Cross-sectional study of pain and disability at knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis in 299 patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pain and disability at the time of knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis.

METHODS

In this multicenter cross-sectional study, 299 patients at 12 orthopedic surgery centers in Lyon, France were evaluated on the day before knee replacement surgery. Pain severity was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) and function using the Lequesne index and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

RESULTS

There were 207 women and 92 men with a mean age of 73 years. Mean (+/-SD) VAS pain score upon walking was 55.8+/-24mm. Compared to patients with very severe disability (Lequesne index>12), those with mild-to-severe disability (Lequesne index<or=12) were more likely to be older than 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.25-5) and male (OR, 2.5; 95%CI, 1.3-5); they were less likely to have a body mass index>27kg/m(2) (OR, 2.2; 95%CI, 1.3-3.3) and to engage in sporting activities (OR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.4-10).

CONCLUSION

Patients about to undergo knee replacement surgery had high levels of pain and disability, with little variation across centers. Nevertheless, the severity of pain and disability may depend in part on age, gender, body mass index, and sporting activities, which probably influence the decision to perform knee replacement surgery.