chronic pelvic pain. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between peak alpha frequency (PAF), an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based biomarker for pain sensitivity, and pain symptoms for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Prospective observational pilot study. Large academic hospital. Patients (n=18) undergoing laparoscopic endometriosis excision surgery were invited to participate. Participants enrolled before surgery and were followed up to 6 weeks postoperatively. N/A. Participants completed a physical exam, quantitative EEG, and symptom questionnaires before and after surgery (2-weeks and/or 6-weeks post-op). We hypothesized that PAF would increase after surgery indicating an improvement in pain symptoms. To measure PAF, EEG data was collected using a BrainBit dry electrode headset. Patient-reported outcome measures for pain and endometriosis symptoms were collected using Modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2, Endometriosis Health Profile 30, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for each measure before and after surgery. Overall, we observed an increase in PAF following surgery, where median values shifted from 9.88 Hz preoperatively (IQR 9.84 - 9.99 Hz) to 10.01 Hz postoperatively (IQR 9.84 - 10.06 Hz). Preliminary results suggest that preoperative PAF is moderately inversely correlated with average preoperative pain reported using BPI (rho = -0.52) but is not strongly correlated with other measures. While the reported results are underpowered to determine statistical significance, PAF was found to increase six weeks after endometriosis surgery. Furthermore, preoperative PAF appears to be inversely correlated with preoperative pain symptoms, suggesting that PAF is a useful measure for tracking pain in patients with endometriosis. Additional investigation and follow-up is needed to determine how PAF relates to long-term surgical outcomes for patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Assessment of Outcomes After Multisurface Osteochondral Allograft Transplantations in the Knee.

Background:Treatment of multisurface articular cartilage lesions of the knee is a challenging problem.Hypothesis:Large multisurface cartilage defects in the knee can be successfully managed with transplantation of high chondrocyte viability osteochondral allografts (OCAs) to result in statistically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures of pain and function.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Patients were prospectively enrolled into a registry to follow outcomes after OCA transplantation. The study included patients who received OCA transplantation for multisurface unipolar defects in 1 knee and had minimum 2-year follow-up data, including patient-reported outcome measures, failures, reoperations, and complications. The OCA transplants had been stored using 2 methods: standard preservation (SP) or Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System (MOPS). Preoperative data were compared with outcomes at 1 year and final follow-up, and risk factors for revision surgery or failure (total knee arthroplasty) were analyzed.Results:The sample included 25 patients with a mean age of 37.2 years (range, 13-51 years), body mass index of 27.7 (range, 18-38), and follow-up of 45.1 months (median, 49 months; range, 24-68 months). OCAs stored using SP were transplanted into 6 patients, and those stored using MOPS were transplanted into 19 patients. The initial success rate was significantly higher for MOPS OCAs (94.7%) than SP OCAs (33.3%). There were statistically significant improvements in all patient-reported outcomes at 1 year and final follow-up in the MOPS cohort (P < .0001 for all). Revision surgery/failure was significantly associated with patients who were nonadherent to the prescribed postoperative restrictions and rehabilitation protocols (P = .038; odds ratio = 13.5) and with OCAs that had a viable chondrocyte density <70% of the established reference range mean at transplantation (P = .0037; odds ratio = 76).Conclusion:OCA transplantation for treatment of large multisurface cartilage defects in the knee resulted in a 94.7% initial success rate when grafts with high viable chondrocyte density (≥70%) were used and when patients strictly adhered to prescribed postoperative rehabilitation protocols. Successful outcomes were associated with statistically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures of pain and function.

Smartphone GPS signatures of patients undergoing spine surgery correlate with mobility and current gold standard outcome measures.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are currently the gold standard to evaluate patient physical performance and ability to recover after spine surgery. However, PROMs have significant limitations due to the qualitative and subjective nature of the information reported as well as the impossibility of using this method in a continuous manner. The smartphone global positioning system (GPS) can be used to provide continuous, quantitative, and objective information on patient mobility. The aim of this study was to use daily mobility features derived from the smartphone GPS to characterize the perioperative period of patients undergoing spine surgery and to compare these objective measurements to PROMs, the current gold standard. Eight daily mobility features were derived from smartphone GPS data in a population of 39 patients undergoing spine surgery for a period of 2 months starting 3weeks before surgery. In parallel, three different PROMs for pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]) and functional status (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS]) were serially measured. Segmented linear regression analysis was used to assess trends before and after surgery. The Student paired t-test was used to compare pre- and postoperative PROM scores. Pearson's correlation was calculated between the daily average of each GPS-based mobility feature and the daily average of each PROM score during the recovery period. Smartphone GPS features provided data documenting a reduction in mobility during the immediate postoperative period, followed by a progressive and steady increase with a return to baseline mobility values 1 month after surgery. PROMs measuring pain, physical performance, and disability were significantly different 1 month after surgery compared to the 2 immediate preoperative weeks. The GPS-based features presented moderate to strong linear correlation with pain VAS and PROMIS physical score during the recovery period (Pearson r > 0.7), whereas the ODI and PROMIS mental scores presented a weak correlation (Pearson r approximately 0.4). Smartphone-derived GPS features were shown to accurately characterize perioperative mobility trends in patients undergoing surgery for spine-related diseases. Features related to time (rather than distance) were better at describing patient physical and performance status. Smartphone GPS has the potential to be used for the development of accurate, noninvasive and personalized tools for patient mobility monitoring after surgery.

Physical activity, patient-reported symptoms, and clinical events: Insights into postprocedural recovery from personal digital devices

BackgroundPersonal digital devices may offer insights into patient recovery and an approach for remote monitoring after procedures.ObjectiveTo examine associations between activity measured using personal digital devices, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and clinical events among patients after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) or bariatric surgery.MethodsWe aggregated personal digital device, PROM, and electronic health record data in a study conducted at 2 health systems. We used Fitbit devices for step count assessments, KardiaMobile for cardiac rhythm assessments, and PROMs for pain and palpitations over 5 weeks.ResultsAmong 59 patients, 30 underwent AF ablation and 29 bariatric surgery. Thirty-six patients (63%) reported pain. There was no difference in median [interquartile range] daily steps between patients with and those without pain (4419 [3286–7041] vs 3498 [2609–5888]; P = .23). Among AF ablation patients, 21 (70%) reported palpitations. Median daily steps were lower among those with palpitations than among those without (4668 [3021–6116] vs 8040 [6853–10,394]; P = .03). When accounting for within-subject correlation, recordings of AF were associated with a significant mean decrease in median daily steps (–351; 95% confidence interval –524 to –177; P <.01). Patients who received a new antiarrhythmic drug prescription had AF recorded in a median of 5 [5–5] of 5 total weeks, whereas patients who did not receive a new antiarrhythmic recorded AF in a median of 1 [0–3] week (P = .02).ConclusionPersonal digital device and PROM data can provide insight into postprocedural recovery outside of usual clinical settings and may inform follow-up and clinical decision-making. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03436082)

Patient-reported outcome measures for pain in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A systematic review.

Pain is a common symptom in people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), but it is assessed and reported inconsistently in research, and the validity of the measures remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics, content, and psychometric properties of measures for pain used in ADPKD. We conducted a systematic review including all trials and observational studies that reported pain in people with ADPKD. Items from all measures were categorized into content and measurement dimensions of pain. We assessed the general characteristics and psychometric properties of all measures. 118 studies, we identified 26 measures: 12 (46%) measures were developed for a non-ADPKD population, 1 (4%) for chronic kidney disease, 2 (8%) for polycystic liver disease and 11 (42%) specifically for ADPKD. Ten anatomical sites were included, with the lower back the most common (10 measures [39%]), four measurement dimensions (intensity (23 [88%]), frequency (3 [12%]), temporality (2 [8%]), and sensory (21 [81%]), two pain types, nociceptive including visceral (15 [58%]) and somatic (5 [20%]), and neuropathic (2 [8%]), and twelve impact dimensions, where the most frequent was work (5 [31%]). The validation data for the measures were variable and only the ADPKD Impact Scale reported all psychometric domains. The measures for pain in ADPKD varied in terms of content and length, and most had not been validated in ADPKD. A standardized psychometrically robust measure that captures patient-important dimensions of pain is needed to evaluate and manage this debilitating complication of ADPKD.

Smoking Negatively Effects Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

PurposeTo determine whether active smokers have different patient-reported outcomes relative to nonsmokers for pain, function, and overall health at baseline and 1 or 2 years after an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.MethodsPatients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were identified. Demographic data, including smoking status and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), were prospectively collected preoperatively and 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using the mixed-effects model to compare PROMs preoperatively and 1 or 2 years postoperatively between nonsmokers and active smokers.Results509 knees undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were divided into 2 cohorts: group I, nonsmokers (n = 470) and group II, active smokers (n = 39). There were statistically significant baseline differences in PROMs for nonsmokers versus smokers: visual analog scale (VAS), 5.0 ± 0.4 versus 6.3 ± 0.7, respectively (P = .001); Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain scale, 50.3 ± 3.2 versus 42.5± 5.5 (P = .005); KOOS Symptoms scale, 50.0 ± 3.2 versus 43.6 ± 5.4 (P = .019); and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale, 57.5 ± 3.4 versus 48.2 ± 6.1 (P = .003). There were also statistically significant differences in nonsmokers versus smokers regarding knee function at baseline shown by the KOOS Activites of Daily Living (ADL) scale: (61.1 ± 3.3 versus 53.5 ± 6.1; P = .015). Baseline mental health, as assessed by the Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) Mental Health questionnaire, was also statistically different between nonsmokers (55.4 ± 0.8) and smokers (51.5 ± 3.3; P = .020). Importantly, PROMs for pain and function were lower at all time points for smokers.ConclusionPatients who were active smokers at the time of partial meniscectomy had significantly worse baseline and postoperative PROMs compared with nonsmokers. Changes from baseline for smokers and nonsmokers were relatively consistent between groups 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Smokers will improve a relatively similar amount as nonsmokers after partial meniscectomy, but their overall PROM scores are lower.Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective comparative study.

Transfacet Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With an Expandable Interbody Device-Part II: Consecutive Case Series.

Advances in operative techniques and instrumentation technology have evolved to maximize patient outcomes following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). The transfacet MIS-TLIF is a modified approach to the standard MIS-TLIF that leverages a bony working corridor to access the disc space for discectomy and interbody device placement. To evaluate clinical and radiographic results following transfacet MIS-TLIF using an expandable interbody device. We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent transfacet MIS-TLIF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Patient-reported outcome measures for pain and disability were assessed. Sagittal lumbar segmental parameters and regional lumbopelvic parameters were assessed on upright lateral radiographs obtained preoperatively and during follow-up. A total of 68 patients (61.8% male) underwent transfacet MIS-TLIF at 74 levels. The mean age was 63.4 yr and the mean follow-up 15.2 mo. Patients experienced significant short- and long-term postoperative improvements on the numeric rating scale for low back pain (-2.3/10) and Oswestry Disability Index (-12.0/50). Transfacet MIS-TLIF was associated with an immediate and sustained reduction of spondylolisthesis, and an increase in index-level disc height (+0.71 cm), foraminal height (+0.28 cm), and segmental lordosis (+6.83°). Patients with preoperative hypolordosis (<40°) experienced significant increases in segmental (+9.10°) and overall lumbar lordosis (+8.65°). Pelvic parameters were not significantly changed, regardless of preoperative alignment. Device subsidence was observed in 6/74 (8.1%) levels, and fusion in 50/53 (94.3%) levels after 12 mo. Transfacet MIS-TLIF was associated with clinical improvements and restoration of radiographic sagittal segmental parameters. Regional alignment correction was observed among patients with hypolordosis at baseline.

Gluteus Maximus Transfer as an Augmentation Technique for Patients With Severe Abductor Deficiency of the Hip.

Impaired abductor function of the hip following severe abductor deficiencies can be devastating for functionality and quality of life. Recently, gluteus maximus transfer has been proposed as a solution to these difficult problems. However, outcome results are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gluteus maximus transfer on improvement of pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with severe hip abductor deficiencies. Gluteus maximus transfer was performed in 16 patients with severe disruption of the abductor muscles of the hip. Data were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 to 2 years after surgery. The measurements pertained to complications, healing of the flap based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (in 10 patients), evaluation of Trendelenburg gait and sign, and patient-reported outcome measures of pain, disability, and quality of life. Preoperatively, all patients had a positive Trendelenburg sign and reported severe pain at the level of the greater trochanter. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, the Trendelenburg sign was negative in 7 patients and the Trendelenburg gait had disappeared in 7 patients. There was an improvement in patient-reported outcome measures but not to a significant level except for the pain subscores. Two patients had a postoperative seroma that resulted in a visible bump on the lateral side. Seven of 10 repairs with MRI follow-up showed perfect ingrowth on MRI without signs of rerupture. Gluteus maximus transfer for abductor deficiency of the hip may be effective for pain relief and functional improvements. Most patients showed an improved quality of life but were not completely pain free. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):e299-e305.].

Are we missing the mark? Relationships of psychosocial issues to outcomes after injury: A review of OTA annual meeting presentations.

Objectives:To observe the availability of information about social, emotional, and psychological factors in abstracts presented at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) annual meeting.Data source:OTA website (https://ota.org/education/meetings-and-courses/meeting-archive/)Study Selection:All abstracts selected for paper or poster presentation at the 2016 through 2018 OTA annual meetings, as published in the final program. Studies were included if they sought to measure mental illness, substance use or abuse, pain, or other psychosocial issues. If studies utilized 1 or more patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), they were also included.Data extraction:For each abstract meeting inclusion criterion, studies were assessed for interventions intended to improve outcomes in any of the listed psychosocial domains.Data synthesis/Results:Nine hundred forty-two abstracts were evaluated over a 3-year period. Of these, 294 (31.2%) met inclusion criteria. Twenty-five abstracts (8.5% of 294) reported mental illness, with depression (n = 14), anxiety (n = 9), and posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 5) being the most common. Eighty-eight abstracts (29.9% of 294) reported substance-use of tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, and/or recreational drugs. Tobacco-use was most prevalent (n = 59), followed by opioid-use (n = 31). Ten abstracts reported substance abuse. Pain was measured in 95 abstracts, and 203 abstracts utilized PROMs. Thirty-five abstracts found that these psychosocial elements significantly impacted outcomes or complications. Many abstracts did not assess the influence of these factors on clinical outcomes (n = 99). Sixteen studies described an intervention aimed at mitigating these features.Conclusions:This study illustrates limited attention to the impact of psychological, social, and environmental factors on outcomes after orthopaedic trauma. Substance-abuse problems and mental health concerns are not only predictors of poor clinical and PROMs of pain and quality of life after injury, but have also been implicated in subsequent recidivism. Only 3% of 942 abstracts observed mental health and 1% reported substance-abuse. Moving forward, greater understanding of psychosocial issues may enhance interventions to impact long-term outcomes.

Pain assessment for chronic lower back pain: performance of the PAL-S and PAL-I patient-reported measures for symptoms and impacts

Objective: The Patient Assessment for Low Back Pain–Symptoms (PAL-S) and the Patient Assessment for Low Back Pain–Impacts (PAL-I) were developed to incorporate patient perspective of treatment benefit in chronic low back pain (cLBP) trials. This study documents psychometric measurement properties of the PAL-S and PAL-I.Methods: In this multicenter, observational study, eligible participants clinically diagnosed with cLBP provided sociodemographic information and completed PAL measures and other patient-reported outcome measures of pain and/or disability. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), construct validity, and reliability were assessed.Results: The 104 participants were 61% female, 89% white, and mean age of 55 years; mean cLBP duration was 11.4 (range 0–47) years. Using painDETECT scores, 36.5% reported small likelihood of neuropathic pain, 30.8% reported unclear likelihood, and 32.7% reported definite likelihood. Persistent pain with pain attacks was reported by 38.5% of participants. CFA confirmed single components with adequate fit indices. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.83 (PAL-S) and 0.87 (PAL-I), indicating reliable scales. Intraclass correlation coefficients (test-retest reproducibility, n = 44) were 0.81 (PAL-S) and 0.85 (PAL-I). PAL-S score correlation was 0.49 with Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and 0.77 with Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI). PAL-I correlated at 0.73 with RMDQ and −0.60 with Medical Outcomes Study (MOS)−36 Bodily Pain. Both measures significantly differentiated between pain intensity levels (based on numeric response scale) and painDETECT groups.Conclusion: The PAL-S and PAL-I generated highly reliable scores with substantial evidence of construct validity. Routine use of these measures in treatment trials will enhance comparability of LBP-related symptom and impact results, including patient perspective of treatment benefit.

Satisfaction and Functional Outcomes in Unicompartmental Compared with Total Knee Arthroplasty: Radiographically Matched Cohort Analysis.

Background:Unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) have demonstrated excellent mid- and long-term outcomes and have been compared in clinical series for decades; however, to our knowledge, no study has sufficiently matched UKA and TKA cohorts on preoperative osteoarthritis severity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes of radiographically and demographically matched UKA and TKA cohorts.Methods:One hundred and thirty-five UKAs and 135 TKAs were matched by patient age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification as well as preoperative osteoarthritis severity in medial and lateral tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments (Kellgren-Lawrence grading system). Patient-reported outcome measures for pain, function, activity level, and satisfaction were evaluated at minimum 1-year follow-up via components of the modern Knee Society Score, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity-level score, and a Likert satisfaction scale.Results:The patients in the UKA group reported significantly less pain, a higher activity level, and greater satisfaction while performing several functional activities and could walk for a longer amount of time before stopping due to knee discomfort compared with those in the TKA group (p ≤ 0.038). In addition, a greater proportion of patients in the UKA than in the TKA group were “satisfied or very satisfied” with their knee replacement surgery at minimum 1-year follow-up (90% versus 81%; p = 0.043).Conclusions:With minimum 1-year follow-up, patients who underwent UKA reported significantly higher function, less pain, and a greater level of patient satisfaction than a radiographically and demographically matched TKA cohort.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcome Expectations of Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: The Influence of Demographic Factors, Pain, Personality Traits, Physical and Psychological Status.

Unfulfilled preoperative expectations have a strong influence on the outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). More insight into determinants of the level of expectations is useful in identifying patients at risk for having expectations of the treatment result that are too high or too low. This information can be used in optimizing preoperative expectation management. The aim of the current study was to analyze to what extent preoperative outcome expectations of TKA patients are affected by psychological factors, demographic factors, pain, physical function, and general health status. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 204 patients with symptomatic and radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), scheduled for primary TKA. Outcome expectations were measured using the hospital for special surgery knee replacement expectations survey. Independent variables included were age, sex, body mass index, and patient-reported outcome measures for pain, physical function, quality of life, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, optimism, and pessimism. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between these variables and preoperative outcome expectations. Female sex, higher age, higher depression score, and duration of complaints > 50 months showed to be significant predictors of lower expectations for the treatment outcome after TKA. Baseline pain and function scores were not related to the level of preoperative expectations. The present study aids in identifying patients at risk for having either too high or too low expectations. This knowledge can be utilized in individualized expectation management interventions.

The Influence of Body Mass Index on Functional Outcomes, Satisfaction, and Return to Work After Single-level Minimally-invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Five-year Follow-up Study.

Retrospective study using prospectively collected registry data. To evaluate the effect of obesity on patient-reported outcome measures of pain, disability, quality of life, satisfaction, and return to work after single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). MIS-TLIF is an appealing alternative for obese patients with potentially lower complication risk. However, there is limited data investigating the influence of obesity on outcomes 5 years after MIS-TLIF. Prospectively collected registry data of 296 patients who underwent single-level MIS-TLIF at a single institution were reviewed. Patients had complete 2- and 5-year follow-up data. Patients were stratified into control (<25.0 kg/m), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m) groups. Outcomes assessed were visual analogue scale for back pain, leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Short-form 36, North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms, return to work (RTW), return to function (RTF), satisfaction, and expectation fulfilment. Length of operation, length of stay, and comorbidities were recorded. Among the patients, 156 (52.7%) had normal weight, 108 (36.5%) were overweight, and 32 (10.8%) were obese. There was no difference in length of operation or hospitalization (P > 0.05). All three groups had comparable preoperative scores at baseline (P > 0.05). At 5 years, the control group had significantly higher PCS compared with the overweight (P = 0.043) and obese groups (P = 0.007), although the change in scores was similar (P > 0.05). The rate of MCID attainment, RTW, RTF, expectation fulfilment, and satisfaction was comparable. Nonobese patients had better physical well-being in the mid-term, although obese patients experienced a comparable improvement in clinical scores. Obesity had no impact on patients' ability to RTW or RTF. Equivalent proportions of patients were satisfied and had their expectations fulfilled up to 5 years after MIS-TLIF. 3.

A preliminary investigation examining patient reported outcome measures for low back pain and utilisation amongst chiropractors in Australia: facilitators and barriers to clinical implementation

BackgroundThe current utilisation of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for low back pain (LBP) within the Australian Chiropractic profession is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the current utilisation of LBP PROMs amongst Chiropractors in Australia and to identify the potential barriers and facilitators of using PROMs for LBP in Chiropractic practice.MethodsA cross sectional online survey was distributed to Chiropractors in Australia who were members of the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA) and Chiropractic Australia (CA) between June–August 2016. Three thousand fourteen CAA members and 930 CA members were invited to participate totaling 3944 potential participants.ResultsThe findings from this survey provides baseline data for the prevalence of LBP PROMs within the Australian Chiropractic profession. A total of 558 participants completed the survey reflecting a response rate of 14.1%. 72.5% of respondents used LBP PROMs in clinical practice. PROMs were categorised into pain, function and health. At initial patient consultations the most commonly used pain PROMs were the pain diagram, Visual Analogue Scale and Numeric Rating Scale. Most commonly used functional LBP PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index, Functional Rating Index and Roland Morris Questionnaire. The Health Status Questionnaire (HSQ) was the most commonly used health LBP PROM followed by RAND Health Questionnaires.ConclusionMost of the survey respondents use PROMs in clinical practice. The most common barrier chiropractors identified that prevent LBP PROM utilisation was the lack of operational definition surrounding PROMs, as well as how to use them and the perception that they are time consuming. Facilitatory factors to implement PROMs included using simple administration systems, utilising electronic forms and consistent implementation. This research indicates that there is a potential need to further educate the Chiropractic profession regarding PROMs.

Utilization of Low Back Pain Patient Reported Outcome Measures Within Chiropractic Literature: A Descriptive Review

ObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to determine the most commonly reported and utilized low back pain (LBP) Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) within the chiropractic literature and to investigate their temporal and methodological publication characteristics. MethodsA systematic search of English-language publications in 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane [CENTRAL], CINAHL/EBSCO, PsycINFO, and Index to Chiropractic Literature) was conducted for articles published from the inception of each database through June 2016. ResultsOne hundred forty-four articles were retrieved that utilized 75 different LBP PROMs. The 4 most commonly used LBP PROMs in the chiropractic literature were the Oswestry Disability Index, Numeric Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, and Roland Morris Questionnaire. ConclusionsThis research has created a unique list of the most commonly used LBP PROMs within the chiropractic literature.

Comorbidity effect on speed of recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BackgroundComorbidities have been shown to affect rotator cuff healing and postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of comorbidities on speed of recovery (SOR) and overall outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR).MethodsWe identified 627 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic RCR from 2006 to 2015. Measured motion and patient-reported outcome measures for pain and function were analyzed for preoperative, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year intervals. Subgroup analysis of overall outcome and plateau in maximum improvement was performed for diabetes, smoking, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and age.ResultsDiabetic patients had worse pain (visual analog scale for pain) and functional outcome (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons function, Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale for function, and elevation) scores at 6 months and 1 year (P < .05), with an earlier plateau in recovery (6 months) for nearly all variables. Smoking had no impact on postoperative outcome scores; however, plateaus occurred earlier in smokers (6 months). Obese patients had worse American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons function score and external rotation at 1 year (P < .05) with similar plateau points. No significant differences were observed in outcomes for patients with hypercholesterolemia; however, plateaus for Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation and motion occurred earlier (6 months). Outcome scores for patients older than 65 years were not significantly different from those for younger patients.ConclusionAfter arthroscopic RCR, SOR for pain outpaced that for function and motion. Diabetic patients had worse outcomes and earlier plateau points. Earlier plateaus were seen for smokers and for motion in patients with obesity or hypercholesterolemia. Obese patients showed lower functional scores and external rotation. Age did not significantly influence SOR.

A prospective randomized controlled trial to identify the optimal postoperative pain management in shoulder arthroplasty: liposomal bupivacaine versus continuous interscalene catheter

Shoulder arthroplasty is the fastest growing joint replacement surgery in the United States, and optimal postoperative pain management is critical to optimize outcomes for these surgeries. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) has gained popularity for its potential to provide extended postoperative pain relief with possibly fewer side effects. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of LB compared with continuous interscalene nerve block (CISB) in terms of postoperative pain control, outpatient pain scores, and patient-reported and functional outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty surgery. A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial compared consecutive patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty treated with CISB vs. LB with a single bolus interscalene block. The primary outcome measures included pain assessment up to 24 hours after surgery; in addition, all doses and times of narcotics administered during the inpatient stay were recorded. Patient-reported outcome measures for pain, satisfaction, and functional outcomes were recorded postoperatively. A total of 70 of 74 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty were included in the study. The LB group had equivalent narcotic use, pain scores, and time to first narcotic rescue compared with the CISB group within the first 24 hours (P > .05). The LB group had higher American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and Penn Shoulder Score at final follow-up. There was an increased number of complications and cost for the CISB group. This prospective randomized controlled trial demonstrated that LB provides excellent postoperative pain relief for shoulder arthroplasty patients. In addition, LB had fewer complications and lower cost, making it a promising addition to a multimodal pain regimen for shoulder arthroplasty.