Obesity-related knee osteoarthritis: a role for the rheumatology advanced nurse practitioner in Ireland.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Ireland with knee osteoarthritis the most common presentation. One in five women and one in 10 men over the age of 60 in Ireland are diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The causative factors are multifactorial, but the increasing incidence of obesity is contributing greatly to the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints. The rheumatology advanced nurse practitioner is an autonomous clinical practitioner and potential solution to the growing numbers of people needing interventions for osteoarthritis, due to their ability to assess, diagnose, treat, and discharge these patients who ordinarily would be assessed from a medical waiting list. As obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent, it is important to address this with the patient cohort to try to reduce the burden of disease and treat not only the symptomatic knee osteoarthritis but the causative factors and provide patient-centred care.

Recognition of Factors of Postoperative Complications of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and Comprehensive Nursing Intervention.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, cartilage exfoliation, osteophyte formation, and synovitis. It seriously affects the knee joint function and quality of life of patients. Total knee arthroplasty is now the most frequently used therapy for end-stage knee arthritis because it can successfully modify the line of lower extremities, restore knee joint function, alleviate pain, and enhance patients' quality of life; nevertheless, it may cause significant trauma and bleeding. It can easily lead to infection and anemia. In this study, the control group chose total knee arthroplasty and the observation group chose total knee arthroplasty combined with PRP. The results showed that the knee joint function score, visual analog score, blood transfusion, total blood loss, total postoperative drainage, and complications in the observation group were superior to those in the control group. Total knee arthroplasty takes a long time and needs a lot of soft tissue incision, which leads to a lot of blood loss and can cause a variety of complications. Gel has been shown in studies to successfully decrease blood loss during and after total knee arthroplasty, enhance knee joint function recovery, and improve patient quality of life. In this paper, the complications and causes of knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty were studied. Combined with comprehensive nursing intervention for postoperative recovery, it helps to improve the formation of thrombin and calcium ion, which can effectively reduce blood loss, relieve pain, and promote the recovery of knee joint function. This study analyzed the application of total knee arthroplasty combined with gel in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

The effects of immediate programmed cryotherapy and continuous passive motion in patients after computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative nursing intervention with immediate cryotherapy and continuous passive motion (CPM) remains elusive regarding the postoperative pain and range of motion (ROM) for patients undergoing computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (CAS-TKA). METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial with a purposive sampling method was utilized. Sixty patients scheduled for a unilateral CAS-TKA at a medical center were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). The intervention group applied programed cryotherapy and CPM within 1 h while returning to the ward on the day of surgery, while the control group did not. Data were analyzed using mixed models to compare the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, ROM, and swelling at postoperative day (POD) 4. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the NRS score between the groups (p = 0.168). The intervention group had significantly higher ROM than the control group (98° vs. 91°, p = 0.004) at POD 4. Although no significant difference in joint swelling was found between groups (p = 0.157), the intervention group had lower mean joint swelling (32.2 cm) than the control group (33.9 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate programmed cryotherapy and continuous passive motion could help to improve ROM quickly after CAS-TKA. It should be incorporated into the daily nursing plan for patients undergoing CAS-TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04136431 . Registered 23 October 2019-retrospectively registered.

Improving the referral pattern of patients with knee osteoarthritis to the orthopaedic surgeon: Development and evaluation of a new screening algorithm based on patient-reported data and radiographs.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with knee osteoarthritis referred to orthopaedic surgeons are not eligible for surgery and might benefit from being examined by other healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to develop and test a screening algorithm to define relevant referral to the OS. METHODS: Prior to clinical examination, 173 consecutive patients referred to the orthopaedic outpatient clinic completed questionnaires, and radiographic osteoarthritis severity was graded. The gold standard for relevant referral to an orthopaedic surgeon was based on actual treatment. The performance of the algorithm in predicting relevant referrals and total knee replacement (TKR) was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: Referral to an orthopaedic surgeon was considered relevant in 65% (113/173) of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for predicting relevant referral to an orthopaedic surgeon were 0.70, 0.56, 0.76 and 0.48, respectively. The corresponding estimates for predicting TKR surgery were 0.92, 0.56, 0.55 and 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm was able to identify most patients relevant for referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, but less suitable for identifying those not relevant. The algorithm demonstrated excellent performance in predicting TKR surgery. With further development, this screening algorithm might contribute to improvement of the referral pattern in the orthopaedic outpatient clinic.

Caregiver Burden for Patients With Severe Osteoarthritis Significantly Decreases by One Year After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on patients' informal caregivers (eg, family members, friends) has gone largely ignored. The goals of this study are to measure the impact of TKA on the caregiver and identify factors contributing to higher burden. METHODS: One hundred fifty primary TKA patients and their designated caregivers were prospectively enrolled. The Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) was completed by caregivers preoperatively, at 4 weeks, and at 1 year after surgery. Additional outcomes included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for patients only and the Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey for both patients and caregivers. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling were performed. RESULTS: Mean CSI scores at 1 year were significantly lower than preoperative values (P < .01), where lower scores indicate better results. Higher mean CSI values for younger caregivers were identified preoperatively (r = -0.21, P < .01) and at 4 weeks (r = -0.26, P < .01). There were higher mean CSI values for employed caregivers preoperatively (P = .01) and at 4 weeks (P < .01). A negative correlation was identified between CSI and the caregiver's Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey Mental Component Score preoperatively (r = -0.15, P = .03) and at 4 weeks (r = -1.5, P = .03). CONCLUSION: Caregiver burden nearly doubled in the early postoperative period, which was related to several caregiver and patient factors. However, the burden was close to zero by 1 year postoperatively. Thus, TKA is a beneficial intervention for both patient and caregiver.

The Chronic Knee Pain Program: A self-management model.

BACKGROUND: It is vital that patients take an active role in self-management of their chronic knee pain condition. The Chronic Knee Pain Program was developed to assist patients in managing their chronic condition and to improve their overall well-being. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a six-week self-management program and to explore whether it may assist in decreasing body mass index (BMI) and depression symptom severity and increase physical activity levels in obese adults with chronic knee pain. DESIGN: A one group, pre-test/post-test pilot study. SETTING: A pain management clinic in the northeastern United States. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of twelve adult patients with chronic knee pain and a BMI of 30 or greater were recruited, however, six participants completed the full program. RESULTS: This type of intervention has potential value to improve the lifestyles of those individuals with chronic knee pain, including improvements in BMI, depression symptom severity and physical activity levels. In this study there was a decrease in mean BMI overtime; 41.2 (at week 1), 40.8 (at week 6), and 40.7 (at week 10). CONCLUSIONS: The Chronic Knee Pain Program had a small sample size and high attrition rate, though yielded positive outcomes for some participants. Future research could focus on depression management, using conservative measures to help manage pain, and increasing pain coping skills. Implementing this program with a larger sample size is recommended to see if BMI, depression symptom severity and physical activity levels reach statistical significance.

Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil on pain and daily living activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Participants (N = 68) were asked about their sociodemographic characteristics, pain level in the last week using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functionality in activities of daily living with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Standard treatment prescribed by a physician was given to the patients with osteoarthritis. In addition to the standard treatment, self-knee massage with ginger oil twice a week was recommended to the intervention group (n = 34). At the end of the first and fifth week, participants in both groups were assessed regarding pain and functional state. RESULTS: The mean VAS Pain scores of the intervention group were significantly lower at the end of the first and fifth weeks (p< .05). The mean total scores and mean Function subscale scores of the WOMAC were significantly lower in massage group in the first- and fifth-week assessments (p < .05). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Self-massage of the knee with ginger oil may be used as a complementary method to standard medical treatment. Nurses can easily train patients and their caregivers on knee massage, and the intervention can be implemented by patients at home without any restrictions on location.

Stair negotiation as a rehabilitation intervention for enhancing recovery following total hip and knee replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) are common orthopaedic procedures. However, an optimal programme for post-operative rehabilitation has yet to be established. Stair negotiation is a challenging, habitual task, regularly used as a post-operative functional outcome measure; yet as a physical rehabilitation intervention it appears to be rarely used. AIM: The review purpose was to investigate the effectiveness of stair climbing as a rehabilitation intervention for THR and TKR patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. The systematic review targeted studies using stair negotiation as a rehabilitation intervention. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, pilot studies, and case studies were included; systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. RESULTS: Of 650 articles identified, ten studies were eligible for review. A predefined data table to extract information from selected studies was used. Of the ten identified reports, two prehabilitation and eight rehabilitation studies included stair negotiation exercises as part of multi-modal physical interventions. Outcome measures were classified as: functional self-reported, perceptual, psychological and those relating to quality of life. CONCLUSION: Studies were methodologically heterogeneous and typically lacked adequate control groups. It was not possible to determine the impact of stair negotiation exercise on the positive outcomes of interventions. Stair negotiation warrants further investigation as a rehabilitation activity.

Evaluation of the acceptability of a sphygmomanometer device in knee extension training following surgical procedures of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative treatment after a standard surgical intervention such as knee arthroplasty, proximal tibial osteotomy or supracondylar osteotomy, can have an important impact on the overall treatment outcome. In most cases, outcomes are positively effected by patients receiving physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Basic movements and range of motion need to be learnt. Self-responsible behaviour, which is similar to exercise programs in sports, needs to be supported. However, in most cases the transfer of training techniques into successful and desired postoperative care is not simple. A training technique needs to be developed which is self-explanatory, effective, encouraging for and accessible to the patient. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate an easy and effective technique to support regular physiotherapy in early postoperative rehabilitation using a sphygmomanometer device. Measurements were undertaken relating to handling, training results and motivation. DESIGN: This was a descriptive study. METHODS: Forty one patients were instructed to undertake extension exercises of the knee in the early postoperative phase. A sphygmomanometer cuff was rolled out and placed just below the popliteal fossa, and inflated to 20 mmHg. In this position the patients were prompted to push the knee down with the maximum available power. The quadriceps muscle of the leg is activated when patients extend the knee using two thirds of their maximum power, and then followed by one third of their maximum power. This exercise sequence was carried out three times for 5 seconds. The results were documented by using a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirteen patients indicated that they felt highly motivated while undertaking the training program. One patient reported poor motivation due to inconvenient handling (preparing the cuff by closing the valve screw or calculating the target value) and six patients reported that the method of handwritten recording of training sessions needed to be improved. There were no technical problems. The training results were rated as being predominantly good. Due to the variation in individual ability in extending the knee, comparison of the overall values obtained could not be done. CONCLUSION: The use of a sphygmomanometer device is cheap and feasible technique in postoperative independent knee extension training.

Long-Term Adherence and Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention for Community-Dwelling Overweight Thai Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: 1-Year Follow Up.

Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of the current study was to: (a) determine participant adherence to a quadriceps exercise and weight management program after completion of the intervention; and (b) examine whether a quadriceps exercise and weight management program can reduce knee pain and improve knee function and weight loss in 40 community-dwelling overweight Thai older adults with knee OA at 6- and 12-month follow up. Twenty-nine (76.3%) participants completed at least 75% of the program. Two (5%) participants did not complete the program. In the intervention group, significant improvement was noted in knee range of motion at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline, and a significant reduction was noted in knee pain, time spent in the Timed Up and Go test, and body weight compared with baseline. These study variables, except for body weight, between the intervention group and control group were significantly different. This study highlights the benefit of long-term adherence to the multicomponent intervention for community-dwelling overweight Thai older adults with knee OA. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(4), 40-48.].

The effects of self-management intervention among middle-age adults with knee osteoarthritis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a self-management intervention for middle-aged adults with knee osteoarthritis. BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of lower limb disability in middle-aged and older adults. Use of self-management interventions that apply the self-regulation theory have not been reported for patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was applied. METHODS: Knee osteoarthritis patients were recruited from two medical centres in northern Taiwan by convenience sampling between July 2013-May 2014. We developed a self-management intervention programme for knee osteoarthritis; participants began an individualized programme 4 weeks after recruitment. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Health Care Questionnaire and the Short-Form Health Survey. A generalized estimating equation compared assessment scores for 105 participants after the intervention (10 and 18 weeks) with scores at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Knee symptoms and physical function scores significantly improved and quality-of-life scores significantly increased while body mass index, unplanned medical consultations and doses of pain medication significantly decreased at 10 and 18 weeks compared with 4 weeks. After adjusting for the effect of time- and significant-related factors, knee symptoms and physical function, body mass index and quality of life significantly improved at 10 and 18 weeks compared with 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The self-management intervention based on self-regulation theory, improved participants' symptoms and functions of knee osteoarthritis, overall health and quality of life. Offering self-management interventions in clinical practice can be beneficial for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Primary family caregivers' observations and perceptions of their older relatives' knee osteoarthritis pain and pain management: a qualitative study.

AIM: To explore primary family caregivers' observations and perceptions of their older relatives' knee osteoarthritis pain and pain management. BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders in older people. Studies have mainly focused on spouses' or partners' perceptions of older individuals' osteoarthritis pain. DESIGN: Qualitative description. METHODS: Primary family caregivers of older outpatients with osteoarthritis (N = 28) were recruited by convenience from one medical centre in northern Taiwan and two regional hospitals in northern and eastern Taiwan in 2012. Data were collected in individual interviews using a semi-structured guide and analysed by content analysis. RESULTS: Primary family caregivers observed that their older relatives commonly mentioned that osteoarthritis pain interfered with their walking ability, daily activities, moods, sleep and social activities. Older adults commonly shared their pain with their family members. Participants observed that their older relatives with osteoarthritis used limited pain-management strategies to relieve pain, but participants provided few pain-management strategies to help their relatives. Most participants had limited knowledge about osteoarthritis pain. Some participants and their older relatives held negative attitudes towards using pain medicines. Most participants suggested that other families should bring their older relatives with osteoarthritis pain to see a doctor as soon as possible. CONCLUSION: Our results show that family caregivers were the main support for older people with osteoarthritis. Interventions should educate patients and family members about osteoarthritis causes, common misconceptions about osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis pain medicines and treatment and encourage family members' support.

Illness experiences in middle-aged adults with early-stage knee osteoarthritis: findings from a qualitative study.

AIM: To understand the illness experiences of middle-aged adults with early knee osteoarthritis. BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of lower limb disability in middle-aged adults and older people. Nurses lack understanding of the illness experiences of middle-aged patients who were confirmed to have early knee osteoarthritis and of how they manage the disease in Taiwan. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was applied. METHODS: Participants with knee osteoarthritis, aged 40-55 years, were recruited by purposive sampling (n = 17). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews from July-December 2010. All interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis to identify key themes. FINDINGS: Illness experiences of the seventeen participants were classified into three major themes: (i) unfamiliarity with osteoarthritis; (ii) effects on daily life; and (iii) protection and alleviation. The three main themes occurred repeatedly and affected the life experiences of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that patients with osteoarthritis have insufficient knowledge related to disease process and they do not know how to cope effectively. They need healthcare providers to supply them with adequate osteoarthritis disease information. Nurses should also develop interventions in their practices and guide patients to use suitable techniques to improve the functional status of their knee joint(s).

The effect of relaxation techniques and back massage on pain and anxiety in Turkish total hip or knee arthroplasty patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of relaxation techniques and back massage on postoperative pain, anxiety, and vital signs on postoperative days 1-3 in patients who had undergone total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). Sixty patients having a THA or TKA were randomly assigned to either a experimental group or a control group. The McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (MPQ-SF) and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) were used to measure pain and anxiety, respectively. Vital signs, including blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse, and respiratory rate, were also obtained. Statistically significant differences in pain intensity (F = 14.50; p = .000), anxiety level (F = 19.13; p = .000), and vital signs (F = 169.61, 9.14, 14.23, 65.64; p = .000) measured over time were found between the experimental and the control group. Results of this research provide evidence to support the use of relaxation techniques and back massage at bed rest times of patients to decrease pain and anxiety. The interventions helped them to forget about their pain for a while and improved their anxiety state. After an evaluation of the conclusions, use of these interventions should be implemented by nurses into routine plans of care for patients.

An innovative care model coordinated by a physical therapist and nurse practitioner for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in specialist care: a prospective study.

The subject of the study is to investigate whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain and function of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) improves after a specialist care intervention coordinated by a physical therapist and a nurse practitioner (NP) and to assess satisfaction with this care at 12 weeks. This observational study included all consecutive patients with hip or knee OA referred to an outpatient orthopaedics clinic. The intervention consisted of a single, standardized visit (assessment and individually tailored management advice, to be executed in primary care) and a telephone follow-up, coordinated by a physical therapist and a NP, in cooperation with an orthopaedic surgeon. Assessments at baseline and 10 weeks thereafter included the short form-36 (SF-36), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), hip or knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS or KOOS), the intermittent and constant osteoarthritis pain questionnaire (ICOAP) for hip or knee and a multidimensional satisfaction questionnaire (23 items; 4 point scale). Eighty-seven patients (57 female), mean age 68 years (SD 10.9) were included, with follow-up data available in 63 patients (72 %). Statistically significant improvements were seen regarding the SF-36 physical summary component score, the EQ-5D, the ICOAP scores for hip and knee, the HOOS subscale sports and the KOOS subscales pain, symptoms and activities of daily living. The proportions of patients reporting to be satisfied ranged from 79 to 98 % per item. In patients with hip and knee OA pain, function and HRQoL improved significantly after a single-visit multidisciplinary OA management intervention in specialist care, with high patient satisfaction.