scholarly journals Questionnaire to Identify Knee Symptoms: Development of a Tool to Identify Early Experiences Consistent With Knee Osteoarthritis

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Clark ◽  
Bert M. Chesworth ◽  
Mark Speechley ◽  
Robert J. Petrella ◽  
Monica R. Maly

Background Current diagnostic procedures for knee osteoarthritis (OA) identify individuals late in the disease process. A questionnaire may be a useful and inexpensive method to screen for early symptoms of knee OA. Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a brief, self-administered questionnaire for clinical and research settings to identify emerging knee problems in people who could benefit from conservative interventions. Design This prospective study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Methods and Results Questionnaire items were generated from interview data from individuals with emerging chronic knee problems. These items were reviewed by 16 rheumatology experts, resulting in a 35-item draft questionnaire. To reduce the number of items, questionnaires were mailed to 228 adults, aged 40 to 65 years, with evidence of ongoing knee problems. One hundred thirteen completed questionnaires were returned (63.1% response rate), with 105 usable questionnaires. Using principal components analysis, the number of items was reduced to a final 13-item version, the Questionnaire to Identify Knee Symptoms (QuIKS). The QuIKS has 4 subscales: medications, monitoring, interpreting, and modifying. The QuIKS demonstrated strong internal consistency. Limitations A sampling bias among respondents who provided data for item reduction likely means that the QuIKS reflects those who self-report knee problems to a health care provider, which may not be generalizable to the population. Conclusions The QuIKS is a short, self-administered questionnaire used to promote activity by identifying the experiences associated with early symptoms consistent with knee OA, such as monitoring intermittent symptoms, interpreting the meaning of these symptoms, modifying behaviors, and including the use of medications. If future work validates the QuIKS, its use in developing samples could expand our understanding of early disease and improve interventions.

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Clynes ◽  
Faidra Laskou ◽  
Mark H Edwards ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
Angela Taylor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adolescent knee pain is a common complaint which may be due to patellar dislocation, meniscal tear, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease or patellofemoral maltracking. We studied the association of such pain with knee osteoarthritis (OA) 50 years later using a retrospective cohort design. Methods This study was based in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, a cohort of men and women born in 1931 - 9. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing recall of adolescent knee pain, self-reported OA, demographics, lifestyle and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Clinical OA was defined based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and assessed at a clinical visit where knee radiographs were also taken and graded according to the methods of Kellgren and Lawrence. Results Completed data were available for 135 men and 139 women. The mean age was 78.8 (SD 2.6) years and the mean (SD) BMI was 26.3 (4.0). Two percent of men (n = 3) and 5% of women (n = 7) reported adolescent knee pain, of which 2 men and 3 women sought medical advice for their knee pain. 1 man and 2 women reported that their pain had been constant since teenage years while 2 men and 4 women reported that it was intermittent in nature. A report of adolescent knee pain was associated with an increased risk of clinical (odds ratio (OR) 5.45, p-value 0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 - 21.36); radiological (OR 2.33, p-value 0.228, 95% CI 0.60 - 9.24) and self-report (OR 2.71, p-value 0.134, 95% CI 0.74 - 10.0) of knee OA in later life. After adjustments for age, sex and BMI, adolescent knee pain was associated with an increased risk of clinical (OR 4.80, p-value 0.047, 95% CI 1.02 - 22.53); radiological (OR 1.85, p-value 0.404, 95% CI 0.44 - 7.78); self-report (OR 3.23, p-value 0.10, 95% CI 0.80 - 12.94) although relationships were only significant for clinical knee OA. Conclusion Recalled adolescent knee pain was associated with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA in later life. The lack of association with self-report of OA suggests that this is not simply a consequence of recall bias and exploration in other data sets is now indicated. Disclosures M.A. Clynes: None. F. Laskou: None. M.H. Edwards: None. C. Cooper: None. A. Taylor: None. M. Stokes: None. E.M. Dennison: None.


2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Kittelson ◽  
Steven Z. George ◽  
Katrina S. Maluf ◽  
Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley

This perspective article proposes a conceptual model for the pain experience for individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Pain in knee OA is likely a heterogeneous, multifactorial phenomenon that involves not only the OA disease process but also elements specific to patient psychology and pain neurophysiology. The relevant contributions to the pain experience for any individual patient remain difficult, if not impossible, to definitively determine, and the rationale for many clinical treatment decisions arises primarily from a mechanistic understanding of OA pathophysiology. The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recently identified “phenotyping” of OA pain as a research priority to “better target pain therapies to individual patients.” This perspective article proposes that contributions from 3 domains—knee pathology, psychological distress, and pain neurophysiology—should be considered equally important in future efforts to understand pain phenotypes in knee OA. Ultimately, characterization of pain phenotypes may aid in the understanding of the pain experience and the development of interventions specific to pain for individual patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Nelson Sudiyono

Background: Canes have been recommended as walking aids for knee osteoarthritis to reduce the loading on the affected knee. Patients are usually recommended to hold the cane in the contralateral hand to the affected knee. Nevertheless, some patients prefer to hold the cane ipsilateral to the affected knee. However, the effect of using ipsilateral or contralateral tripod cane on functional mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis is still unknown Objective: To compare the immediate effect of ipsilateral and contralateral tripod cane usage on functional mobility in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis Method: This cross-sectional study involved 30 overweight or obese patients with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade 2 and 3) who never use a cane. Functional mobility was evaluated with Time Up and Go test in three conditions; without walking aid, with tripod cane contralateral and ipsilateral to the more painful knee. Results: The TUG time of aid-free walking is 4.75 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 3.79 - 5.71) seconds faster than ipsilateral cane use and 6.69 (p < 0.001, 95%CI 5.35 - 8.03) seconds faster than contralateral cane use. The TUG time of ipsilateral cane use is 1,94 (95% CI, 1.13 - 2.79) seconds faster than contralateral. Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic knee OA who use tripod cane ipsilateral to the more painful knee have higher functional mobility than the contralateral.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1330.2-1331
Author(s):  
D. Baldock ◽  
E. Baynton ◽  
C. F. Ng

Background:Though the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is complex, patients with OA frequently have other comorbidities, including hypertension, which eludes to other considerations needed when deciding appropriate treatment management.Objectives:This study aims to examine the profiles of knee OA patients with hypertension vs. those without any comorbidities, and to elucidate key differences between these patient groups as potential areas of consideration.Methods:A multi-center, online medical chart review study of patients with OA was conducted between May – July 2020 among US rheumatologists (rheums), orthopedic surgeons (orthos), primary care physicians with a focus in sports medicine (SM PCPs), and pain specialists. Physicians recruited were screened for duration of practice in their specialty (3-50 years) and caseload (>=35 knee OA patients personally managed, at least 10 being moderate-severe). Patient charts were recorded for the next 5 eligible patients seen during the screening period. Respondents abstracted patient demographics and treatments used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.Results:260 physicians were recruited and collectively reported 796 knee OA patients; 559 were reported to experience hypertension whilst 237 were reported as not experiencing any comorbidities.Reported hypertension patients were significantly older (mean 67 vs 59 years old, respectively; p≤0.01) and weighed more (mean 82kg vs 77kg, respectively; p≤0.01) than patients without comorbidities; they were also significantly more likely to be previous smokers compared to those without comorbidities (23% vs 8%, respectively; p≤0.01). With regards to current knee OA severity, both orthos and SM PCPs reported a significantly higher proportion of hypertension patients that were deemed ‘severe’ (physician opinion) vs patients without comorbidities (orthos: 50% vs 32%, respectively; SM PCPs: 42% vs 23%, respectively; p≤0.01).Rheums and pain specialists reported greater mild opioid usage amongst hypertension patients compared to those without comorbidities (rheums: 28% vs 10%, respectively (p≤0.05); pain specialists: 40% vs 9%, respectively; (p≤0.01)); orthos and SM PCPs stated significantly greater use of corticosteroid injections amongst their reported hypertension patients vs those without comorbidities (orthos: 60% vs 41%, respectively; SM PCPs: 40% vs 19%, respectively; p≤0.01). Hypertension patients reported by orthos and SM PCPs are more likely to be considered for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery compared to those without comorbidities (orthos: 59% vs 32%, respectively; SM PCPs: 37% vs 19%, respectively; p≤0.01). Conversely, hypertension patients reported by rheums are less likely to be considered for TKR vs those without comorbidities (41% vs 18%, respectively; p≤0.05).Reported hypertension patients had a significantly higher mean Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS) score than patients without comorbidities (6.6 vs 5.9, respectively; p≤0.01). A significantly higher proportion of patients with hypertension demonstrate radiographic evidence of bone erosion compared to those without comorbidities (69% vs 56%, respectively; p≤0.01).Conclusion:From the sample surveyed, knee OA patients with hypertension may require a more specific and holistic treatment approach that takes into account their CV status and managing physician specialty. Further investigation using comparator cohort is warranted.References:[1]Ipsos Osteoarthritis Therapy Monitor (May – July 2020, 260 specialists reporting on 769 knee OA patients seen in consultation, data collected online. Participating physicians were primary treaters and saw a minimum number of 35 knee OA patients). Data © Ipsos 2021, all rights reserved.[2]Ipsos Osteoarthritis Therapy Monitor (May – July 2020, 260 specialists reporting on 769 knee OA patients seen in consultation, data collected online. Participating physicians were primary treaters and saw a minimum number of 35 knee OA patients). Data © Ipsos 2021, all rights reserved.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.


Author(s):  
B. Moretti ◽  
A. Spinarelli ◽  
G. Varrassi ◽  
L. Massari ◽  
A. Gigante ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The exact nature of sex and gender differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) among patient candidates for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear and requires better elucidation to guide clinical practice. The purpose of this investigation was to survey physician practices and perceptions about the influence of sex and gender on knee OA presentation, care, and outcomes after TKA. Methods The survey questions were elaborated by a multidisciplinary scientific board composed of 1 pain specialist, 4 orthopedic specialists, 2 physiatrists, and 1 expert in gender medicine. The survey included 5 demographic questions and 20 topic questions. Eligible physician respondents were those who treat patients during all phases of care (pain specialists, orthopedic specialists, and physiatrists). All survey responses were anonymized and handled via remote dispersed geographic participation. Results Fifty-six physicians (71% male) accepted the invitation to complete the survey. In general, healthcare professionals expressed that women presented worse symptomology, higher pain intensity, and lower pain tolerance and necessitated a different pharmacological approach compared to men. Pain and orthopedic specialists were more likely to indicate sex and gender differences in knee OA than physiatrists. Physicians expressed that the absence of sex and gender-specific instruments and indications is an important limitation on available studies. Conclusions Healthcare professionals perceive multiple sex and gender-related differences in patients with knee OA, especially in the pre- and perioperative phases of TKA. Sex and gender bias sensitivity training for physicians can potentially improve the objectivity of care for knee OA among TKA candidates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Wang ◽  
Suhang Xie ◽  
Tianjie Bao ◽  
Siyi Zhu ◽  
Qiu Liang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neuromuscular and quadriceps exercises have been shown to be effective approaches to relieve pain and to improve function for patients with knee osteoarthritis. In this study, we aim to provide an informative feasible model in which therapeutic exercise and education will be undertaken with physiotherapy supervision and instruction via video link. We also aim to explore the relationship between program-induced pain alleviation/functional improvements and reduction in irritability, which might be mediated through program-induced psychosocial benefits. Methods In this proposed two-parallel group (neuromuscular exercise versus quadriceps exercise), single-blinded, randomised controlled trial, participants aged ≥50 years with osteoarthritic knee pain will undergo a 12-week intervention, comprising video-linked education, supervised exercises, and a 12-week follow-up. Seven measurements will be taken to collect longitudinal data. A generalised estimating equation will be used to establish the adjusted difference in effectiveness on pain, function, irritability, and psychosocial outcomes between participants undertaking neuromuscular exercises and those undertaking quadriceps exercises. The primary outcomes are overall average pain in the knee joint during walking, as assessed through the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index physical function subscale. Furthermore, pressure pain threshold and changes in self-report pain scores pre-, during, and post-exercise were also measured as an indication of irritability. In addition, both the 6-min walk test and a timed up & go test were used to assess walking function performance. Finally, patients’ emotions (e.g., fear and catastrophising), self-trust, needs in terms of disease knowledge, mental resilience, social support and health-related quality of life were investigated. Two four-wave cross-lagged models will be used to investigate directional relationships, aiming to investigate the complex mechanisms concerning the effects of exercise programmes. Discussion Through summarising the study’s strengths and limitations, this study may provide promising insights in terms of exercise therapy optimisation for people with knee osteoarthritis and/or other chronic pain within a psychosocial framework. Trial registration ChiCTR2100041978 (chictr.org.cn), January 10, 2021.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 788.2-789
Author(s):  
B. Tas ◽  
P. Akpinar ◽  
I. Aktas ◽  
F. Unlu Ozkan ◽  
I. B. Kurucu

Background:Genicular nerve block (GNB) is a safe and effective therapeutic procedure for intractable pain associated with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA)(1). There is increasing support for the neuropathic component to the knee OA pain. Investigators proposed that targeting treatment to the underlying pain mechanism can improve pain management in knee OA (2). There is a debate on injectable solutions used in nerve blocks (3).Objectives:To investigate the analgesic and functional effects of USG-guided GNB in patients with chronic knee OA (with/without neuropathic pain) and to evaluate the efficacy of the anesthetic and non-anesthetic solutions used.Methods:Ninety patients with chronic knee OA between the ages of 50-80 were divided into two groups with and without neuropathic pain according to painDETECT questionnaire (4). The groups were randomized into three subgroups to either the lidocaine group (n=30) or dextrose group (n=29) or saline solutions (n=31). After the ultrasound-guided GNB, quadriceps isometric strengthening exercises and cryotherapy were recommended to the patients. Visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne-algofunctional Index were assessed at baseline and at 1 week, 1 and 3 months later after the procedure.Results:Statistically significant improvement was observed in all groups with or without neuropathic pain according to VAS values at the 1stweek, 1stmonth and 3rdmonth compared to baseline (p<0.05). Statistically significant improvement was observed in all groups with neuropathic pain according to painDETECT values at the 1stweek, 1stmonth and 3rdmonth compared to baseline (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in the groups without neuropathic pain which received dextrose and saline solutions, according to painDETECT values, but not in the group which received lidocain at the 1stweek, 1stmonth and 3rdmonth compared to baseline (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in all groups with or without neuropathic pain according to WOMAC and Lequesne total scores at the 1stweek, 1stmonth and 3rdmonth compared to baseline (p<0.05).Conclusion:We conclude that in patients with chronic knee OA (with/without neuropathic pain), the use of GNB with USG is an analgesic method which provides short to medium term analgesia and functional recovery and has no serious side effects. The lack of significant difference between the anesthetic and non-anesthetic solutions used in the GNB suggests that this may be a central effect rather than a symptom of peripheral nerve dysfunction. It suggests that injection may have an indirect effect through nociceptive processing and changes in neuroplastic mechanisms in the brain. In addition, we can say that regular exercise program contributes to improved physical function with the decrease in pain.References:[1]Kim DH et al. Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of local anesthetic alone or in combination with corticosteroid. Pain Physician 2018;21:41-51.[2]Thakur M et.al. Osteoarthritis pain: nociceptive or neuropathic?. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2014:10(6):374.[3]Lam SKH et al. Transition from deep regional blocks toward deep nerve hydrodissection in the upper body and torso: method description and results from a retrospective chart review. BioMed Research International Volume 2017;7920438.[4]Hochman JR et al. Neuropathic pain symptoms in a community knee OA cohort. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Jun;19(6):647-54.Fig. 1:Ultrasound- guided identification of GNB target sites. Doppler mode. White arrows indicate genicular arteries.A.Superior medial genicular artery.B.Inferior medial genicular artery.C.Superior lateral genicular artery.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Monticone ◽  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Igor Portoghese ◽  
Tomohiko Nishigami ◽  
Benedict M. Wand ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aim Growing attention is being given to utilising physical function measures to better understand and manage knee osteoarthritis (OA). The Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire (FreKAQ), a self-reported measure of body-perception specific to the knee, has never been validated in Italian patients. The aims of this study were to culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the FreKAQ (FreKAQ-I), to allow for its use with Italian-speaking patients with painful knee OA. Methods The FreKAQ-I was developed by means of forward–backward translation, a final review by an expert committee and a test of the pre-final version to evaluate its comprehensibility. The psychometric testing included: internal structural validity by Rasch analysis; construct validity by assessing hypotheses of FreKAQ correlations with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the pain catastrophising scale (PCS), and the Hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) (Pearson’s correlations); known-group validity by evaluating the ability of FreKAQ scores to discriminate between two groups of participants with different clinical profiles (Mann–Whitney U test); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1); and measurement error by calculating the minimum detectable change (MDC). Results It took one month to develop a consensus-based version of the FreKAQ-I. The questionnaire was administered to 102 subjects with painful knee OA and was well accepted. Internal structural validity confirmed the substantial unidimensionality of the FreKAQ-I: variance explained was 53.3%, the unexplained variance in the first contrast showed an eigenvalue of 1.8, and no local dependence was detected. Construct validity was good as all of the hypotheses were met; correlations: KOOS (rho = 0.38–0.51), PI-NRS (rho = 0.35–0.37), PCS (rho = 0.47) and HADS (Anxiety rho = 0.36; Depression rho = 0.43). Regarding known-groups validity, FreKAQ scores were significantly different between groups of participants demonstrating high and low levels of pain intensity, pain catastrophising, anxiety, depression and the four KOOS subscales (p ≤ 0.004). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.74) and test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92, CI 0.87–0.94). The MDC95 was 5.22 scale points. Conclusion The FreKAQ-I is unidimensional, reliable and valid in Italian patients with painful knee OA. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5711
Author(s):  
Julian Zacharjasz ◽  
Anna M. Mleczko ◽  
Paweł Bąkowski ◽  
Tomasz Piontek ◽  
Kamilla Bąkowska-Żywicka

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative knee joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, affecting about 3.3% of the world's population. As OA is a multifactorial disease, the underlying pathological process is closely associated with genetic changes in articular cartilage and bone. Many studies have focused on the role of small noncoding RNAs in OA and identified numbers of microRNAs that play important roles in regulating bone and cartilage homeostasis. The connection between other types of small noncoding RNAs, especially tRNA-derived fragments and knee osteoarthritis is still elusive. The observation that there is limited information about small RNAs different than miRNAs in knee OA was very surprising to us, especially given the fact that tRNA fragments are known to participate in a plethora of human diseases and a portion of them are even more abundant than miRNAs. Inspired by these findings, in this review we have summarized the possible involvement of microRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments in the pathology of knee osteoarthritis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1469
Author(s):  
Luciana Labanca ◽  
Giuseppe Barone ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Laura Bragonzoni ◽  
Maria Grazia Benedetti

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) leads to the damage of all joint components, with consequent proprioceptive impairment leading to a decline in balance and an increase in the risk of falls. This study was aimed at assessing postural stability and proprioception in patients with knee OA, and the relation between the impairment in postural stability and proprioception with the severity of OA and functional performance. Thirty-eight patients with knee OA were recruited. OA severity was classified with the Kellgren–Lawrence score. Postural stability and proprioception were assessed in double- and single-limb stance, in open- and closed-eyes with an instrumented device. Functional performance was assessed using the Knee Score Society (KSS) and the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB). Relationships between variables were analyzed. Postural stability was reduced with respect to reference values in double-limb stance tests in all knee OA patients, while in single-stance only in females. Radiological OA severity, KSS-Functional score and SPPB were correlated with greater postural stability impairments in single-stance. Knee OA patients show decreased functional abilities and postural stability impairments. Proprioception seems to be impaired mostly in females. In conclusion, clinical management of patients with OA should include an ongoing assessment and training of proprioception and postural stability during rehabilitation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document