Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis

• Published in: Revista brasileira de ortopedia 2023-12, Vol.58 (6), p.e924-e931
• Main Authors: Zuluaga, María Eugenia, Urbano, Iveth, Tovar-Sanchez, María Ana, Baena, Catalina, Pacichana-Quinayaz, Sara G, Bonilla-Escobar, Francisco J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ORTHOPEDICS
• ISSN: 0102-3616; 1982-4378
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776986

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain and characterize the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis who consulted a pain clinic in Southwestern Colombia.  A cross-sectional study was conducted via telephone survey. Participants ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis were included. The LANSS questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms and signs of neuropathic pain, and the Short Form-8 was used to evaluate quality of life.  Response rate was 54.1% (46/85). The male-to-female ratio was 5:1, with an average age of 72 ± 10 years. Most participants (91.3%) had severe pain. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 28.3% (95%CI = 15.99-43.46), and the prevalence of neuropathic pain amongst women was 84.6% (95%CI = 54.55-98.01). Dysesthesias and paroxysmal pain were present in 92.3% of individuals with neuropathic pain. Regarding quality of life, limitations in physical activity were the most significant, as 63% of individuals reported such limitations.  Neuropathic pain was found to be prevalent and had a negative impact on physical function, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies targeted to specific neuropathic pain pathways in patients with osteoarthritis.