Unexplained Persistent Pain Research Articles

Early-Term Results of the Cadence Total Ankle Prosthesis: An European Noninventor Study.

Although considerable literature can be found on the outcome of total ankle replacement (TAR), only a few studies have reported the results of the fixed-bearing Cadence prosthesis. This noninventor study reports a consecutive series of 60 Cadence TAR systems with a mean of 2.9 years' follow-up, focusing on clinical and radiographic outcomes and early complications. This study is the first to assess true postoperative radiographic ankle prosthesis range of motion (ROM) and to report an unanticipated serious adverse device effect. Sixty patients who underwent primary TAR with the Cadence prosthesis between July 2016 and July 2019 were clinically and radiographically evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up after the procedure. Revisions, additional procedures, implant failure, and complications were reported according to the classifications of Vander Griend and Glazebrook. Radiographic outcomes included radiographic TAR ROM, bone-implant interface, and alignment parameters. The survival rate of the prosthesis was 98.3%. The mean radiographic ankle ROM at the last follow-up was 24 degrees (9 degrees of dorsiflexion and 15 degrees of plantarflexion). The coronal and sagittal alignment of TAR was 90.8 degrees and 3.9 degrees, respectively. Bone-implant interface analysis revealed osteolysis in 9 ankles (15%) and radiolucent lines in 33 ankles (55%) occurring at both component interfaces. Intraoperative complications were 3 periprosthetic malleolar fractures (5%). Five talar implant fractures (implant failure of 8.3%) were observed, and 1 unexplained persistent pain that required a conversion from TAR to a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Clinical, radiograph ROM, implant position outcomes, and survival rate at an early-term follow-up of 2.9 years were similar to those reported in recent Cadence studies. However, this study reports 5 unanticipated talar implant fractures and a high rate of posterior radiolucent lines. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Revision Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Anatomical Glenoid Component Loosening Was Not Universally Successful: A Detailed Analysis of 127 Consecutive Shoulders.

Glenoid component loosening is a primary cause of failure of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and is commonly associated with glenoid bone loss. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcome and survival following revision to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for the treatment of loosening of a polyethylene cemented glenoid component in the setting of failed TSA. Between 2010 and 2017, 151 shoulders underwent revision to RSA for the treatment of loosening of an anatomical polyethylene glenoid component. Shoulders with staged reconstruction for the treatment of infection were excluded. One hundred and twenty-seven patients (67 women and 60 men) had a single-stage reconstruction and were available for follow-up. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (range, 41 to 93 years). In all cases, the humeral component was revised and a standard glenoid baseplate was utilized. Bone graft was used at the discretion of the treating surgeon. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to collect demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data; to quantify glenoid bone loss; and to determine the radiographic outcome. The mean duration of follow-up was 35 months (range, 24 to 84 months). Revision to RSA resulted in significant improvements in terms of pain and motion. Sixteen shoulders (13%) underwent revision surgery for the treatment of baseplate loosening. Radiographic baseplate loosening was present in 6 additional shoulders (overall rate of baseplate loosening, 17%). Intraoperative fracture or fragmentation of the greater tuberosity occurred in 30 shoulders (24%). Other reoperations included resection for deep infection (3 shoulders), arthroscopic biopsies for unexplained persistent pain (2 shoulders), humeral tray exchange for dislocation (2 shoulders), revision for humeral loosening (1 shoulder), irrigation and debridement for hematoma (1 shoulder), and internal fixation of periprosthetic fracture (1 shoulder) (overall reoperation rate, 20%). Among shoulders with surviving implants at the time of the most recent follow-up, pain was rated as none or mild in 83 shoulders (65.4%) and the average active elevation and external rotation were 132° and 38°, respectively. With the numbers available, no risk factors for failure could be identified. Revision RSA for the treatment of loosening of an anatomical polyethylene component was associated with a 17% glenoid mechanical failure rate. Although this procedure resulted in improvements in terms of pain and function, it was not universally successful and thus needs further refinement in order to improve outcomes. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Giant cell tumor formation due to metallosis after open latarjet and partial shoulder resurfacing

Shoulder metallosis with giant cell tumor formation is rarely seen in shoulder surgery. With an increase in shoulder arthroplasty and complex revision shoulder surgeries, clinicians should have an index of suspicion for possible metallosis in patients that presents with unexplained persistent pain with metal components on both the glenoid and humeral side. This case describes a 43-yearold female with a history of six prior shoulder surgeries who presented with shoulder metallosis and giant cell tumor formation after a screw from her open Latarjet procedure began rubbing against her Hemicap implant. She successfully underwent a revision total shoulder arthroplasty for post traumatic arthritis with pectoralis major transfer for her chronic subscapularis rupture and had complete symptom resolution.

Predictors of Successful Outcomes Following Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Flexion Instability

Background and Hypothesis: Flexion instability is a poorly understood cause of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure, often referred to as a “wastebasket” diagnosis for unexplained persistent pain. It remains a challenging diagnosis, with unpredictable outcomes following revision surgery. This study identified predictors of successful patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) following revision for flexion instability. Methods: 121 consecutive revision TKAs for flexion instability from 2011-2018 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. PROMS were prospectively obtained preoperatively and at minimum one-year follow-up. 33 potential predictors of PROMS encompassed: presenting symptoms, demographics/medical covariates, intraoperative observations, and pre/postoperative radiographic measurements. Variables related to outcomes with p≤0.20 in univariate analysis were entered in regression models. Nonsignificant predictors were pruned until only predictors with p<0.05 and the best model statistics were achieved. Results: The sample was 63% female with mean age of 65±11 and BMI of 34±7 kg/m2. Pre- to postoperative changes in three radiographic measurements vital to the stability and function of TKA were related to function (p<0.001), pain (p=0.019), and satisfaction (p=0.030) after surgery. Pain with walking (p≤0.059) and stair climbing (p≤0.048) were almost exclusively related to demographic/medical covariates. Only one of the presenting symptoms commonly associated with flexion instability influenced early revision outcomes (p=0.021). Conclusion and Potential Impact: Instability is one of the most common reasons for TKA failure leading to costly revision surgery. To our knowledge, this is the largest flexion instability cohort studied to date, including substantially more predictors in an attempt to elucidate factors indicative of successful treatment outcomes. With the exception of radiographic parameters reflecting surgical decisions, findings suggest that many factors related to outcomes may be beyond the control of arthroplasty surgeons.

3241 An Unusual Case of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Presenting as Abdominal Pain

INTRODUCTION: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare systemic autoimmune condition with clinical features similar to systemic lupus erythematous, dermatomyositis, sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis of MCTD consists of high antibody titers to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) in peripheral blood and the presence of clinical manifestations. The most common manifestations are Raynaud phenomenon, joint and muscle pain. Gastrointestinal manifestations of MCTD are less common and are usually gastroesophageal reflux disease or dysphagia. This case describes MCTD presenting as epigastric abdominal pain in a healthy woman. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: The patient is a 50-year-old female with no past medical history who was referred to gastroenterology for evaluation of two months of epigastric pain that failed to improve after a thirty-day course of esomeprazole. The pain was described as “squeezing and strangling” in character. A subsequent EGD was unremarkable. The patient was noted to have a mild elevation in her ALT (38) and underwent an ultrasound that demonstrated hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis. A serological chronic liver disease work-up was negative with the exception of ANA, which was 1:80 in a homogenous pattern. The rest of the patient's laboratory work-up was unremarkable. ANA nine months later was again positive. Anti-RNP antibody was also positive. In the setting of persistent unexplained pain, a repeat ultrasound was performed and was normal. A HIDA scan was done, which demonstrated a borderline ejection fraction of 27%. Biliary dyskinesia was not felt to be cause of the patient's pain given its character and timing. The patient was advised to see a rheumatologist regarding her positive anti-RNP antibody but failed to do so. She presented to a new PCP with continued epigastric pain and new onset arthralgia and edema. The patient was started on methylprednisolone rapid taper which resolved all of the patient's symptoms. The patient was advised to start hydroxychloroquine but she declined due to resolution of her symptoms. DISCUSSION: MCTD is a rare systemic autoimmune condition with clinical manifestations affecting multiple organ systems. Gastrointestinal involvement of MCTD is less common. In this case a previously healthy woman presented with epigastric pain and was found to have MCTD as a cause of her symptoms. This case is an unusual presentation of MCTD and is clinically important as early treatment of MCTD decreases the risk of progression to other organ systems.

Closed Fracture Diagnosed by Bedside Ultrasonography During Hemodialysis: A Report of Seven Cases and Relevant Clinical Characteristics.

Patients undergoing dialysis have a high incidence of fracture, and early diagnosis is important. We report seven cases of closed rib or upper-limb fractures diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography during maintenance hemodialysis sessions and describe relevant clinical characteristics. We identified seven patients who were injured by falls in their homes. No injuries occurred on the day of dialysis. Five of the 7 patients did not visit the emergency room. All patients complained of persistent unexplained pain during a regular hemodialysis session. Ultrasonography (US) was performed during dialysis sessions, without any reports of pain. Before US evaluation, the sensitivity of radiography for diagnosis of fracture was 25%, while the sensitivity of US was 100%. Compared with other patients in our clinic, these patients were significantly older and had lower serum albumin concentrations and lower hemodialysis efficiency as determined by Kt/V. They also had a higher incidence of diabetes and a greater need for vasopressors during dialysis. These findings were consistent with the results of previous studies of the characteristics of fractures in dialysis patients. However, blood levels of creatinine, corrected calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone, and hemoglobin, as well as bone density and blood pressure, after the previous dialysis session were not different. To our knowledge, this is the first report of closed fracture of superficial bone diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography during a hemodialysis session. Ultrasonography is especially useful for diagnosis in these cases because it is noninvasive and highly accurate. Doctors should determine the differential diagnosis for closed fracture in patients undergoing dialysis, especially in those who are older, have diabetes, and are malnourished, and in those with recent contusions and persistent pain.

High prevalence of persistent pain 6 months after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and/or acromioclavicular joint resection.

Purpose: The aims of this prospective study were to determine the prevalence of pain 6 months after arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) and/or acromioclavicular joint resection (AC resection), to reveal causes of the pain, and to identify risk factors for persistent pain.Methods: Preoperatively, patients were tested for their endogenous capacity to modulate pain and completed questionnaires concerning psychological vulnerability. Patients with pain 6 months after surgery were examined by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon to reveal any shoulder pathology responsible for the pain.Results: Data from 101 patients were available for analysis 6 months after surgery. Thirty-six patients had persistent pain: 32 underwent examination by the surgeon who identified shoulder pathology in ten patients, but not in the remaining 22 in whom ongoing insurance case, unemployment, and a general tendency to worry were risk factors for persistent pain.Conclusion: The prevalence of persistent pain 6 months after ASD and/or AC resection was 35.6% (95% CI 26.1–45.8%) and the proportion of patients with shoulder pathology was 9.9%. An association between ongoing insurance case, unemployment, general tendency to worry (t-STAI), and unexplained persistent pain 6 months after surgery was found.

Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer: A community-based cross-sectional study from urban Puducherry, India.

BACKGROUND:Patients with cancer often delay seeking medical advice in developing countries. In India, only 20%–30% of cancers are being diagnosed in Stages I and II. Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer can be used to identify high-risk individuals in the community.METHODOLOGY:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2017 among 302 participants in one of the service areas of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research urban health center selected by universal sampling. Data on the presence of red flag symptoms of cancer (persistent cough, persistent change in bowel/bladder habits, nonhealing ulcer, persistent difficulty in swallowing, unexplained weight loss, unexplained lump, persistent unexplained pain, unexplained bleeding, and change in the appearance of mole) and presence of risk factors were collected through interviews. The collected data were entered using EpiData version 3.0.RESULTS:The mean (standard deviation) age of the study participants was 44 (11) years and 50.6% of them were male. At least one red flag symptom of cancer was present in 22 (7.3%) individuals; 9 (2.8%) had unexplained pain, 4 (1.3%) had change in bowel habits, 4 (1.3%) had change in bladder habits, 3 (1%) had cough, 3 (1%) had nonhealing ulcer, 2 (0.6%) had unexplained bleeding, 1 (0.3%) had difficulty in swallowing, 1 (0.3%) had weight loss, 1 (0.3%) had lump, and 1 (0.3%) had change in the appearance of mole.CONCLUSION:Screening for red flag symptoms of cancer is an easy tool that can be used in the community to identify high-risk individuals, which will facilitate early diagnosis of cancer.

Unexplained Pain Post Total Knee Arthroplasty With an Oxford Knee Score ≥20 at 6 Months Predicts Good 2-Year Outcome

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure for end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. Some patients experience persistent unexplained pain post-TKA despite normal investigations. The purpose of this study is to identify which of these patients are likely to improve without any surgical intervention. We hypothesize that patients with unexplained persistent pain and a poor 6-month Oxford knee score (OKS) post-TKA can improve at 2 years. MethodsProspectively collected data for all primary unilateral TKA performed from June 2004 to January 2012 were analyzed to identify which patients with unexplained pain at 6 months will improve at 2 years. Patients were included if they had persistent pain and an OKS <27 at 6 months; normal radiological and clinical investigations; no infection identified; surgery performed for primary osteoarthritis. Two hundred sixty patients with OKS <27 at 6 months were analyzed. These patients were subdivided into 2 groups (group 1: 6-month OKS 20-26, group 2: 6-month OKS less than 20). ResultsOne hundred ninety-one out of 208 (92%) patients in group 1 experienced improvement in pain and outcome at 2 years. Most of the group 1 patients attained a minimal clinically important difference in OKS of at least 5 (P < .001) at 2 years. Group 1 patients also reported better Knee Society Functional Score and Short Form Survey 36 mean scores at 2 years. ConclusionIn patients with unexplained pain, an OKS of at least 20 at 6 months predicts good functional outcome at 2 years.

What prompts help-seeking for cancer 'alarm' symptoms? A primary care based survey.

Background:Encouraging prompt help-seeking for cancer symptoms can help shorten the patient interval and improve timely diagnosis. We explored factors associated with help-seeking in a primary care sample reporting ‘alarm' symptoms.Methods:A questionnaire was mailed to 9771 adults (⩾50 years of age and no cancer diagnosis) and 3766 (39%) returned it. Our sample included 1732 adults reporting at least one cancer ‘alarm' symptom; with a total of 2726 symptoms. Respondents completed questions relating to help-seeking, demographic and symptom characteristics (e.g., type, knowledge, concern, interference and attribution).Results:Over a third of people who reported a cancer ‘alarm' symptom in the past 3 months had not sought help from a doctor. An unexplained lump (odds ratio (OR) 2.46, 1.42–4.26) and persistent unexplained pain (OR 1.79, 1.19–2.69) were associated with increased likelihood of help-seeking. Symptom concern (OR 3.10, 2.19–4.39) and interference (OR 3.06, 2.15–4.36) were associated with an increased likelihood of seeking help independently of symptom type. People who were not working (OR 1.41, 1.09–1.83), were married/cohabiting rather than single (OR 1.38, 1.10–1.74) and were older (60–69 years) rather than younger (50–59 years; OR 1.33, 1.02–1.75) were more likely to have sought help.Conclusions:Our findings highlighted symptom type and symptom characteristics as key drivers of help-seeking. We also found that there may be specific demographic groups where encouraging help-seeking might be warranted.

Multidisciplinary Treatment in Patients With Persistent Pain Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

In a retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical outcome of multidisciplinary pain therapy (MPT) in a consecutive series of 40 patients with persistent unexplained pain following THA or TKA. Pain intensity, physical capability and psychological status were assessed before MPT (t1), after 3 weeks (t2) and at a mean follow-up of 32 months (t3). At t2, all scores demonstrated a significant improvement compared to the baseline value. At t3, pain intensity, physical capability, and depression levels deteriorated slightly but were still significantly better compared to baseline values. Anxiety scores deteriorated between t2 and t3 and showed no difference in the baseline value. The present study suggests that MPT has beneficial short-term and mid-term effects in this subgroup of patients and may avoid exploratory revision surgery.

Complex regional pain syndrome of the knee – a case report

BackgroundPersistent unexplained pain around the knee can be a perplexing problem. Reports of complex regional pain syndrome involving primarily knee have been published, yet complex regional pain syndrome of the knee is infrequently included in differential diagnosis of pain out of proportion.Case presentationA 54 year old female presented to the physiotherapy outpatient department with complains of severe anterior knee pain and stiffness, persisting for more than 2 months post arthroscopic medial plical excision. The patient met the criteria for establishing a probable diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) knee. Pressure algometre, goniometric measurements and knee outcome survey activities of daily living scale were used to document any changes. This patient was managed for a period of four sessions using graded desensitization therapy, TENS and mobilisation with feedback. Patient showed marked improvement in range of movement (ROM), hypersensitivity, pain and function.ConclusionMeticulous examination, early diagnosis and prompt treatment resulted in a quick improvement in the patient’s condition.

A phase III randomized three-arm trial of physical therapist delivered pain coping skills training for patients with total knee arthroplasty: the KASTPain protocol

BackgroundApproximately 20% of patients report persistent and disabling pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite an apparently normally functioning prosthesis. One potential risk factor for unexplained persistent pain is high levels of pain catastrophizing. We designed a three-arm trial to determine if a pain coping skills training program, delivered prior to TKA, effectively reduces function-limiting pain following the procedure in patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing.Methods/designThe trial will be conducted at four University-based sites in the US. A sample of 402 patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing will be randomly assigned to either a pain coping skills training arm, an arthritis education control arm or usual care. Pain coping skills will be delivered by physical therapists trained and supervised by clinical psychologist experts. Arthritis education will be delivered by nurses trained in the delivery of arthritis-related content. The primary outcome will be change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale score 12 months following surgery. A variety of secondary clinical and economic outcomes also will be evaluated.DiscussionThe trial will be conducted at four University-based sites in the US. A sample of 402 patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing will be randomly assigned to either a pain coping skills training arm, an arthritis education control arm or usual care. Pain coping skills will be delivered by physical therapists trained and supervised by clinical psychologist experts. Arthritis education will be delivered by nurses trained in the delivery of arthritis-related content. The primary outcome will be change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale score 12 months following surgery. A variety of secondary clinical and economic outcomes also will be evaluated.Trial RegistrationNCT01620983

‘Could I be imagining this?’ – the dialectic struggles of people with persistent unexplained back pain

Purpose. To explore how patients with persistent unexplained pain interpret and utilise the biopsychosocial model. This might have an impact on the outcome from treatment programmes that adopts a biopsychosocial approach.Method. We conducted three interviews with 20 patients attending a pain management programme for persistent unexplained back pain; prior to attending the course, immediately following the course and at 1 year. We used the methods of grounded theory.Results. Patients battled through several dialectic tensions in an attempt to legitimise their pain: First, patients wanted a medical diagnosis but also recognised that psychosocial factors contributed to their pain. Second, although the outward appearance of pain was important to legitimacy, it was also important not to appear ‘too ill’. Third, meeting others with unexplained pain reinforced credibility, but patients also described how they were not ‘like the others’. Finally, although holding on to one's self was important, patients also described an acceptance of loss.Conclusions. These dialectic tensions are likely to have an impact on a person's decision to embrace the biopsychosocial model, and might therefore effect their outcome. Health care professionals should be sensitive to the cultural ambiguity of patients with persistent unexplained pain.

Revision of isolated patellofemoral arthroplasty to total knee replacement

Background Patellofemoral arthroplasty is becoming an established treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Revision to total knee replacement occasionally is required. Lessons learned from patients requiring revision surgery and their subsequent post-revision outcomes are described. Method This study reviewed 49 patellofemoral arthroplasties in 43 patients who had revision to a total knee replacement. These cases were obtained from a cohort of 487 patellofemoral arthroplasties prospectively reviewed between 1989 and 2006. Results The most common reason for revision was progression of arthritis in the tibiofemoral joint (30 knees in 26 patients). Persistent pain from technical error was found in 11 knees (10 patients), and 4 knees in 4 patients had unexplained persistent pain. The revision procedure was straightforward with no technical difficulties. All patients had a primary cemented total knee replacement without requiring bone grafting or prosthetic augmentation. The patients reported significant improvements in the Oxford Knee Score (26/48 points) P = 0.003 and the Bristol Pain Score (25/40 points) P = 0.0001 compared with the scores before patellofemoral arthroplasty. The outcomes were less favorable than expected and were worse than those seen after a successful primary patellofemoral arthroplasty. Conclusion Reasons for patellofemoral arthroplasty failure were identified. Patellofemoral arthroplasty was easy to revise to a primary knee arthroplasty; however, good clinical results could not be guaranteed. These results emphasize the need for careful patient selection and precise surgical technique during the primary operation.

An impinging remnant meniscus causing early polyethylene failure in total knee arthroplasty: a case report

The management of patients with an apparently normal functional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) suffering from unexplained persistent pain and swelling is a challenging issue. The usual causes of pain after total knee replacement are well known, but there are a small number of patients in whom its aetiology is obscure. Malfunction due to soft tissue impingement has rarely been reported. A patient with an unusual case of posterior soft tissue impingement secondary to a trapped posterior horn of a remnant medial meniscus after TKA and responsible for severe early polyethylene wear, is reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by arthroscopy. Treatment was performed by arthrotomy. The meniscus remnant was removed followed by total synovectomy and isolated exchange of the polyethylene insert. To our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case reporting this association.

Thromboses veineuses de l'enfant : les pièges diagnostiques

Thrombotic events are often diagnosed with a delay that may be responsible for definite post-thrombotic syndrome. Case reports. – We report two cases, which emphasize the difficulty of the diagnosis of venous thrombosis in two boys, at age 11 and 12 respectively. The occurrence of a leg pain led to a misdiagnosis of arthritis of hip in both cases. Conclusion. – Venous thrombosis must be searched for in children with unexplained persistent pain in leg. Precocious anticoagulation is essential for preventing post-thrombotic syndrome.