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Background Avascular necrosis is a delayed complication of proximal humerus fractures that increases the likelihood of poor clinical outcomes. CT scans are routinely performed to guide proximal humerus fracture management. We hypothesized iodine concentration on post-contrast dual energy CT scans identifies subjects who develop avascular necrosis and ischemia due to compromised blood flow. Materials and methods 55 patients with proximal humerus fractures enrolled between 2014 and 2017 underwent clinical, radiographic and contrast enhanced dual energy CT assessment. Iodine densities of the humeral head and the glenoid (control) were measured on CT. Subjects managed with open reduction internal fixation or conservatively (non-surgical) were followed for up to two years for radiographic evidence of avascular necrosis. Arthroplasty subjects underwent histopathologic evaluation for ischemia of the resected humeral head. Results 17 of 55 subjects (30.9%) were treated conservatively, 21 (38.2%) underwent open reduction internal fixation and 17 of 55 (30.9%) underwent arthroplasty. Of the 38 subjects treated conservatively or with ORIF, 20 (52.6%) completed 12 months of follow up and 14 (36.8%) 24 months of follow up. At 12 months follow up, two of 20 subjects (10%) and at 24 months 3 of 14 subjects (21.4%) developed avascular necrosis. At 12 months, the mean humerus/glenoid iodine ratio was 1.05 (standard deviation 0.24) in subjects with AVN compared to 0.91 (0.24) in those who did not. At 24 months, subjects with avascular necrosis had a mean humerus/glenoid iodine concentration ratio of 1.06 (0.17) compared to 0.924 (0.21) in those who did not. Of 17 arthroplasty subjects, 2 had severe ischemia and an iodine ratio of 1.08 (0.30); 5 had focal ischemia and a ratio of 1.00 (0.36); and 8 no ischemia and a ratio of 0.83 (0.08). Conclusions Quantifying iodine using dual energy CT in subjects with proximal humerus fractures is technically feasible. Preliminary data suggest higher humeral head iodine concentration may increase risk of avascular necrosis; however, future studies must enroll and follow enough subjects managed with open reduction internal fixation or conservatively for two or more years to provide statistically significant results. Trial Registrations NCT02170545 registered June 23, 2014, ClinicalTrials.gov.

Objective.In late 2017, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) published an appropriateness classification system using the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) approach for patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). We determined the contribution of predictor variables in the system to final classification, rated as “appropriate,” “may be appropriate,” or “rarely appropriate” for hip arthroplasty.Methods.An AAOS-appointed expert panel developed 270 clinical vignettes incorporating all permutations of 5 evidence-driven indication variables associated with hip arthroplasty outcome or need. Indication variables were age, function-limiting pain severity, radiographic hip OA severity, hip motion, and presence of modifiable prognostic risk factors. Multinomial regression determined the relative contribution of each variable and a classification tree method determined variable combinations contributing to final classification.Results.Patient age and hip OA severity were the dominant predictors of appropriateness classification in both statistical models. Function-limiting pain made a slight contribution relative to age and hip OA severity while hip motion and the presence of modifiable prognostic factors did not meaningfully contribute to final classification. The regression model explained about 99% of the variance and the classification tree had an accuracy of 87.8%.Conclusion.Classification for hip arthroplasty appropriateness in the AAOS system is driven almost exclusively by age and OA severity. Function-limiting pain, a major reason patients seek surgery, contributes only slightly to the AAOS appropriateness criteria. The system relies heavily on traditional variables of patient age and radiographic hip OA severity. Future study of actual patient outcomes is needed to further test the validity of the AAOS system.

Pain catastrophizing has been identified as a prognostic indicator of poor outcome following knee arthroplasty. Interventions to address pain catastrophizing, to our knowledge, have not been tested in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pain coping skills training in persons with moderate to high pain catastrophizing undergoing knee arthroplasty improves outcomes 12 months postoperatively compared with usual care or arthritis education. METHODS: A multicenter, 3-arm, single-blinded, randomized comparative effectiveness trial was performed involving 5 university-based medical centers in the United States. There were 402 randomized participants. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Scale, measured at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months following the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Participants were recruited from January 2013 to June 2016. In 402 participants, 66% were women and the mean age of the participants (and standard deviation) was 63.2 ± 8.0 years. Three hundred and forty-six participants (90% of those who underwent a surgical procedure) completed a 12-month follow-up. All 3 treatment groups had large improvements in 12-month WOMAC pain scores with no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the 3 treatment arms. No differences were found between WOMAC pain scores at 12 months for the pain coping skills and arthritis education groups (adjusted mean difference, 0.3 [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.9 to 1.5]) or between the pain coping and usual-care groups (adjusted mean difference, 0.4 [95% CI, −0.7 to 1.5]). Secondary outcomes also showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among adults with pain catastrophizing undergoing knee arthroplasty, cognitive behaviorally based pain coping skills training did not confer pain or functional benefit beyond the large improvements achieved with usual surgical and postoperative care. Future research should develop interventions for the approximately 20% of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty who experience persistent function-limiting pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Summary Objective To determine whether good versus poor outcome trajectories and predictors of poor outcome obtained in a derivation study could be replicated in an independent sample of persons undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA). Methods We used data from TRIO-POPULAR, a prospective cohort study of 926 participants who underwent KA in the United Kingdom. The participants were assessed preoperatively and 6-weeks, 6- and 12-months postoperatively. The Oxford Knee Score was the primary outcome and a variety of pre-operative predictors of outcome were selected. The outcome measure and the predictors were selected to most closely align with a previously published derivation study of good versus poor outcome. Confirmatory two-piece latent class growth curve analyses were used to model outcome and regression was used to identify predictors of outcome class. Results Trajectories for the Oxford Knee Scores from TRIO-POPULAR replicated trajectories for WOMAC Pain and Function scores from the previously published derivation study. Multivariable predictors of poor outcome were pain catastrophizing (odds ratio = 1.125, 95% CI = 1.048, .206, p = 0.001) and comorbidity (odds ratio = 1.134, 95%CI = 1.049, 1.227, p = 0.002. Pain catastrophizing also predicted poor outcome in the derivation study. Conclusions Good and poor outcome trajectories replicated those found in the previously published derivation study. Our model-based method produces stable outcome trajectories despite using data from different countries and participants with substantively different characteristics. Predictors of poor outcome were somewhat inconsistent between the cross-validation and derivation studies. Pain catastrophizing was the only consistent poor outcome predictor.

Background To test the validity of a second-generation appropriateness system in a cohort of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods We applied the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to derive our second-generation system and conducted a prospective study of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in eight public hospitals in Spain. Main outcome questionnaires were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short-Form-12 (SF-12), and the Knee Society Score satisfaction scale (KSS), completed before and 6 months after TKA. Baseline, changes from baseline to 6 months (journey outcome), and 6-month scores (destination outcome) were compared according to appropriateness category. Percentage of patients attaining the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and responders according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society (OMERACT-OARSI) criteria were also reported. Results A total of 282 patients completed baseline and 6-month questionnaires. Of these, 142 (50.4%) were classified as Appropriate, 90 (31.9%) as Uncertain, and 50 (17.7%) as Inappropriate. Patients classified as Appropriate had worse preoperative pain, function, and satisfaction (p < 0.001) and had greater improvements (i.e., journey scores) than those classified as Inappropriate (p < 0.001). At 6 months, destination scores for pain, function, or satisfaction were not significantly different across appropriateness categories. The percentage of patients meeting responder criteria (p < 0.001) and attaining MCID was statistically higher in Appropriate versus Inappropriate groups in pain (p = 0.04) and function (p = 0.004). Conclusions The validity of our second-generation appropriateness system was generally supported. The findings highlight a critical issue in TKA healthcare: whether TKA appropriateness should be driven by the extent of improvement, by patient final state, or by both.

Objective Physical therapy visit number and timing following knee arthroplasty (KA) are variable in daily practice. The extent to which the number and timing of physical therapy visits are associated with current and future pain and function—and, alternatively, whether pain and function are associated with the number of future physical therapy visits following KA—are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine temporal and reciprocal associations between the number of physical therapy visits and future pain and function in people with KA. Methods A cross-lagged panel design was applied to a secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial of patients with pain catastrophizing. The 326 participants underwent KA and completed at least 7 of 9 health care diaries over the year following surgery. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function subscales were completed preoperatively and multiple times during follow-up. Separate cross-lagged panel analyses were conducted for WOMAC pain and physical function. Results From surgery to 2 months postsurgery, reciprocal associations were generally not found between physical therapy visit number and future pain or function. From 2 to 6 months postsurgery, a greater number of physical therapy weekly visits were associated with higher (worse) 6-month pain and function. Higher (worse) WOMAC pain at 2 and 6 months led to more visits from 2 to 6 and 6 to 12 months, respectively. Conclusions Higher pain scores 2 months postsurgery were associated with higher physical therapy use in the 2 to 6 months following surgery. However, patients with increased physical therapy use from 2 to 6 months had significantly higher pain scores 6 months postsurgery. Those patients with persistent pain 6 months postsurgery were higher users of physical therapy 6 to 12 months postsurgery. This reciprocal positive association between pain and physical therapy during this time period suggests minimal benefit of physical therapy despite an increased physical therapy use for patients with higher pain. Impact This is the first study to determine the association between the number and timing of physical therapy visits and current and future pain and function. Based on the results, physical therapy might not be a cost-effective strategy to treat patients with persistent pain following KA.

Objective The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain scale quantifies knee pain severity with activities of daily living, but the potential impact of pain in other body regions on WOMAC pain scores has not been explored using a causal modeling approach. The purpose of this study was to determine if pain in other areas of the body impact WOMAC pain scores, a phenomenon referred to as “crosstalk.” Methods Cross-sectional datasets were built from public use data available from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST). The WOMAC Pain Scale and generic hip, knee, ankle, foot and back pain measures were included. Three nested regression models grounded in causally based classical test theory determined the extent of crosstalk. Improvements in the coefficient of determination across the 3 models were used to determine the presence of crosstalk. Results Causal modeling provided evidence of crosstalk in both OAI and MOST datasets. For example, in OAI, multiple statistical models demonstrated significant increases in coefficient of determination values (P Conclusions Crosstalk appears to be a clinically important source of error in the WOMAC Pain Scale, particularly for patients with a larger number of painful body regions and when contralateral knee joint pain is more severe. Impact Statement This study has important implications for arthritis research. It also should raise clinician awareness of the threat to score interpretation and the need to consider the extent of pain in other body regions when interpreting WOMAC pain scores.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose was to identify preoperative risk factors associated with post-hospitalization falls over an approximate 2-year postoperative period in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: The study utilized a longitudinal cohort design. SETTING: Participants were recruited from communities surrounding four urban university-based medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: All participants underwent hip or knee arthroplasty over a 9-year study period and were followed yearly in the Osteoarthritis Initiative study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome measure was a self-reported history of falls over the two-year postoperative period. A fall was recorded when the participant reported landing on the floor or ground. Preoperative predictors of falls derived from prior evidence included preoperative fall history, depressive symptom severity, narcotic use, age, activity level and comorbidity. Multinomial regression analysis was applied to determine factors that predicted either a single fall or multiple falls during a two-year postoperative period. RESULTS: Preoperative predictors of multiple postoperative falls were a preoperative history of falling, depressive symptoms and hip versus knee arthroplasty. Patients with hip arthroplasty were more than twice as likely (Odds Ratio = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.21, 4.20) as patients with knee arthroplasty to have multiple self-reported falls in the first two postoperative years. No predictors were found for persons who reported falling only once postoperatively. Findings were generally supported in a sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians involved with the pre-and postoperative care of persons undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty can use these findings to inform fall risk screening and intervention delivery to reduce fall risk in patients who are at risk for multiple falls following hip or knee arthroplasty.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of a 1- to 2-year postsurgical pain-free state and pain plus symptom-free state as well as functional restoration after knee arthroplasty (KA) and to identify predictors of these outcomes. Design Cohort study. Setting Communities of 4 sites. Participants Consecutive participants (N=383) who underwent KA on at least 1 knee during the first 8 years of the study (mean age, 67.95±8.5y; 61.4% women; n=235). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures A composite pain score included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale and 2 generic pain rating scales. Composite pain plus other symptoms scores included 3 pain scales, a stiffness scale, and, in addition, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Symptoms scale. The WOMAC Function scale was used to quantify functional status. Prevalence estimates and predictors of a pain-free state, symptom-free state, and a fully functioning state were determined. Results A sample of 383 participants with KA was studied, and of these, 34.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.3%–39.2%; n=131) had a composite score of 0 for pain. A total of 14.1% (95% CI, 10.8%–18.1%; n=54) had a composite score of 0, indicating a symptom-free state, whereas 29.0% (95% CI, 24.4%–34.0%; n=111) achieved a score of 0 on the WOMAC Function scale. Conclusions The prevalence of complete pain relief was 34%, the prevalence of complete pain and symptom relief was 14%, and the prevalence of complete functional restoration was 29% after KA. Participants who are older and with lower (better) WOMAC Pain scores were more likely to be pain-free after surgery. These data collected from a community-based sample have the potential to inform clinicians screening patients for KA consultation in a shared decision-making discussion to better align patient expectations with the most likely outcome.

Objective The assessment of racial differences in pain and function outcome following knee arthroplasty (KA) has received little attention despite very substantial literature exploring a variety of other prognostic factors. The present study was undertaken to determine whether race was associated with KA outcome after accounting for potential confounding factors. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of 384 participants with moderate-to-high pain catastrophizing who underwent KA. Preoperative measures included race/ethnicity status as well as a variety of potential confounders, including socioeconomic status, comorbidity, and bodily pain. Outcome measures were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scales as well as performance measures. Linear mixed-effects models compared outcomes over a 1-year follow-up period for African American versus non-African American participants. Results WOMAC pain scores differences for African American versus non-African American participants averaged ~2 points in unadjusted analyses and 1-1.5 points in adjusted analyses. In adjusted analyses, follow-up WOMAC function scores differed by 6 points for African Americans compared to non-African Americans (P = 0.002). Conclusion African Americans generally had worse pain, function, and performance prior to KA and worse scores after surgery, but differences were small and attenuated by ~25-50% after adjustment for potential confounding. Only WOMAC function scores showed clinically important postsurgical differences in adjusted analyses. Clinicians should be aware that after adjustment for potential confounders, African Americans have approximately equivalent outcomes compared to others, with the exception of WOMAC function score.

Objective Evidence supports the validity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) appropriateness classification based on the RAND Corporation and University of California Los Angeles system.The system, however, is ~2 decades old, and the science and clinical application of TKA has changed dramatically. We undertook this study to describe the methods used to develop a second-generation system and to examine the structure of the system to determine the extent to which each of the indication criteria informed appropriateness. Methods Multivariable multinomial regression analyses determined the extent to which each of the 8 individually analyzed indication criteria informed appropriateness judgments. Classification tree analysis illustrates how the indication criteria, in combination, led to judgments of appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain. Results An expert panel selected 8 indication criteria (i.e., age, knee pain, function, radiographic osteoarthritis severity, osteoarthritis location, psychological factors, pain catastrophizing, and comorbidities). A total of 1,008 clinical scenarios were written, based on the criteria. Regression analyses indicated that age, knee pain, function, and radiographic severity dominated prediction of appropriateness, while the other criteria played a smaller role. Classification tree analysis confirmed the regression findings. Conclusion Our second-generation classification system, which incorporates contemporary indicators of TKA prognosis and risk, demonstrated preliminary evidence for utility in clinical practice.

Background Patients considering knee arthroplasty (KA) and consulting orthopedic surgeons use different criteria to judge surgical appropriateness with surgeons placing high priority on osteoarthritis (OA) severity and age while patients place greatest emphasis on pain severity. In the face of fluctuating symptoms and high rates of bilateral knee OA, selection of the optimal knee for KA surgery can be challenging. This study examined osteoarthritis and symptom severity profiles of index versus contralateral knees of persons preparing for KA. Methods The nine-year Osteoarthritis Initiative data from 427 participants and five-year Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study data from 377 participants undergoing KA were included. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain, Function, and Stiffness Scales for both knees and radiographic readings were obtained at the visit prior to knee arthroplasty. Radar plots illustrated symptom and OA severity. Prevalence estimates of the proportion of contralateral knees with comparable or worse symptoms and OA severity relative to the index knee were reported. Results The prevalence of comparable or worse knee OA on the contralateral knees as compared with index knees is 26% (95% CI = 22%, 30%). Prevalence of the same or worse WOMAC Pain for the contralateral knees relative to the index knees is 17% (95% CI = 14%, 21%). Conclusions The prevalence of comparable/worse knee OA or symptoms on the contralateral knees relative to index knees of persons undergoing unilateral KA is substantial. Methods for selecting the surgical knee should be reconsidered for this substantial subgroup of patients.

Despite being one of the most common indications for surgery, data on the types of meniscus tear that should be treated surgically are limited. Improving patient selection requires agreement on meniscus tear description. This study evaluates a simple MRI tear classification system for inter-observer agreement. Knee MRI examinations from 57 subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort were reviewed by two sub-specialty trained, musculoskeletal radiologists. Based on two pulse sequences, each meniscus was classified by: tear or no tear; location of tear in anterior, middle or posterior third or multiple thirds; and displaced or non-displaced radial, horizontal, longitudinal or complex tear pattern. A tear was defined as signal abnormality extending to the surface on at least two images and displacement as more than 2 mm of extrusion or separation measured orthogonal to the tear plane. Kappa, weighted Kappa and percentage agreement were calculated. For the medial meniscus, Kappa and percentage agreement estimates were, respectively: the presence of tear, 0.79 and 89.5%; tear with displacement, 0.70 (weighted Kappa) and 66.0%; tear description, 0.47 and 61.4%; tear location, 0.64 and 79.0%. For the lateral meniscus, estimates were: the presence of tear, 0.75 and 89.5%; tear with displacement, 0.81 (weighted Kappa) and 86.0%; tear description, 0.56 and 78.9%; tear location, 0.74 and 87.7%. The strength of agreement between readers was moderate to substantial underscoring the challenge of meniscus tear classification.

Background Associative learning is the ability to discover a relationship between two or more events. We combined principles of learning and technology to develop a paradigm to assess associative learning in prone. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3- to 6-month-old infants can demonstrate: (1) short-term learning of an association between their upper body movements in prone and activation of a toy, and (2) retention of the association learned on day 1, 24 hours later. Methods Twenty-eight infants who were 3 to 6 months of age and who were typically developing were tested for 2 consecutive days in an instrumented play gym. Both days of testing had a baseline and 4 acquisition phases (2 minutes each). During the acquisition phase, the toy activated for a maximum of 10 seconds when the infant's head was above a threshold. A criterion was set a priori to distinguish infants as short-term learners and retainers of the association learned on day 1. Results Of 28 infants, 22 and 14 infants completed all phases of the testing on day 1 and day 2, respectively. Fourteen (50%) of the infants met the criteria for short-term learners. On day 2, there was an analyzable sample of 9 short-term learners. Three of the 12 short-term learners (25%) demonstrated retention on day 2. Conclusion Consistent with prior infant motor learning research, half of the infants demonstrated associative learning in this novel assessment in prone; however, based on study criteria, the infants had limited retention of the association on day 2.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined ninety-day and one-year postoperative healthcare utilization and costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from the health sector and patient perspectives. DESIGN: This study relied on: 1) patient-reported medical resource utilization data from diaries in the Knee Arthroplasty Pain Coping Skills Training (KASTPain) trial; and 2) Medicare fee schedules. Medicare payments, patient cost-sharing, and patient time costs were estimated. Generalized linear mixed models were used to identify baseline predictors of costs. RESULTS: In the first ninety days following TKA, patients had an average of 29.7 outpatient visits and 6% were hospitalized. Mean total costs during this period summed to $3720, the majority attributed to outpatient visit costs (84%). Over the year following TKA, patients had an average of 48.9 outpatient visits, including 33.2 for physical therapy. About a quarter (24%) of patients were hospitalized. Medical costs were incurred at a decreasing rate, from $2,428 in the first six weeks to $648 in the last six weeks. Mean total medical costs across all patients over the year were $8,930, including $5,328 in outpatient costs. Total costs were positively associated with baseline Charlson comorbidity score (p

OBJECTIVES: we determined the yearly prevalence of single and multiple falls in persons with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and persons undergoing knee arthroplasty over an 8-year period. We also compared annual fall rates among persons with and without knee arthroplasty to determine if fall rates are associated with knee arthroplasty. METHODS: we studied 4,200 persons from the Osteoarthritis Imitative (OAI), a National Institutes of Health funded prospective study of persons 45-79 years and conducted from 2004 to 2012. All either had knee OA or were at risk of developing knee OA but did not have knee arthroplasty. The surgical group comprised 413 persons who underwent knee arthroplasty. Key fall risk factors were assessed at yearly study visits. Graphical depictions illustrated single and multiple fall trajectories. Multinomial regression adjusted for potential confounders compared fall rates for those with and without knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: fall rate trajectories for the two samples were generally flat and fall rates were similar. For the arthroplasty sample, fall rates did not increase in the immediate perioperative period relative to earlier and later periods. No differences in fall rates were found among the arthroplasty and non-arthroplasty samples after adjustment for potential confounding (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: fall rates were generally stable and similar over an 8-year period among persons with and without knee arthroplasty. Clinicians should not assume that persons undergoing knee arthroplasty are at greater risk for falls either before or after surgery as compared to persons with or at risk for knee OA.© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected]/* */ Language: en

We examined the intertester reliability of patellofemoral compartment (PFC) osteoarthritis (OA) severity using magnetic resonance images (MRI) and a modified Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) system. Second, we determined if these grades were associated with clinical tests of PFC involvement or self-reported pain/difficulty with stair climbing. Third, we assessed the association between PFC OA severity and knee pain or disability, after accounting for potential confounders including tibiofemoral OA severity.We examined the 9-year Osteoarthritis Initiative data from 114 subjects in the year prior to undergoing knee arthroplasty. The weighted kappa (κReliability was substantial (κMRI-based measures of PFC OA were highly reliable indicating that musculoskeletal radiologists can reliably grade the PFCs of subjects using MRI. The extent of PFC OA is not associated with either clinical tests of PFC involvement or activities associated with PFC pain in persons with moderate to severe symptomatic tibiofemoral and PFC OA.

Background Out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures are incurred as insurers and employers shift some of the burden of health care costs onto consumers. As cost-sharing increases, OOP expenditures could be a barrier to physical therapy care. Objective The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify factors associated with any OOP physical therapy spending and (2) to identify factors associated with higher spending among individuals incurring OOP costs. Design The study was a retrospective analysis using the 4 most recently available panels of data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) encompassing 2008–2012. Methods A data file containing episodes of physical therapy care for 2,189 people was created. Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to having an OOP expenditure. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to identify factors related to mean OOP expenditures. Results On average, an episode of care encompassed 9.9 visits, with mean total expenditures of $1,708 (median: $792). Fifty-four percent of episodes of care had an OOP expenditure. For individuals with OOP expenditures, the mean OOP expenditure for an episode of care was $351 (median: $144). Being female or non-Hispanic and having a higher income were associated with higher odds of incurring an OOP expenditure, whereas being in worse general health, >65 years of age, or nonwhite and having public funding were associated with lower odds of incurring an OOP expenditure. Amounts of OOP spending were higher in urban areas and in all census geographic regions relative to the Northeast region. Limitations Estimates are based on household-reported survey data, limited to ambulatory care, and do not include institutionalized individuals. Conclusions At 54%, the proportion of individuals with OOP expenditures for physical therapy is lower than for general medical care. Several predictors were found of having OOP expenditures and of the magnitude of those expenditures.

Summary Objectives We determined the radiographic osteoarthritic worsening rate prior to knee arthroplasty (TKA) and whether this worsening was associated with worsening pain and function as compared to a non-surgical matched sample. Methods We used the Osteoarthritis Initiative 5-year datasets. Extent of knee OA 2 years prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was matched to knees of persons who did not undergo TKA. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Function and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain scales were used to quantify functional deficit and functionally relevant pain respectively. A total of 167 persons with isolated TKA and 300 persons with matched symptomatic knee OA but no TKA were studied. Results During the 2 years prior to TKA, worsening by at least one Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade occurred in 27.4% (95% CI = 20.6–34.2) of the surgical knees compared to 6.6% (95% CI = 3.8–9.4) of matched non-surgical knees. Osteoarthritis radiographic progression was strongly associated with WOMAC Function and KOOS Pain worsening ( P prior to TKA. KL worsening was strongly associated with future arthroplasty (Odds ratio = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.6–9.8) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Persons undergoing TKA 2 years later had substantial worsening pain and function over the 2-year pre-operative period as compared to a non-surgical sample matched based on KL grades. Almost 30% of persons who elect to undergo TKA undergo rapid disease progression and symptom worsening during the 2 years prior to TKA.

Radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition that has been the focus of a number of studies identifying factors that are prognostic of continued or worsening pain and function. Although prior prognostic studies have identified a number of demographic, physical, and psychological factors that are predictive of outcome, minimal focus has been placed on pain coping skills as prognostic factors, despite cross-sectional evidence suggesting that pain coping skills are associated with pain and function in knee OA. The present study reports on the use of pain coping skills as prognostic factors for changes in pain and/or function over a 1-year period. Participants were drawn from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of persons recruited from the community who either had knee OA or were at high risk for developing knee OA. Data from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire were compared against 1-year change in pain, function, or both, using established criteria for defining whether the patient got better, worse, or stayed the same over the 1-year period. Results revealed a significant effect for praying/hoping, increased behavioral activities, and pain catastrophizing as prognostic of pain outcomes; ignoring pain and praying/hoping were prognostic of function outcomes; and increased behavioral activities and pain catastrophizing were prognostic of a combined pain and function outcome. The findings provide important new evidence regarding the potential clinical relevance of a number of pain coping responses hypothesized to influence future pain and function in persons with arthritis.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine if associations between pain distribution (unilateral vs bilateral) and measures of function (self-report vs performance-based) were influenced by knee pain intensity of the painful knee(s) in persons with moderate to severe symptomatic knee OA. Methods. Data from persons in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset (n = 852) with symptomatic knee OA were studied. Key dependent variables were the WOMAC physical function, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) quality of life, the repeated chair stand test and the 20-m walk test. In addition to covariates, the independent variables were the presence of unilateral or bilateral OA involvement (either Kellgren and Lawrence grade 3 or 4 or a grade

The use of brief and simple-to-use instruments for quantifying the extent of depression, anxietys, general psychological distress [1,2] and pain-related beliefs and coping [3] has been a recent trend in primary care [4]. Demand has been led by the need for brief screening measures of key pain-related constructs that can be used in clinical settings. Researchers have responded to this need by developing and validating a number of brief measures that can be used as diagnostic and screening instruments. For example, Kroenke and colleagues developed 2-item screening measures for depressive [5] and anxiety disorders [1]. Brief instruments for assessing pain beliefs and coping also have been used extensively to estimate the burden [6] and impact of pain coping strategies in populations [7,8]. Brief instruments have gained popularity, but brevity comes with a price. Reducing item number from a parent scale, for example, eases respondent burden but can increase measurement error [3,9,10]. This increase in measurement error has the potential to result in incorrect diagnostic or treatment-based decisions. When making decisions regarding individual patients, demands for psychometric rigor increase, relative to group level change [11–13]. Thus, before brief instruments can be recommended for routine use in clinical settings, research is needed to confirm their validity. We sought to determine the extent to which two-item versions of the scales derived from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) [14–16], a commonly reported measure of pain coping, are valid when used on persons in the community with chronic knee OA pain. Persons with chronic pain in the community have not been studied using the two-item version of the CSQ and given the high prevalence [17], economic and health consequences [18] of community-based chronic OA pain, this area is in need of study. To examine validity, we chose two approaches. Previous work has examined psychometric qualities of the brief versions of CSQ scales only in the context of patient samples [3,9]. To extend and determine the generalizability of the findings from research to community-based individuals, we evaluated construct validity by comparing the 2-item CSQ scale scores to the full spectrum of impairment and function defined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model, in a large community-based large sample of persons with chronic knee OA pain. Using the ICF conceptual framework to examine construct validity allows for assessment of the association with the CSQ scales to knee-level attributes (e.g., knee pain) as well as person-level generic activities (e.g., sitting and standing) and interactions of the person in life situations (e.g. occupational and recreational activities) [19]. We hypothesized that CSQ scales would demonstrate construct validity in the community-based sample, much like patient samples that have been studied [3,9]. We also examined criterion-based validity of the brief CSQ scales using several approaches. If the 2-item CSQ scales show similar patterns of association to criterion measures as the full scales do, this would provide preliminary support for use of these shorter scales in large sample survey studies and for pain coping screening in busy clinical practices [3,9]. We did not have specific hypotheses regarding the criterion-based validity of the CSQ scales, given that previous researchers have not evaluated this aspect of validity in CSQ scales in either clinical or community samples of individuals with chronic pain. However, given the success of brief versions of other important domains [1,5], as well as the established importance of coping and catastrophizing in particular to chronic pain adjustment [20–22], we thought that this issue was worthy of examination.

Summary Objective Literature examining the effects of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on subsequent body weight gain is inconclusive. Determining the extent to which clinically relevant weight gain occurs following THA has important public health implications. Design We used multi-variable logistic regression to compare data from one of the largest US-based THA registries to a population-based control sample from the same geographic region. We also identified factors that increased risk of clinically important weight gain specifically among persons undergoing THA. The outcome measure of interest was weight gain of ≥5% of body weight up to 5 years following surgery. Results The multi-variable adjusted [age, sex, body mass index (BMI), education, comorbidity and pre-surgical weight change] odds ratio for important weight gain was 1.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06, 2.6] for a person with THA as compared to the control sample. Additional arthroplasty procedures during the 5-year follow-up further increased odds for important weight gain (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.4, 2.7) relative to the control sample. A patient with THA had increased risk of important post-surgical weight gain of 12% (OR = 1.12, 95% CI, 1.08, 1.16) for every kilogram of pre-operative weight loss. Conclusions While findings should be interpreted with caution because of missing follow-up weight data, patients with THA appear to be at increased risk of clinically important weight gain following surgery as compared to peers. Patients less than 60 years and who have lost a substantial amount of weight prior to surgery appear to be at particularly high risk of important post-surgical weight gain.

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly effective surgery, but is underutilized by some patient groups. This study determined factors associated with a person's expectations with respect to pain and walking function following a TKA procedure, should they elect to undergo a TKA. Methods A total of 3542 people were studied with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis and enrolled in the community-based Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified demographic, socioeconomic, osteoarthritis-related, joint replacement awareness, and psychological correlates as poor outcome expectations. Logistic regression determined if outcome expectation was associated with future knee arthroplasty utilization. Results Approximately 25% of the sample expected a poor outcome. Several factors were associated with poor pain outcome expectation, with the most powerful being African American race (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.11, 95% CI=1.69, 2.64) and an interaction between clinical depression symptoms and pain catastrophizing (OR=3.17, 95% CI=2.26, 4.44 when both were coded ‘yes'). Whether a person had knee OA did not affect expectations. Pain outcome expectations were strongly associated with future TKA utilization (OR=4.9, 95% CI=2.2, 11.1). Conclusion A variety of modifiable psychological factors impact people's expectations of the extent of pain and walking difficulty following a potential future TKA. Expectations strongly predict future TKA utilization. Given the high prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, mass media educational interventions for the population may assist in better aligning expectations with evidence-based knee arthroplasty outcomes and lead to more appropriate utilization of an effective procedure.

Background Instruments designed to predict the extent of pain and function following knee arthroplasty (KA) recovery has strong potential to guide patients and clinicians in shared decision making. Our purpose was to test the external validity of a recently developed prognostic instrument designed to estimate the probability of nonresponse following KA. Methods We used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a 9-year multisite National Institutes of Health study designed to examine the natural history of knee osteoarthritis in 4796 subjects. A total of 427 subjects underwent KA over the study period. Dowsey et al examined the prognostic role of obesity, general mental health, pain and function, and Kellgren and Lawrence knee osteoarthritis grades. Calibration of the prognostic model was determined using a calibration curve. The c-statistic was used to indicate discrimination of the model. Results In the primary analysis, 63 (19.3%) of 326 subjects in OAI were classified as nonresponders. The calibration curve generated from OAI data indicated poor calibration relative to the recently developed instrument. Discrimination as measured by the c-statistic was 0.76. Conclusion The external validity of the prognostic instrument was partially supported. While discrimination of the model was very similar to the recently developed instrument, calibration was poor indicating poor agreement between actual vs predicted probabilities of nonresponse. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Kellgren and Lawrence grades show strong potential for use in future prognostic model development. Measurements of general mental health and obesity were not prognostic for nonresponse.

Objectives Recently published research suggests that statins may have beneficial structural effects in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The potential effects of statins on patient-reported knee pain and function have not been examined. We studied a large prospective community-based cohort of persons with knee OA to determine if statin usage was associated with changes in knee structure, pain and function trajectories. Methods Data were obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative using a subset of 2207 persons with radiographically suspected or confirmed knee OA. The changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Physical Function scores, pain intensity and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grade over 4 years were examined. Data from persons were coded based on whether they were incident users of statins over the 4-year period. Outcome trajectories and probability of statin use were examined over the 4-year study period using parallel processing growth curve modelling. The analysis adjusted for potential confounders and determined if statin use predicted outcome trajectories. Results Statin users accounted for 6.7% of the sample in year 1 and 16.4% in year 4. Statin use was not associated with improvements in knee pain, function or structural progression trajectories. The only significant finding indicated that increased duration of statin use was associated with worsening in WOMAC Physical Function scores over the study period (β=0.161, p=0.005). Conclusions Statin use was not associated with improvements in knee pain, function or structural progression over the 4-year study period.

Clinicians frequently assess frontal plane knee alignment of patients suspected of having knee osteoarthritis. However, there is little data to indicate whether simple to obtain clinical measures frontal plane alignment indicate the actual bony alignment of the knee or the extent and type of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of goniometric measures of frontal plan knee position as a simple clinical tool to assess lower limb alignment and tibiofemoral OA status. Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were used to assess concurrent and diagnostic validity of goniometric measures. Data from 142 persons with symptomatic knee OA were used to examine concurrent validity, based on comparison to whole limb radiographs. Diagnostic validity was examined using data from 1390 persons with symptomatic knee OA, based on comparison to tibiofemoral joint space narrowing obtained from standardized radiographs. Associations between goniometric measures and whole limb radiographs were moderate (r = 0.43 for right knee and r = 0.46 for left knee). Goniometric measurements explained approximately 20% of the variation in lower limb alignment as measured by whole limb radiography suggesting that simple clinical measures of lower limb alignment contain too much error for inferring actual lower limb alignment. Diagnostic validity indicated positive likelihood ratios of 3.3 or less for detecting isolated severe medial or lateral joint space narrowing and a high rate of misclassification. Simple clinical assessments of frontal plane lower limb alignment or tibiofemoral OA status, in isolation, contain substantial error and likely do not inform clinical practice.

Objectives Only a few studies have identified prognostic factors indicating risk of future knee arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) is a National Institutes of Health and privately funded cohort study of 4796 persons with or at high risk of knee OA. The OAI is ideally suited to a more extensive study of knee arthroplasty prognostic factors than has been undertaken. The purpose of our study was to identify patient factors which predict rapid progression to knee arthroplasty, defined as arthroplasty within three years of baseline data collection. Methods We used alternating logistic regression models to analyze complete three year follow-up data from the OAI on 4670 persons with, or at risk for knee OA, aged 45 to 79 years during the years 2004 to 2008. Results A total of 128 knees (116 persons) underwent knee arthroplasty during the study period. After adjusting for known prognostic factors, several previously unidentified predictors of future knee arthroplasty were found including past history of knee surgery (RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.33, 3.13), knee flexion contracture in degrees (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.11) and pain, on a 0 to 10 scale, with active knee flexion (RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.39). Discussion/Conclusions This study identifies new and easily measured clinical variables that are associated with more rapid progression to arthroplasty. The data may help to inform both physicians and patients of medical history and clinical examination findings most highly associated with short-term arthroplasty.

This study sought to clarify whether pain-related catastrophizing is a response that varies given a specific situational circumstance (state) or an enduring personality construct (trait).We conducted a cohort study of 150 patients undergoing total knee arthroscopy at 2 hospitals. Patients completed a battery of psychological measures, provided various sociodemographic data, and were followed for 6 months. We hypothesized that associated total knee arthroscopy surgery and recovery would predict future catastrophizing severity.After controlling for baseline covariates of age, sex, ethnicity, depression, and anxiety, we found that current pain sensation intensity predicted future catastrophizing severity. Change in pain intensity was associated with the change in catastrophizing for the baseline to 6 months postsurgery, but not between the baseline to 2 months postsurgery.These data provide preliminary support for the notion that pain-related catastrophizing is a dynamic construct that is related to pain intensity.

Secondary analysis of longitudinal population-based survey data.To investigate factors associated with care seeking for physician-referred physical therapy (MD/PT), as compared to physician-only (MD) or chiropractic-only (DC) care for spinal pain.Although a large proportion of ambulatory physical therapy visits are related to spinal pain, physical therapists are not the most commonly seen provider. The majority of visits are to physicians, followed by chiropractors. We attempted to understand more about this disparity by examining social and demographic factors that differentiate between persons who see these providers.Episodes of care were constructed from participants in 2 panels from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey who had spinal pain. The provider of care was identified for each episode, and logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with MD/PT use compared to MD use, and MD/PT use compared to DC use.The majority of patients (61%) received MD care for spinal pain, followed by those who received DC (28%) and MD/PT (11%) care. Female sex, higher levels of education, and higher income were significantly associated with MD/PT care over MD care. Increased age, female sex, lower self-health rating, and presence of at least 1 disability day were all significantly associated with MD/PT care over DC care.Sociodemographic and clinical factors are associated with those who get MD/PT care as compared to MD or DC care. We found evidence of an access disparity for physical therapy and identified population characteristics that both increase and reduce the likelihood of physical therapy service use.

Objective.To perform a systematic review of 30- and 90-day mortality rates in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasties.Methods.Five databases were searched for English-language studies of mortality in hip or knee arthroplasties and the following data were extracted: patient characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity), arthroplasty characteristics (unilateral vs bilateral, hip vs knee), system factors (hospital volume and surgeon volume), year of study, etc. Mortality rates were compared across variable categories; proportions were compared using relative risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.Results.Out of 650 titles and abstracts, 80 studies qualified for analysis. Of these, 35%, 34%, and 31% of studies provided 30-, 90-, and > 90-day mortality rates. Overall 30-day mortality rates across all types of arthroplasties were 0.3%; 90-day, 0.7%. For those reports with specific rates, 30-day mortality was significantly higher in men than women [1.8% vs 0.4%, respectively; relative risk (RR) 3.93, 95% CI 3.30–4.68] and in bilateral versus unilateral procedures (0.5% vs 0.3%; RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.49–1.72), but no differences were noted by the underlying diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) versus rheumatoid arthritis (0.4% vs 0.3%; RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.48–1.24). 90-day mortality showed nonsignificant trends favoring women, OA as the underlying diagnosis, and unilateral procedures.Conclusion.Several demographic and surgical factors were associated with higher 30-day mortality rates following knee and hip arthroplasties. More studies are needed to examine the effect of body mass index, comorbidities, and other modifiable factors, in order to identify interventions to lower mortality rates following arthroplasty procedures.

We examined the relationship between catastrophizing and a 3-stage model of pain processing, consisting of pain sensation intensity (stage 1), pain unpleasantness (stage 2), and suffering (stage 3). We studied 310 patients with chronic and severe osteoarthritic knee pain (68.7% female) using 4 competing structural equation models. A strong relationship was found between the suffering construct and its indicators. Of the 4 theoretically plausible models, we found a model with 3 specific pathways of pain sensation leading to the final stage of pain-related suffering. A unique contribution of this study is the integration of catastrophizing into the 3 pain stages. In this model, catastrophizing mediates the relationship between pain-related unpleasantness and suffering, as well as the relationship between sensation and suffering through unpleasantness. Psychological intervention targeting catastrophizing could provide reduction of pain-related suffering that adds to the benefits of therapies directed toward the primary sensory and immediate unpleasant dimensions of pain. These results emphasize the benefit of integrating knowledge of the psychological and neural mechanisms of pain. Catastrophizing makes a unique contribution to suffering apart from the contribution of immediate unpleasantness. The study results emphasize the benefit of integrating knowledge of the psychological and neural mechanisms of pain, and the importance of psychological intervention targeting catastrophizing to reduce pain-related suffering.

There is little evidence to guide physicians when discussing future likelihood of knee arthroplasty with patients who have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Data from Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) was used to determine the incidence of and predictors for knee arthroplasty.OAI data were collected on a sample of 778 persons aged 45 to 79 years with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. An extensive set of measurements were obtained at baseline and persons were followed for 2 years to identify who underwent knee arthroplasty. Random forest analysis was used to identify optimal variables that discriminate among those who did and those who did not undergo knee arthroplasty.The two year incidence of knee arthroplasty in the cohort was 3.7% (95%CI, 2.6%, 5.3%). Because of the low number of knee arthroplasty procedures, the predictor analysis was preliminary in nature. The analysis identified several variables that could be used to assist in identifying patients at future risk for knee arthroplasty.For persons at high risk of knee arthroplasty, the two year incidence of knee arthroplasty is very low. The most powerful predictors were those that accounted for disease severity and functional loss. These data could assist physicians in advising patients with knee osteoarthritis on future surgical care.

Background Several factors have been shown to influence first-time pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). It is unclear to what extent academic difficulty experienced by students in a physical therapist education program may affect NPTE pass rates. The effects of institutional status (public or private) and Carnegie Classification on NPTE pass rates also are unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the odds of failure on the NPTE for students experiencing academic difficulty and for institutional status and Carnegie Classification. Design This investigation was a retrospective population-based cohort study. Methods Quota sampling was used to recruit a random sample of 20 professional physical therapist education programs across the United States. Individual student demographic, preadmission, and academic performance data were collected, as were data on program-level variables and data indicating pass/fail performance on the NPTE. A generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and to describe relationships among the key predictor variables—academic difficulty, institutional status, and Carnegie Classification—and the dependent variable, NPTE performance. Results Academic difficulty during a student's professional training was an independent predictor for NPTE failure. The odds of students who had academic difficulty (relative to students who did not experience academic difficulty) failing the NPTE were 5.89 (95% confidence interval=4.06–8.93). The odds of NPTE failure also varied depending on institutional status and Carnegie Classification. Limitations The findings related to Carnegie Classification and institutional status should be considered preliminary. Conclusions Student performance on the NPTE was influenced by multiple factors, but the most important, potentially modifiable risk factor for poor NPTE performance likely is academic difficulty during professional training.

Background and PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether physical therapy interventions predicted meaningful short-term improvement in 4 measures of physical health, pain, and function for patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis.ParticipantsData were examined from 2,370 patients (mean age=55.3 years, SD=12.4; 65% female, 35% male) classified into ICD-9 code 726.0 who had completed an episode of outpatient physical therapy.MethodsPrincipal components factor analysis was used to define intervention categories from specific treatments applied during the episode of care. A nested logistic regression model was used to identify intervention categories that predicted a 50% or greater change in Physical Component Summary-12 (PCS-12), physical function (PF), bodily pain (BP), and hybrid function (HF) scores.ResultsNone of the patients achieved a 50% or greater improvement in PCS-12 scores. Improvement in BP scores was more likely in patients who received joint mobility interventions (odds ratio=1.35, 95% confidence interval=1.10–1.65). Improvement in HF scores was more likely in patients who received exercise interventions (odds ratio=1.50, 95% confidence interval=1.03–2.17). Use of iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ultrasound, or massage reduced the likelihood of improvement in these 3 outcome measures by 19% to 32%.LimitationsThe authors relied on clinician-identified ICD-9 coding for the diagnosis. Impairment measures were not available to support the diagnosis, and some interventions were excluded because of infrequent use by participating therapists.Discussion and ConclusionsThese results are consistent with findings from randomized clinical trials that demonstrated the effectiveness of joint mobilization and exercise for patients with adhesive capsulitis. Ultrasound, massage, iontophoresis, and phonophoresis reduced the likelihood of a favorable outcome, which suggests that use of these modalities should be discouraged.

Objective We propose a study design to evaluate the ability of measures to assess physical function relatively independent of pain. We illustrate the design using data from patients scheduled for total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty. Study Design and Setting A repeated-measure study design was developed and applied to patients undergoing THA or TKA. A performance battery (PB) (walking, stair, and timed-up-and-go) was used as the gold standard measure for “physical function.” Recent evidence indicates physical performance deteriorates 1 month after surgery compared to presurgical measures and patients with THA deteriorate to a greater extent than patients with TKA. Our design assessed whether the results from self-report measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]) of physical function were consistent with changes found using the PB. Results The performance measures demonstrated significant Occasion (pre- to 1 month postarthroplasty) and Group (hip vs. knee)-by-Occasion effects; the LEFS showed a significant Occasion effect; and the WOMAC PF showed neither. Conclusion Our findings support the proposed design in that the PB was more sensitive to change than the self-report measures.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of national survey data. OBJECTIVE: To describe the volume and characteristics of outpatient visits to physician offices, hospital outpatient departments and emergency departments, and inpatient hospital utilization for neck pain in the United States. We also examined the use of pathology-based versus symptom-based diagnoses on a national scale. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Descriptions of the epidemiology of neck pain will assist policy makers and clinicians in understanding the impact of neck pain on society. METHODS: Analysis of combined survey data from the 2001 and 2002 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and National Hospital Discharge Survey, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics. RESULTS: During 2001 and 2002, an average of 10.2 million visits were made annually. At 64% of visits, a symptom-based diagnosis was used. An annual average of 179,000 hospital discharges for neck pain was recorded and 94% received a pathology-based diagnosis. Most (79%) had surgery for the neck problem. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient visits for neck pain are common in the United States, and the majority are given symptom-based rather than pathology-based diagnoses. An alternative diagnostic taxonomy may be needed to guide treatment, particularly for patients with vague, symptom-based diagnoses. Hospitalizations for neck pain often include surgical procedures, but 21% received no surgery.

Objective.Knee pain location is routinely assessed in clinical practice. We determined the patterns of patient-reported pain locations for persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We also examined associations between knee pain patterns and severity of self-reported pain with activity and self-reported functional status.Methods.The Osteoarthritis Initiative data were used to examine reports of pain location (localized, regional, or global) and type and extent of knee OA. Multivariable ANCOVA models were used to determine associations between the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey (KOOS) Pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Function scales and pain location after adjusting for potential confounding. We also used radar graphs to illustrate pain patterns for various locations and severity of knee OA.Results.Radar graphs of 2696 knees indicated that pain pattern and location and extent of knee OA demonstrate substantial overlap. An interaction between race and pain location was found for WOMAC Function, but not for KOOS Pain scores. Global knee pain was associated (p < 0.001) with substantially worse function (by 6.5 points in African Americans) compared with pain that was localized. Knee pain reported as global was independently associated (p < 0.001) with clinically important lower (worse by 3.9 points) KOOS Pain scores compared with pain that was localized.Conclusion.Pain patterns are not useful for inferring potential location or severity of knee OA in individual patients, but knee pain patterns that are global are independently associated with worse pain and function compared with localized pain, and associations differ for function based on race.

Objective.To develop a plan for harmonizing outcomes for people undergoing total joint replacement (TJR), to achieve consensus regarding TJR outcome research.Methods.The TJR working group met during the 2014 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) 12 meeting in Budapest, Hungary. Multiple conference calls preceded the face-to-face meeting. Brief presentations were made during a 1.5-h meeting, which included an overview of published systematic reviews of TJR trials and the results of a recent systematic review of TJR clinical trial outcome domains and measures. This was followed by discussion of potential core set areas/domains for TJR clinical trials (as per OMERACT Filter 2.0) as well as the challenges associated with the measurement of these domains.Results.Working group participants discussed which TJR clinical trial outcome domains/areas map to the inner versus outer core for core domain set. Several challenges were identified with TJR outcomes including how to best measure function after TJR, elucidating the source of the pre- and post-TJR joint pain being measured, joint-specific versus generic quality of life instruments and the importance of patient satisfaction and revision surgery as outcomes. A preliminary core domain set for TJR clinical trials was proposed and included pain, function, patient satisfaction, revision, adverse events, and death. This core domain set will be further vetted with a broader audience.Conclusion.An international effort with active collaboration with the orthopedic community to standardize key outcome domains and measures is under way with the TJR working group. This effort will be further developed with new collaborations.

Preoperative depressive symptoms have been shown in some but not all studies to be associated with poor self-reported pain and function outcomes. In addition, depressive symptoms after surgery have been shown to improve relative to preoperative levels.We hypothesized that (1) preoperative depressive symptoms would predict postoperative pain; (2) depressive symptoms would decrease after surgery; and (3) preoperative depressive symptoms would increase as the scheduled surgery date approached.Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a National Institutes of Health-funded prospective multiyear cohort study, were used in this retrospective analysis. Persons from four communities were eligible if they had radiographic knee osteoarthritis or were at risk for developing knee osteoarthritis based on occupational, medical history, or body weight risk factors. A total of 4796 persons participated and rates of followup were 80% or greater over the course of the study. Participants completed a validated depressive symptom scale and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale pain scale each year for 3 years before and 3 years after TKA. Latent growth curve modeling was used to model intercepts and slopes of pre- and postoperative depression and pain. Preoperative trajectories and intercepts were then used to predict postoperative pain and depressive symptoms adjusting for confounding variables.After adjustment for potential confounding, we found no evidence that preoperative depressive symptoms predicted postoperative pain with function (estimate, 0.1; 95% confidence interval, -0.31 to 0.50; p = 0.64) or that depressive symptoms were reduced after surgery (z = 0.06, p = 0.80). We also found no evidence to indicate that preoperative depressive symptoms increased as the date of surgery approached (linear slope = 0.28, SE = 0.19, p = 0.15).Preoperative and postoperative depressive symptoms in patients before and after TKA did not appreciably change over a 6-year perioperative period. Patient depressive symptoms were not reduced after surgery and did not appear to be related to less pain postoperatively. Our findings of no association between preoperative depressive symptom severity and postoperative pain and no reduction in postoperative depressive symptoms run counter to other available evidence, potentially attributable, in part, to a data collection process that occurred outside of orthopaedic surgeons' offices. Future research is needed to more fully explore the potential role of social desirability, the concept that patients respond in a way that they think the researcher or clinician wants them to respond in lieu of responding in a way that truly reflects the patient's status. Social desirability may influence a TKA patient's pain and function outcome assessment.Level I, prognostic study.

The purpose of our study was to determine if a previously published clinical decision rule designed to estimate the probability of proximal deep vein thrombosis in outpatients is valid when applied exclusively to outpatients with musculoskeletal disorders. We also sought to determine whether probability estimates differed for patients with or without trauma, fracture, or recent orthopaedic surgery. Data collected from outpatients with surgical and nonsurgical musculoskeletal disorders (n = 464) were extracted from the datasets of three previously published studies done on heterogeneous groups of patients (n = 3424). Followup for all patients was 3 months. Testing of all patients for thromboembolic disease was done using validated diagnostic procedures. Probability estimates for orthopaedic outpatients were consistent with estimates from published studies. The proportion of patients who had venous thromboembolism was 5.6% (95% confidence interval, 3.5-8.7%) for the low probability group, 14.1% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-22.4%) for the moderate probability group, and 47.4% (95% confidence interval, 35.3-60%) for the high probability group. Validity estimates for patients with and without recent trauma, surgery, or fracture differed, but not dramatically. The validity of the clinical decision rule as applied to outpatients with musculoskeletal disorders was supported.

Prompt diagnosis of proximal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in outpatients is critical because of the risk of pulmonary embolism. Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of orthopaedists' clinical decisions regarding the diagnosis of proximal deep vein thrombosis in outpatients. A nationally representative random sample of 2300 orthopaedists received a survey of six clinical vignettes. They were asked to estimate the probability of proximal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis using defined criteria and to specify their planned diagnostic tests. A clinical decision rule and evidence-based diagnostic test recommendations from the general literature served as the gold standard for comparison. Six-hundred seventy-six (29%) surgeons completed the survey. The orthopaedists' planned diagnostic tests differed from the gold standard, but these differences varied depending on the probability of deep vein thrombosis. For the moderate and high risk vignettes, the diagnostic test recommendations agreed with the gold standard approximately 70% of the time. With the exception of gender, no differences were found between respondents and nonrespondents. Orthopaedists' approach to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in outpatients potentially could be improved by applying a clinical decision rule and current evidence on diagnostic test usage.

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common disorder of the foot, yet little is known about its prevalence, what types of physicians see patients with the disorder, or how, on a national scale, patients are typically managed. The purpose of this study was to generate national estimates of the volume of patient visits and characteristics of care given to patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by medical doctors. Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) for the years 1995–2000 were studied. These are multistage probability sample surveys of visits to office-based physicians (NAMCS) and visits to nonfederal, short-stay, and general hospitals (NHAMCS) to consult doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy. Sample data have been weighted to produce national estimates. Data describing the number of patient visits for plantar fasciitis and the characteristics of the care given during those visits were summarized using univariate analyses. Data were combined for the 6-year period to increase the reliability of the estimates, and figures are presented as annual averages. Results: Approximately 1 million patient visits per year were made to office-based physicians and hospital outpatient departments for the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis during 1995–2000. Approximately 62% of all visits were made to primary care practitioners, and 31% were made to orthopaedic surgeons. Patient visits for plantar fasciitis accounted for approximately 1% of all patient visits to orthopedic surgeons. Pain medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), was the most frequently used intervention (47% of visits). Exercise counseling was cited at 26% of visits, and physical therapy was ordered or provided at 19% of visits. Conclusions: This research suggests that plantar fasciitis is a relatively common disorder that is seen by several physician specialties. The disorder is not managed in a consistent way. Rather, there appears to be a large amount of variation in the way that these patients are managed. These findings support the argument that additional research is needed to identify effective interventions for plantar fasciitis and to determine if physician specialty influences treatment outcome.

We were interested to read the article by Gabel and colleagues,1 who conducted a head-to-head comparison study of the psychometric properties of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS),2 an instrument we developed in 1999, and the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), an instrument developed by the authors. We have long been advocates of head-to-head comparisons of competing instruments to determine which has the greatest potential to positively affect clinical care.3 We would like to make some general comments regarding the conceptual framework, and then make more specific comments regarding the methods and literature interpretation in Gabel and colleagues' article. We developed the LEFS2 based on the World Health Organization's model of disability and handicap.4 The more contemporary terms consistent with the current version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)5 that guided instrument development are “activity limitations” and “participation restrictions.” Because our focus was on people with musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremity, all of the items in our scale captured the person-level activity limitations and participation restrictions most relevant to people with disorders of the lower extremity. Notably absent from the LEFS are questions related to impairments (eg, pain, joint stiffness) or mental health status (eg, irritability, depression). Our rationale for this approach was that we saw problems with other functional status instruments available at the time because they combined questions related to impairments, such as pain and joint stiffness, with items dealing with person-level function and items related to psychological distress. An example of …

Prognostic estimates for knee osteoarthritis worsening over the full disease spectrum have not been reported. Osteoarthritis Initiative data were used to determine the association between knee radiographic osteoarthritis worsening and future knee pain and function.Yearly data over a 5-year period were analyzed. Outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain and symptoms scales. Knees were grouped based on whether yearly Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grades worsened. Associations of yearly K/L worsening with knee pain, symptoms, or function scores at the end of the year and with lagged outcomes observed at least 1 year after worsening were assessed using linear models with generalized estimating equations.A total of 25,932 knee-years of observations were examined in the primary analysis. For knees with yearly K/L worsening, all outcome scores were significantly worse (P values from 0.02 to 0.001) at the end of the index year, as compared to unchanged knees. All outcomes for knees with worsened versus unchanged K/L scores exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). For lagged effects, outcomes at 1 year following the index K/L year exceeded the MCID and were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001) for knees with baseline K/L grades of 2 or 3.K/L worsening over a 1-year period is prognostically important over the short term for all baseline K/L grades, and for knees with baseline K/L grades of 2 or 3 worsening continues over the following year.

Health literacy is related to a broad range of health outcomes. This study was designed to develop a psychometrically sound instrument designed to measure cancer health literacy along a continuum (CHLT-30), to develop another instrument designed to determine whether a patient has limited cancer health literacy (CHLT-6), and to estimate the prevalence of limited cancer health literacy. The Cancer Health Literacy Study involving 1,306 Black and White cancer patients was conducted between April 2011 and April 2013 in the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and surrounding oncology clinics. A continuous latent variable modeling framework was adopted to dimensionally represent cancer health literacy, whereas discrete latent variable modeling was used to estimate the prevalence rates of limited cancer health literacy. Self confidence about engaging in health decisions was used as the primary outcome in external validation of new instruments. Results from a comprehensive analysis strongly supported the construct validity and reliability of the CHLT-30 and CHLT-6. For both instruments, measurement invariance tests ruled out item/test bias to explain gender and race/ethnicity differences in test scores. The limited cancer health literacy rate was 18%, a subpopulation consisting of overrepresented Black, undereducated, and low-income cancer patients. Overall, the results supported the conclusion that the CHLT-30 accurately measures cancer health literacy along a continuum and that the CHLT-6 efficiently identifies patients with limited cancer health literacy with high accuracy.

We determined outcomes for patients classified as appropriate, inconclusive, or inappropriate for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a modified version of a validated appropriateness algorithm. Outcome measurement was conceptualized as short-term postoperative change attributable primarily to surgery and rehabilitation (2 months) and as longer-term postoperative change and recovery (1 and 2 years).Preoperative and yearly postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) symptoms and KOOS pain scores were examined for persons undergoing primary TKA in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Multigroup, 2-piece latent growth curve modeling was used to determine differences in outcome variable changes for each group from presurgery to 2-months postsurgery, as well as over a 2-year postoperative period.Data from 167 persons with primary TKA were examined. Prevalence rates of appropriate, inconclusive, and inappropriate judgments were 47.9%, 20.8%, and 31.3%, respectively. The inappropriate group showed no change at 2 months following surgery, while appropriate and inconclusive groups had substantial improvement in all outcomes. One-year and 2-year postoperative recovery outcomes were not significantly different among the 3 groups.The inappropriate group was unchanged 2 months after surgery and on average improved by 2.3 WOMAC function points from presurgery to 1 year following surgery based on our models. Appropriate and inconclusive groups improved by an average of 19.8 WOMAC function points at 1-year postsurgery. These data provide a compelling case for consensus-building efforts to define eligibility criteria for TKA with the goals of reducing variation in patient selection and optimizing both change over time and final outcomes.

Summary Objective To assess the influence of baseline score on concordance between the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) estimates obtained on persons following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design Patients scheduled for TKA in 15 hospitals in Spain were recruited and provided pre-operative and 1-year postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Function scores. 1 year following surgery, patients completed questionnaires that determined the importance of any changes in status since surgery as well as the extent of satisfaction with the 1-year outcome. Kappa ( κ ) was used to determine the extent of concordance between MCID and PASS measures for the entire sample and after splitting the sample based on quartiles of the baseline WOMAC scores. Results A total of 923 patients participated in the study. The extent of concordance between MCID and PASS without regard to baseline score was κ = 0.41 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.36, 0.47) for WOMAC Function and after stratifying baseline scores into quartiles, κ = 0.72 (95%CI = 0.68, 0.77). Similar estimates were obtained for WOMAC Pain. Conclusions Baseline score has substantial influence on the extent of concordance between MCID and PASS for patients undergoing TKA. Clinicians should account for baseline score when interpreting either MCID or PASS and the extent to which these measures agree. These findings have potential to influence the interpretation of outcome following TKA.

The extent to which SF-12 scores reflect SF-36 scores has not been well studied.One purpose was to compare the sensitivity to change of the SF-36 Physical Function sub-score, and the Physical Component Summary Scores (PCS) of the SF-36 and SF-12 on patients with low back pain (LBP). A second purpose was to determine if the SF-12 could serve as a surrogate measure for the SF-36 when making decisions about individual patients.The sample consisted of 101 consecutive patients.SF-36 questionnaires were completed by patients at both initial and discharge examinations. SF-12 scores were calculated from the completed SF-36 questionnaires. Therapists' judgments of whether patients were judged to have returned to premorbid function served as the construct for meaningful clinical change.Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and repeated measures MANCOVA were used to assess sensitivity to change. Linear regression and 95% prediction bands described the extent to which SF-12 scores predict individual SF-36 scores.No significant differences were found between the ROC curve areas for the Physical Function sub-scale, the PCS-36 and PCS-12. No significant differences were found for the comparison of change scores between PF-36, PCS-36 and PCS-12 scores.The findings suggest that Physical Function sub-scores, SF-36 and SF-12 PCS scores are equally sensitive to change. SF-12 PCS scores do not adequately predict SF-36 PCS scores for individual patients. The PCS-12 should probably not be used to make judgments about the health status of individual patients with LBP.