Neuropathic Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study In Female Patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the presence of neuropathic pain (NP) in female patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) along with NP-associated factors.Materials and Methods: In total, 85 female patients who underwent TKA due to knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. Sociodemographic factors along with medical and psychological comorbidities were investigated. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scales. The functional status was assessed using the WOMAC physical function scales. Importantly, the presence of NP was assessed using the PainDETECT questionnaire. The emotional status of the patients was assessed using the hospital anxiety depression scale.Results: In total, 9 (10.6%) patients were classified as having likely NP and 14 (16.5%) as having possible NP. The PainDETECT scores were significantly correlated with the preoperative VAS scores (p=0.004), WOMAC pain (p=0.000) and physical function scores (p=0.007) and presence of depression (p=0.021) Furthermore, the PainDETECT scores were significantly negatively correlated with the period after arthroplasty (p=0.033). No correlation was found between NP and socio-demographic factors and medical comorbidities.Conclusion: Patients with NP had a shorter period after arthroplasty, depression, an increased severity of pain and a decreased physical function. The presence of NP in the patients who underwent TKA should be considered and associated factors should be evaluated.