A Prospective Study of Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in patients with Knee OA

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Dr. Ashish Sirsikar, Dr. Lakhan Singh Maravi

Background: Pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA) is generally inflammatory (nociceptive), but may also have a neuropathic

component. The mechanisms of neuropathic pain (NP) and OA pain, although different, are both defined as chronic pain, and

combinations are possible.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with knee OA using the painDETECT questionnaire.

Methods: 140 patients with knee OA were enrolled and NP was assessed by painDETECT. Western Ontario and McMaster

Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess pain, stiffness, and physical function.

Results: Mean age was 61.2 years. On assessment by painDETECT, 10 (7.14%) were classified as likely NP, 38 (27.14%) as

possible NP, and 92 (65.72%) as unlikely NP. painDETECT scores, when correlated with WOMAC score revealed a strong

correlation with WOMAC stiffness and WOMAC pain score.

Conclusions: The importance of NP in the management of knee OA cannot be overlooked.