Relationship between preoperative and discharge evaluations in patients receiving around-the-knee osteotomy.
Takashi Hasegawa, Keita Nishi, Shinichi Matsumoto and 3 others
PMID 39493682WHAT IT FOUND
In 18 patients, higher preoperative pain catastrophizing scores were associated with longer 10-m walking time at discharge.
The study did not show that changing these thoughts improves walking.
Key findings
01Among 18 patients analysed, higher preoperative pain catastrophizing total score was significantly correlated with longer 10-m walking time at discharge (rho=0.567, p=0.02).
02Pain at rest and during exercise improved significantly at discharge compared with preoperatively (p<0.01 for both).
03Total pain catastrophizing and rumination scores improved significantly at discharge compared with preoperatively (p=0.04 and p=0.03).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 18 patients were analysed, although the sample size calculation described 26 participants. Approximately 30% of participants could not complete all assessments. The study was a single-centre prospective cohort without a control group. Patients received around-the-knee osteotomy and postoperative rehabilitation together, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. All patients were aged 50 years or older and generally independent in daily activities before surgery, so the results may not apply to younger or more dependent patients. Multiple regression was not performed because the sample size was too small. Long-term chronic postsurgical pain was not adequately assessed. Differences in surgical technique were not reflected in the results.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that reducing pain catastrophizing before surgery will make patients walk faster at discharge. The study was observational, analysed 18 patients, and did not test an intervention or follow patients long enough to assess chronic postsurgical pain.