Pain related distress is associated with poor low back pain outcomes, and is challenging for practitioners to address. This study investigated osteopaths' beliefs about the relationship between chronic pain (CP) and distress (D). The research aimed to explore how patient's distress is understood and managed by osteopath educator clinicians with an interest in the field. A qualitative research design using a constructivist grounded theory analytical approach was used to analyse semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of seven osteopaths working at the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) with experience with CP-D was recruited. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously. Audio-recording, verbatim-transcriptions, memos-writing and diary-keeping were used to develop themes and theory. Three main themes were identified: osteopaths understanding of the CP-D presentation, evaluation and assessment of the CP-D patient, the role of the osteopath and therapist-patient interaction in CP-D treatment. Three sub-themes were developed for each theme.Purpose and background
Methods and results
A proportion of patients with low back pain fail to respond to conventional medicine, physical therapy or surgery. Neurophysiological changes occur in chronic pain and research shows that Mindfulness and ‘3rd wave’ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help patients with long-term musculoskeletal conditions to live more actively, despite pain. This paper describes the development of the three year ‘OsteoMAP’ project (Osteopathy, Mindfulness and Acceptance Programme) to expand the scope of primary care by integrating these psycho-educational interventions into osteopathic practice. A before and after design is being used. Patients with disabling pain for more than six months attend a course of six, individual, one hour sessions, integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based exercises with manual therapy. Questionnaire data collected at the course start and after six months, analysed by an independent group, includes pain-related behaviour (Bournemouth Questionnaire), quality of life (EQ5D), self-efficacy (PSEQ) and mindfulness (MAAS).Background
Methods
Background. Individual illness perceptions have been shown to be important influences on both clinical and work outcomes for those with back pain, yet the influence of ‘significant others’ (spouse/partner/close family member) illness perceptions is rarely explored, particularly in relation to work participation. Method. Semi-structured interviews based on the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire were conducted with two purposive samples of chronic back pain patients (working and work disabled), along with their significant others (n=28). Data were analysed using template analysis. Results. The significant others of patients who were work disabled tended to reinforce the patients' limitations and negative consequences of the back pain condition on every aspect of their lives. They believed that patients needed to be pain-free in order to resume work, and equated treatment success with complete removal of pain. Overall, they perceived patients to be blameless victims. In contrast, the significant others of patients who had managed to remain at work despite
Background. Patients with low back-related leg pain (LBLP) can present with neuropathic pain; it is not known but is often assumed that neuropathic pain persists over time. This research aimed to identify cases with neuropathic pain that persisted at short, intermediate and longer-term time points, in LBLP patients consulting in primary care. Methods. LBLP patients in a primary care cohort study (n=606) completed the self-report version of Leeds Assessment for Neurological Symptoms and Signs (s-LANSS, score of ≥12 indicates possible neuropathic pain) at baseline, 4-months, 12-months and 3-years. S-LANSS scores and percentages of patients with score of ≥12 are described at each time-point. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Results. At baseline, 48.3% (293/606) of patients presented with neuropathic pain, 25.0% (94/376) at 4-months, 22.6% (79/349) at 12-months and 21.6% (58/268) at 3-years. A small proportion (6.6%) scored ≥ 12 at all four time-points. Those who scored ≥ 12 at baseline and 4-months reported higher disability (RMDQ (0–23) 15.2) and depression scores (HADS (0–21) 8.6), and lower pain self-efficacy (PSEQ (0–60) 27.2), compared to those with neuropathic pain at one other time-point at most. Conclusion. Few LBLP patients in primary care present with long-term
Despite the rise of back pain disability, objective mechanical assessment is generally lacking. Quantification of intervertebral kinematics using fluoroscopy provides objective measurement, but its use in clinical practice has not been assessed. This study reviewed cases referred to one UK site for lumbar spine quantitative fluoroscopic (QF) examinations and compared the reasons for referral with the findings reported. Fifty-seven consecutive referrals were reviewed. Patients underwent passive recumbent and/or weight-bearing active examinations in either the sagittal or both the sagittal and coronal planes. Data were extracted from anonymised QF reports and analysed for patient characteristics, reason for referral, working diagnosis at referral, level(s) of interest, previous surgical procedures and findings reported. Reports were also thematically analysed for key findings. Most patients had chronic back conditions of moderate or severe intensity. Most (38/57) were male, mean age 47 (SD 13.1) and mean complaint duration 5.4 years (0.3–32 years). They were referred mainly to investigate segmental instability (19/54) or spondylolisthesis (13/54) to inform either surgical referral or conservative management. Instability was reported in only 8/57 cases, but restricted and hypermobile levels in the same patient was also common (13/57). In 11 cases no mechanical abnormality was found.Purpose and Background:
Methods and Results:
Emerging research has indicated that ‘significant others’ (spouses/relatives) may have important influences on continued work participation for individuals with chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain (CMP). In order to expand on this novel area of research, data from studies conducted in The Netherlands and the UK were assimilated. In both studies, worker and significant other perceptions of pain self-efficacy, perceived partner responses to pain, pain catastrophizing, and contribution to work participation were explored in relation to the worker's CMP. In the Netherlands, questionnaire data were collected from workers with CMP and their significant others (n=103), and in the UK, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=10). Appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were applied.Background
Method
Background and study purpose. Low mood and distress are commonly reported with by people with
Aims. Hip and knee arthroplasty is commonly performed for end-stage arthritis. There is limited information to guide golfers on the impact this procedure will have postoperatively. This study aimed to determine the impact of lower limb arthroplasty on amateur golfer performance and return to play. Methods. A retrospective observational study was designed to collect information from golfers following arthroplasty. Data were collected from 18 April 2019 to 30 April 2019 and combined a patient survey with in-app handicap data. Results. A total of 2,198 responses were analyzed (1,097 hip and 1,101 knee). Of the respondents, 1,763 (80%) were male and the mean age was 70 years (26 to 92). Hip arthroplasty was associated with a mean increase in handicap of 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.25). No difference was seen between isolated leading or trailing leg (p = 0.428). Bilateral hip arthroplasty increased handicap (p < 0.001). Overall, 1,025 (94%) maintained or increased the amount of golf played, 258 (23.5%) returned to iron shots at six weeks, 883 (80%) returned to club competitions at six months, 18 (1.6%) had
Background. FORECAST is a prospective longitudinal cohort study exploring mechanism-based prognostic factors for pain persistence in sciatica. Here, we share an update on this largest deeply-phenotyped primary care sciatica cohort. Methods/results. Our cohort includes 180 people with sciatica (score >4 on Stynes’ Sum Score), aged 18–85, within 3 months of symptom onset. Psychosocial factors, self-reported sensory profiling, clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing (QST), biological samples (blood and skin samples), and Magnetic Resonance Neurography of lumbar nerve roots were collected at baseline. Pain persistence was determined at three and twelve months with the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI) and a numeric pain rating scale (NRS) as primary outcomes. Recruitment nears completion, with 160 participants enrolled to date. 127 and 96 participants have completed 3 and 12 months follow-up respectively. Overall, 56% of our cohort are female, with a mean age (SD) of 54.14yrs (16.57). Ethnicity data approximates local populations. SBI at baseline was (median [IQR]) 13[10-17], and interim longitudinal data shows stepwise improvement at 3 and 12 months. Baseline ‘average’ pain intensity was 5.56 (2.15) for leg pain, and 4.14(2.82) for low back pain (LBP). Overall, pain scores decreased at 3 and 12 months, with greater reductions in leg pain than LBP at 12 months. However, around 55–80% and 40–65% of people reported
Aims. Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes. Methods. Patient identifiers for a consecutive cohort treated between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2011 were linked to radiographs, surgical notes, clinic letters, and mortality data from a national dataset. This allowed charting of their postoperative course, complications, readmissions, returns to theatre, revisions, and deaths. We also identified all postoperative attendances at the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, and recorded any subsequent skeletal injuries. Results. In total, 1,312 Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties were analyzed (mean age at surgery 82.8 years); 125 complications were recorded, necessitating 82 returns to theatre. These included 14 patients undergoing aspiration or manipulation under anaesthesia, 68 reoperations (5.2%) for debridement and implant retention (n = 12), haematoma evacuation (n = 2), open reduction for dislocation (n = 1), fixation of periprosthetic fracture (n = 5), and 48 revised stems (3.7%), for infection (n = 13), dislocation (n = 12), aseptic loosening (n = 9),
Purpose. To explore the relationship in terms of time scale between pre-operative expectations and postoperative outcomes and satisfaction after Hallux valgus surgery. Methods. A patient derived questionnaire was developed and 30 patients aged 19 to 67 were included undergoing primary hallux valgus correction with a first metatarsal osteotomy and distal soft tissue release. Patients were asked pre-operatively to quantify their expected time scale for improvement in pain, ability to walk unaided, ability to drive, routine foot wear and foot feeling normal at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months following surgery, and to indicate their confidence in achieving this result. Patients recorded postoperative outcomes achieved at number of weeks. Ordinal logistic regression multivariate modelling was used to examine predictors of postoperative satisfaction. Results. 90% of the patients were able to walk unaided and drive before or around the expected time scale at an average of five weeks' time.
Aims. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is the preferred treatment for anterior medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) owing to the rapid postoperative recovery. However, the risk factors for UKA failure remain controversial. Methods. The clinical data of Oxford mobile-bearing UKAs performed between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum follow-up of five years were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors that contribute to UKA failure. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare the effect of the prosthesis position on UKA survival. Results. A total of 407 patients who underwent UKA were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.8 years, and the mean follow-up period of the patients was 91.7 months. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) preoperatively and at the last follow-up were 64.2 and 89.7, respectively (p = 0.001). Overall, 28 patients (6.9%) with UKA underwent revision due to prosthesis loosening (16 patients), dislocation (eight patients), and
We had previously reported on early outcomes on a new fluted, titanium, monobloc stem with a three degree taper that has been designed for challenging femoral reconstruction in the setting of extensive bone loss. The aim of this study was to report its mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data carried out at a single institution between Jan 2017 and Dec 2019. 85 femoral revisions were performed using a new tapered, fluted, titanium, monobloc (TFTM) revision stem. Complications, clinical and radiographic data were obtained from medical records and a locally maintained database. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). All post-operative radiographs were analysed for subsidence, osteolysis and femoral cortical bone remodelling. Mean follow-up was 60 months (range 28–84 months). Subsidence of 1.2 mm was noted in one patient. No cases of clinically significant subsidence (10 mm) were observed. At final follow-up, a statistically significant improvement was noted in functional outcome scores. The mean OHS preoperatively and at final follow-up were 24 (SD 13) and 42 (SD15). p = 0.04 mean difference 18 (95% CI 15–22). The mean WOMAC scores preoperatively and at final follow-up were 62 (SD23) and 88 (SD7) respectively (p < 0.001, mean difference 26; 95% CI 21–34). No stem fractures were noted within the follow-up period. Two patients had revision of the stem's one for infection and another for
Introduction. Recurrence in CTEV is not uncommon and as the child becomes older the foot in question is often stiffer and less amenable to the more traditional serial casting Ponseti method. Treatment of these recurrent CTEV feet with external fixators has been previously documented. We aim to present the Sheffield technique of an external circular frame with adjunctive hindfoot and midfoot osteotomies to correct relapsed CTEV and their associated Roye (outcome) scores. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of patient records from 1999 to 2019 were performed for those undergoing frame correction of CTEV. Patients were included if there was adjunctive foot osteotomies in the setting of CTEV frame correction and willingness to partake in retrospective Roye outcome scoring. The Roye score was sent out in the mail to parents asking for scoring of the current level of symptoms. Results. 160 patients were contacted for Roye score evaluation. We successfully collected outcome data for 46 feet in 39 patients. 27 (69%) patients had idiopathic CTEV. Average age at fixator application 12.6 years (range 7–18). Mean length of follow up 10.6 years (1 – 20). 76% of patients were either very (22%) or somewhat (54%) satisfied with the status of their foot. The largest negative score was 61% of parents found difficulty in finding shoes to fit their child's feet after treatment. 39% of patients had significant
Interscalene brachial plexus block is the standard regional analgesic technique for shoulder surgery. Given its adverse effects, alternative techniques have been explored. Reports suggest that the erector spinae plane block may potentially provide effective analgesia following shoulder surgery. However, its analgesic efficacy for shoulder surgery compared with placebo or local anaesthetic infiltration has never been established. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the analgesic efficacy of pre-operative T2 erector spinae plane block with peri-articular infiltration at the end of surgery. Sixty-two patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder repair were randomly assigned to receive active erector spinae plane block with saline peri-articular injection (n = 31) or active peri-articular injection with saline erector spinae plane block (n = 31) in a blinded double-dummy design. Primary outcome was resting pain score in recovery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores with movement; opioid use; patient satisfaction; adverse effects in hospital; and outcomes at 24 h and 1 month. There was no difference in pain scores in recovery, with a median difference (95%CI) of 0.6 (-1.9-3.1), p = 0.65. Median postoperative oral morphine equivalent utilisation was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane group (21 mg vs. 12 mg; p = 0.028). Itching was observed in 10% of patients who received erector spinae plane block and there was no difference in the incidence of significant nausea and vomiting. Patient satisfaction scores, and pain scores and opioid use at 24 h were similar. At 1 month, six (peri-articular injection) and eight (erector spinae plane block) patients reported
Aims. Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm. 2. However, some patients have
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing, especially amongst adolescents. These injuries can increase the risk for early-onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). The consequences of late-stage knee OA include structural joint change, functional limitations and
In years past, the most common reason for revision following knee replacement was polyethylene wear. A more recent study indicates that polyethylene wear is relatively uncommon as a cause for total knee revision counting for only 10% or fewer of revisions. The most common reason for revision currently is aseptic loosening followed closely by instability and infection. The time to revision was surprisingly short. In a recent series only 30% of knees were greater than 5 years from surgery at the time of revision. The most common time interval was less than 2 years. This is likely because of the higher incidence of infection and instability that occurs most commonly at a relatively early time frame. Evaluation of a painful total knee should take into account these findings. All total knees that are painful within 5 years of surgery should be assumed to be infected until proven otherwise. Therefore, virtually all should be aspirated for cell count, differential, and culture. Alpha-defensin is also available in cases in which a patient may have been on antibiotics within a month or less, as well as cases in which diagnosis is a challenge for some reason. Instability can be diagnosed with physical exam focusing on mid-flexion instability which can be usually determined with the patient seated and the knee in mid-flexion, with the foot flat on the floor at which point sagittal plane laxity can be discerned. This is also frequently associated with symptoms of giving way and recurring effusions and difficulty descending stairs. A new phenomenon of tibial de-bonding has been described, which can be a challenge to diagnose. Radiographs can appear normal when loosening occurs between the implant and the cement mantle. This seems to be more common with the use of higher viscosity cement. Obviously this is technique dependent since good results have been reported with the use of high viscosity cement. Component malposition can cause stiffness and pain and relatively good results have been reported by component revision when malrotation has been confirmed with CT scan. When infection, instability and loosening are not present, extra-articular causes should be ruled out including lumbar spine, vascular compromise, complex regional pain syndromes and fibromyalgia, and peri-articular causes such as bursitis, tendonitis, tendon impingement among others. One of the most common causes of pain following total knee is unrealistic patient expectations. Performing total knee replacement in early stages of arthritis with only mild to moderate symptoms and radiographic changes has been associated with