High dose dexamethasone in high pain responders undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial.
European journal of anaesthesiology
BACKGROUND:Postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) may delay postoperative mobilization and discharge. Postoperative pain has been shown to be higher in pain catastrophisers and patients receiving opioids. A single dose of glucocorticoid reduces pain after THA, and an increased dose of glucocorticoids has been found to be effective in patients at high risk of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), however, the ideal dose in THA remains unknown. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of a high dose (1 mg kg -1 ) vs. intermediate dose (0.3 mg kg -1 ) of dexamethasone on pain after THA. DESIGN:A randomized double-blind controlled study. SETTING:A two-centre study including two large arthroplasty sites in Denmark was conducted from February 2019 to August 2020. PATIENTS:A total of 160 patients undergoing THA by neuraxial block with multimodal analgesia, having a Pain Catastrophising Scale score >20 and/or preoperative opioid use were included. INTERVENTION:Patients were randomly assigned to receive dexamethasone 1 mg kg -1 or 0.3 mg kg -1 before THA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Primary outcome was percentage of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain (visual analogue scale, VAS > 30 mm on a 0 to 100 mm scale) on ambulating 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included cumulated pain scores, C-reactive protein (CRP), opioid use, postoperative recovery scores, length of stay, complications, and re-admission within 30 and 90 days. RESULTS:No difference was found in percentage of VAS >30 mm 24 h after surgery in the 5-m walk test (VAS > 30/VAS ≤ 30%); 33/42 (44%) vs. 32/43 (43%), relative risk = 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.72-1.51; P = 0.814) in 1 mg kg -1vs. 0.3 mg kg -1 respectively. No differences were found in CRP and opioid use between groups. Also, no intergroup differences were found in recovery scores, re-admissions, or complications. CONCLUSION:1 mg kg -1vs. 0.3 mg kg -1 dexamethasone improved neither postoperative pain nor recovery in THA in a cohort of predicted high pain responders. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov ID-number NCT03763760 and EudraCT-number 2018-2636-25.
10.1097/EJA.0000000000001853
Prevalence of Chronic Opioid Use in the Elderly After Hip Fracture Surgery.
The Journal of arthroplasty
BACKGROUND:While interest has focused on opioid use after total hip arthroplasty, little research has investigated opioid use in elderly patients after hip fracture. We hypothesize that a substantial number of opioid-naïve elderly patients go on to chronic opioid use after hip fracture surgery. METHODS:We reviewed a consecutive series of 219 patients 65 years and older who underwent surgical fixation between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2019 for a native hip fracture. Patients were excluded for polytrauma, periprosthetic or pathologic fractures, recent major surgery, or death within 90 days of their hip surgery. The state prescription monitoring database was used to determine opioid use. RESULTS:Overall, 58 patients (26%) were postoperative chronic opioid users. Of the initial 188 opioid-naïve patients, 43 (23%) became chronic users. Of the 31 preoperative opioid users, 15 (48%) continued as chronic users. Chronic postoperative users were more likely to be White (76% vs 91%, P = .04), younger (78 vs 82 years, P = .003), and preoperative opioid users (odds ratio 3.3, P = .007). Arthroplasty vs fixation did not affect the rate of chronic opioid use (P = .22). CONCLUSION:Chronic opioid use is surprisingly common after hip fracture repair in the elderly. Twenty-three percent of opioid-naïve hip fracture patients became chronic users after surgery. Continued vigilance is needed by orthopedic surgeons to limit the amount and duration of postoperative narcotic prescriptions and to monitor for continued use.
10.1016/j.arth.2022.01.071
Investigating the Effect of Perioperative Chlorzoxazone on Acute Postoperative Pain After Total Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery.
Skrejborg Peter,Petersen Kristian K,Beck Jacob,Ulrich Michael,Simonsen Ole,Nielsen Poul T,Arendt-Nielsen Lars,Laursen Mogens
The Clinical journal of pain
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Severe preoperative and acute postoperative pain have been associated with the development of chronic postoperative pain. Chlorzoxazone (a muscle relaxant) has been suggested to enhance acute postoperative pain recovery, but the lack of larger randomized controlled trials has, however, questioned the continued use. Despite this, chlorzoxazone is still used for acute postoperative pain management following total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR). The current randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of chlorzoxazone for postoperative pain management following TKR or THR. METHODS:A total of 393 patients scheduled for TKR or THR were included in the trial. Patients were assigned to 250 mg chlorzoxazone 3 times daily for the first 7 days postoperatively or to placebo. The primary outcome was pain after 5 m walk assessed 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included changes in preoperative pain at rest, worst pain in the last 24 hours, and Oxford Knee or Hip Score compared with 12 months' follow-up. In addition, adverse events were assessed in the perioperative period. RESULTS:No significant differences were found for any of the outcome parameters after TKR or THR. As regards TKR or THR, no effects were demonstrated for pain after 5 m walk 24 hours after surgery (P>0.313), or for any of the secondary outcomes (P>0.288) or adverse events (P>0.112) in the group receiving chlorzoxazone compared with placebo. CONCLUSION:The current study demonstrated no analgesic effects of postoperative chlorzoxazone administration compared with placebo on acute or chronic postoperative pain 12 months following TKR and THR.
10.1097/AJP.0000000000000805
The effect of pre-operative high doses of methylprednisolone on pain management and convalescence after total hip replacement in elderly: a double-blind randomized study.
Gądek Artur,Liszka Henryk,Zając Małgorzata
International orthopaedics
PURPOSE:The aim of the study was to assess whether administration of a single dose of methylprednisolone in the group patients above 65 years of age will be effective in complex analgesic management after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS:Seventy-seven patients above 65 years old were double-blind randomized into two: the study and controls groups. Pre-operatively, the study group received as a single dose of 125 mg intravenous methylprednisolone, while the others saline solution as placebo. Peri-operatively, all the patients were administered opioid and nonopioid analgesic agents. We measured the levels of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis, C-reactive protein-CRP), pain intensity level (visual analog scale-VAS; numerical rating scale-NRS), the life parameters, and noted complications. RESULTS:Following administration of methylprednisolone were significantly lower levels of CRP on all the four post-operative days; leukocytosis on the second day; the VAS/NRS score at rest after six, 12, and 18 hours post-operatively, diminished the dose of parenteral opioid preparations (oxycodone hydrochloride), the duration of analgesia by peripheral nerve block was significantly higher as compared with the placebo group (p < 0.000001). No infectious complications were noted; there was one patient who developed post-operative delirium. CONCLUSION:A single dose of methylprednisolone significantly reduces the level of post-operative pain at rest on the day of THA in the group patients above 65 years of age, decreases the dose of opioid analgesic agents, and significantly decreases the level of inflammatory markers, without infectious processes.
10.1007/s00264-020-04802-8
Comparison between supra-inguinal fascia iliaca and pericapsular nerve group blocks on postoperative pain and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty: A noninferiority randomised clinical trial.
European journal of anaesthesiology
BACKGROUND:Pain after a posterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) may affect early functional recovery. Supra-inguinal fascia iliaca (SFIB) and pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blocks have been proposed as promising analgesia techniques. OBJECTIVES:This trial was conducted to compare a PENG with a SFIB for controlling postoperative pain and for providing functional recovery. DESIGN:Noninferiority monocentric randomised controlled study. SETTING:One hundred and two patients scheduled for a total hip arthroplasty via the posterolateral approach under spinal anaesthesia were prospectively allocated to two groups. Data acquisition occurred between October 2021 and July 2022 at the University Hospital of Liege. PATIENTS:One hundred and two patients completed the trial. INTERVENTIONS:Group SFIB received supra-inguinal fascia iliaca block (SFIB) (40 ml ropivacaine 0.375%), whereas group PENG received a PENG block (20 ml ropivacaine 0.75%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Rest and mobilisation pain on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale at fixed time points: 1 and 6 h after surgery, on day-1 and day-2 at 8 a.m.,1 p.m. and 6 p.m. On day-1 and day-2, evolution of quality-of-recovery-15 score was assessed, and timed-up-and-go, 2 and 6 min-walking tests. The noninferiority margin was set as 1 numeric rating scale point 6 h after surgery. RESULTS:Six hours after surgery, pain scores in group PENG were noninferior to those of group SFIB, with a difference between medians at 0 (95% CI -0.93 to 0.93). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding rest and dynamic pain trajectories during the first 48 postoperative hours, with no significant effects of group (rest P = 0.800; dynamic P = 0.708) or interaction between group and time (rest P = 0.803; dynamic P = 0.187). Similarly, no significant differences were observed regarding motor and functional recovery as assessed by timed-up-and-go ( P = 0.197), 2 min ( P = 0.364), and 6 min walking ( P = 0.347) tests and quality-of-recovery-15 ( P = 0.417) score. CONCLUSION:Following a total hip arthroplasty via the posterolateral approach, a PENG block is noninferior to SFIB regarding postoperative pain control 6 h after surgery, and functional recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION:European Clinical Trial Register under EudraCT-number 2020-005126-28 ( https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2020-005126-28/BE ).
10.1097/EJA.0000000000001875
Patient perceptions of pain management and opioid use prior to hip arthroplasty.
Journal of opioid management
OBJECTIVE:Qualitative assessment investigating patients' perceptions related to opioids including their role in pain control, risks, and handling and disposal prior to undergoing hip replacement. DESIGN:A prospective, cross-sectional survey study. SETTING:Large urban teaching hospital specializing in orthopedic surgery affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. PARTICIPANTS:Patients aged 18-80, English-speaking, without recent or chronic opioid use, and planning to undergo primary total hip replacement. A total of 128 patients were enrolled and completed the study. INTERVENTION:A 27-item interview evaluating perceptions on opioid-related -topics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Responses to interview questions were documented by research assistant. RESULTS:Most patients believe that there should be minimal or no pain with the use of opioids, though they also agree that opioids should be limited to pain that interferes with function or activity. Patients generally appreciate risks of addiction with opioids but are less familiar with risks associated with sleep apnea and sedatives. Minority of patients understand that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with opioids would effectively reduce pain. Majority of patients were unsure of how to properly store and dispose of opioids. CONCLUSIONS:Qualitative assessment demonstrates that patients may benefit from education and discussion specifically about pain expectations, the role of opioids in treating pain, multimodal analgesia, and proper storage and disposal.
10.5055/jom.2023.0761
Periarticular infiltration used in total joint replacements: an update and review article.
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research
Periarticular infiltration following total knee and hip arthroplasty has been demonstrated to be equivalent to peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative pain management. The ideal cocktail has not been established yet. We have conducted a literature search on PubMed and Embase. Our search criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs). We tried to only include the most recent studies to keep the information current. The included research focused at Dexmedetomidine, Liposomal Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine, Epinephrine, Ketorolac, Morphine, Ketamine and Glucocorticosteroids. Each medication's mode of action, duration, ideal dosage, contraindications, side effects and effectiveness have been summarized in the review article. This article will help the clinician to make an informed evidence-based decision about which medications to include in their ideal cocktail.
10.1186/s13018-023-04333-z
Short-Term and Long-Term Pain After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
BACKGROUND:Postoperative pain has a major influence on older adults' rehabilitation. There is a lack of knowledge regarding how older adults return to daily living after discharge. AIMS:The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between moderate to severe pain during the first 5 postoperative days and pain 1 year after discharge in older adults after total hip arthroplasty (THA). DESIGN:This was a prospective cohort study. METHODS:The study was conducted from August 2019 to February 2020, in a University Hospital in Denmark and included a 5-day diary and a telephone interview postoperatively. The following main areas were investigated: pain levels, pain management, side effects from opioids, mood, fatigue, quality of sleep, and functional level. Associations between moderate to severe pain levels at 5 days after surgery and persistent pain at 1 year were evaluated through correlation analyses. RESULTS:A total of 70 THA older adults returned the diary postoperatively. Thereafter, 62 participated in a 1-year follow-up interview. No associations were found between pain levels 5 days postoperatively and after 1 year. Fifteen older adults reported hip pain was present still 1 year after surgery, and 14 patients still used analgesics on daily basis. No correlation was found between levels of pain and quality of sleep 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS:No association was found between older adults with moderate to severe levels of pain during the first 5 days postoperatively and 1 year after surgery. Proactive follow-up strategies for older adults after discharge following THA may be indicated to promote optimal rehabilitation.
10.1016/j.pmn.2021.04.004
Surgical Approach Does Not Affect Chronic Opioid Usage After Total Hip Arthroplasty.
The Journal of arthroplasty
BACKGROUND:Three different surgical approaches (the direct anterior, antero-lateral, and posterior) are commonly used for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Due to an internervous and intermuscular approach, the direct anterior approach may result in less postoperative pain and opioid use, although all 3 approaches have similar outcomes 5 years after surgery. Perioperative opioid medication consumption poses a dose-dependent risk of long-term opioid use. We hypothesized that the direct anterior approach is associated with less opioid usage over 180 days after surgery than the antero-lateral or posterior approaches. METHODS:A retrospective cohort study was performed including 508 patients (192 direct anterior, 207 antero-lateral, and 109 posterior approaches). Patient demographics and surgical characteristics were identified from the medical records. The state prescription database was used to determine opioid use 90 days before and 1 year after THA. Regression analyses controlling for sex, race, age, and body mass index were used to determine the effect of surgical approach on opioid use over 180 days after surgery. RESULTS:No difference was seen in the proportion of long-term opioid users based on approach (P = .78). There was no significant difference in the distribution of opioid prescriptions filled between surgical approach groups in the year after surgery (P = .35). Not taking opioids 90 days prior to surgery, regardless of approach, was associated with a 78% decrease in the odds of becoming a chronic opioid user (P < .0001). CONCLUSION:Opioid use prior to surgery, rather than THA surgical approach, was associated with chronic opioid consumption following THA.
10.1016/j.arth.2023.03.085
Acute pain trajectories and the persistence of post-surgical pain: a longitudinal study after total hip arthroplasty.
Pagé M Gabrielle,Katz Joel,Curtis Kathryn,Lutzky-Cohen Noga,Escobar E Manolo Romero,Clarke Hance A
Journal of anesthesia
PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to explore acute movement-evoked postoperative pain intensity trajectories over the first 5 days after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to examine how these pain trajectories are associated with pain-related outcomes 6 weeks and 6 months later. METHODS:A total of 150 adult patients [72 women (48.0 %); mean age 60.0 ± 9.2 (standard deviation) years] completed pain questionnaires preoperatively, several times daily postoperatively until hospital discharge, and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS:Results showed that the best model had four different acute postoperative pain trajectories and a significant quadratic term. The trajectories varied in terms of initial pain intensity levels and rates of decline/increase in pain over the first 4 postoperative days. Significant predictors of pain trajectory membership were preoperative pain disability and anxiety as well as cumulative morphine consumption 24 h following surgery. Pain trajectories were significantly associated with levels of pain intensity and anxiety at 6 weeks but not at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION:This study showed that during the postoperative period patients differed in terms of pain intensity profiles and that these differences were associated with outcomes for up to 6 weeks following surgery. Pain trajectories were not predictive of persistent postoperative pain status at 6 months. Nonetheless, these results highlight the importance of patient heterogeneity in acute postoperative pain and pain-related outcomes months after THA.
10.1007/s00540-016-2183-4
Opioid-free versus opioid-sparing anaesthesia in ambulatory total hip arthroplasty: a randomised controlled trial.
British journal of anaesthesia
BACKGROUND:Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways are essential for ambulatory surgery. They usually recommend lower intraoperative opioid use to avoid opioid-related adverse effects. This has led to opioid-sparing anaesthesia (OSA) techniques, with the extreme approach of opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) mostly with dexmedetomidine. As evidence is lacking in day-case primary total hip arthroplasty, this study was performed to assess the potential benefits in postoperative analgesia of OFA over OSA. METHODS:In this single-centre, prospective, triple blind study, we randomly allocated 80 patients undergoing day-case primary THA under general anaesthesia. Patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia with a laryngeal mask and multimodal analgesic regimen with non-opioid analgesics. The OSA group received low dose of sufentanil, and the OFA group received dexmedetomidine The primary outcome was the opioid consumption in the first 24 h in oral morphine equivalents (OME). RESULTS:There was no difference in median cumulative OME consumption at 24 h between the OSA and OFA groups (12 [0-25] mg vs 16 [0-30] mg, respectively; P=0.7). Pain scores were similar and low in both groups with comparable walking recovery time. Adverse events were sparse and equivalent in both groups except for dizziness, which was more frequent in the OSA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:In day-case total hip arthoplasty under general anaesthesia, opioid-free anaesthesia and opioid-sparing anaesthesia both provide early recovery and effective postoperative pain relief. When compared with opioid-sparing anaesthesia, opioid-free anaesthesia does not decrease opioid consumption in the first 24 h. These findings do not suggest any significant benefit from complete intraoperative avoidance of opioids. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:NCT0507270.
10.1016/j.bja.2023.10.031
Predictors of Chronic Pain in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study.
The Journal of arthroplasty
BACKGROUND:Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA) is an important clinical problem in which many factors play a role. The risk factors for CPSP in elderly individuals are currently unknown. Therefore, our aim was to predict the risk factors for CPSP after TKA and THA and to provide help regarding early screening and interventions for elderly individuals at risk. METHODS:In this prospective observational study, we collected and analyzed 177 TKA patients and 80 THA patients. Based on pain results at the 3-month follow-up, they were divided into the no chronic postsurgical pain and CPSP groups, respectively. The preoperative baseline conditions, including pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), as well as intraoperative and postoperative factors, were compared. Factors with P < .05 were included in binary regression analyses to establish prediction models for CPSP after TKA and THA. RESULTS:The prevalence of CPSP was 20.9% after TKA and 7.5% after THA. The preoperative sleep disorders were an independent risk factor of CPSP after TKA, but no risk factors of CPSP after THA were identified. CONCLUSION:This study indicated that the prevalence of CPSP after TKA was significantly higher than after THA, and that preoperative sleep disorders were an independent risk factor for CPSP after TKA, which may aid clinicians in screening people at risk for CPSP for primary prevention.
10.1016/j.arth.2023.04.055
PROSPECT guideline for total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations.
Anger M,Valovska T,Beloeil H,Lirk P,Joshi G P,Van de Velde M,Raeder J,
Anaesthesia
The aim of this systematic review was to develop recommendations for the management of postoperative pain after primary elective total hip arthroplasty, updating the previous procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) guidelines published in 2005 and updated in July 2010. Randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses published between July 2010 and December 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anaesthetic, surgical or other interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Five hundred and twenty studies were initially identified, of which 108 randomised trials and 21 meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. Peri-operative interventions that improved postoperative pain include: paracetamol; cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone. In addition, peripheral nerve blocks (femoral nerve block; lumbar plexus block; fascia iliaca block), single-shot local infiltration analgesia, intrathecal morphine and epidural analgesia also improved pain. Limited or inconsistent evidence was found for all other approaches evaluated. Surgical and anaesthetic techniques appear to have a minor impact on postoperative pain, and thus their choice should be based on criteria other than pain. In summary, the analgesic regimen for total hip arthroplasty should include pre-operative or intra-operative paracetamol and cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. In addition, intra-operative intravenous dexamethasone 8-10 mg is recommended. Regional analgesic techniques such as fascia iliaca block or local infiltration analgesia are recommended, especially if there are contra-indications to basic analgesics and/or in patients with high expected postoperative pain. Epidural analgesia, femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block and gabapentinoid administration are not recommended as the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. Although intrathecal morphine 0.1 mg can be used, the PROSPECT group emphasises the risks and side-effects associated with its use and provides evidence that adequate analgesia may be achieved with basic analgesics and regional techniques without intrathecal morphine.
10.1111/anae.15498
Predictive Factors of Chronic Post-Surgical Pain at 6 Months Following Knee Replacement: Influence of Postoperative Pain Trajectory and Genetics.
Thomazeau Josephine,Rouquette Alexandra,Martinez Valeria,Rabuel Christophe,Prince Natalie,Laplanche Jean-Louis,Nizard Remy,Bergmann Jean-Francois,Perrot Serge,Lloret-Linares Celia
Pain physician
BACKGROUND:The frequency of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after knee replacement remains high, but might be decreased by improvements to prevention. OBJECTIVES:To identify pre- and postsurgical factors predictive of CPSP 6 months after knee replacement. STUDY DESIGN:Single-center prospective observational study. SETTING:An orthopedic unit in a French hospital. METHODS:Consecutive patients referred for total or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty from March to July 2013 were prospectively invited to participate in this study. For each patient, we recorded preoperative pain intensity, anxiety and depression levels, and sensitivity and pain thresholds in response to an electrical stimulus. We analyzed OPRM1 and COMT single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Acute postoperative pain (APOP) in the first 5 days after surgery was modeled by a pain trajectory. Changes in the characteristics and consequences of the pain were monitored 3 and 6 months after surgery. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify predictors of CPSP. RESULTS:We prospectively evaluated 104 patients in this study, 74 (28.8%) of whom reported CPSP at 6 months. Three preoperative factors were found to be associated with the presence of CPSP in multivariate logistic regression analysis: high school diploma level (OR = 3.83 [1.20 - 12.20]), consequences of pain in terms of walking ability, as assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory short form "walk" item (OR = 4.06 [1.18 - 13.94]), and a lack of physical activity in adulthood (OR = 4.01 [1.33 - 12.10]). One postoperative factor was associated with the presence of CPSP: a high-intensity APOP trajectory. An association of borderline statistical significance was found with the A allele of the COMT gene (OR = 3.4 [0.93 - 12.51]). Two groups of patients were identified on the basis of their APOP trajectory: high (n = 28, 26%) or low (n = 80, 74%) intensity. Patients with high-intensity APOP trajectory had higher anxiety levels and were less able to walk before surgery (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS:This was a single-center study and the sample may have been too small for the detection of some factors predictive of CPSP or to highlight the role of genetic factors. CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that several preoperative and postoperative characteristics could be used to facilitate the identification of patients at high risk of CPSP after knee surgery. All therapeutic strategies decreasing APOP, such as anxiety management or performing knee replacement before the pain has a serious effect on ability to walk, may help to decrease the risk of CPSP. Further prospective studies testing specific management practices, including a training program before surgery, are required.