Severe Pain After Knee Replacement May Foretell Outcome

According to a report presented at the 2011 World Congress on Osteoarthritis, patients who have severe pain within the first 3 months following total knee replacement surgery have worse pain and function at one and 2 years post-op and are less satisfied with the procedure than patients who do not experience severe pain within the first 3 months. Patients who are depressed and those who view their pain level as worse than it actually is also are more likely to experience severe post-op pain.

About 15% of patients experience severe pain after knee replacement surgery, but until now, it was not associated necessarily with poor long-term outcomes. Researchers concluded there was a link after studying WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores of a group of 622 patients who had knee replacement surgery. Researchers suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy, pain management, and antidepressants may be helpful when indicated before surgery or after -- as well as considering surgery sooner, before pain becomes too severe.

Related Resources:

• Total Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know
• Why Patients Delay or Decline Knee Replacement
• Is Kneeling Possible After Knee Replacement?
• Share Your Story - What Factors Made You Decide on Joint Replacement?

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_{Photo by Steven Reed (iStockphoto)}