Article

Expanded distribution of pain is considered a sign of central
sensitization (CS). The relationship between recording of symptoms and CS in
people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to examine whether the area of pain assessed using pain
drawings relates to CS and clinical symptoms in people with knee OA. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Fifty-three people with knee OA scheduled
to undergo primary total knee arthroplasty were studied.
All participants
completed pain drawings using a novel digital device, completed
self-administration questionnaires, and were assessed by quantitative sensory
testing. Pain frequency maps were generated separately for women and men.
Spearman correlation coefficients were computed to reveal possible correlations
between the area of pain and quantitative sensory testing and clinical symptoms.
RESULTS: Pain frequency maps revealed enlarged areas of pain, especially in
women. Enlarged areas of pain were associated with higher knee pain severity
(rs=.325, P<.05) and stiffness (rs=.341, P<.05), lower pressure pain thresholds
at the knee (rs=-.306, P<.05) and epicondyle (rs=-.308, P<.05), and higher scores
with the Central Sensitization Inventory (rs=.456, P<.01). No significant
associations were observed between the area of pain and the remaining clinical
symptoms and measures of CS. LIMITATIONS: Firm conclusions about the predictive
role of pain drawings cannot be drawn. Further evaluation of the reliability and
validity of pain area extracted from pain drawings in people with knee OA is
needed. CONCLUSION: Expanded distribution of pain was correlated with some
measures of CS in individuals with knee OA. Pain drawings may constitute an easy
way for the early identification of CS in people with knee OA, but further research is needed.
CI - (c) 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS