Prevalence, associated factors, and short-term impact of central sensitization in high-altitude patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
摘要
Central sensitization (CS) plays a critical role in prolonged pain and poor outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but its prevalence and impact in high-altitude populations remain unexplored. This study aims to examine the prevalence of CS, its associated factors, and short-term postoperative outcomes in high-altitude TKA patients.
MethodsThis prospective, single-centre cohort study included high-altitude (above 2,500 m) TKA patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA). Central sensitization (CS) was diagnosed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), with a cutoff score of ≥ 40. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the CS and non-CS groups. Preoperative factors, postoperative outcomes (pain levels, complications, opioid consumption, hospital stay), and the incidence of chronic pain and dissatisfaction at six months were collected and analyzed using SPSS software.
ResultsA total of 230 patients were included, with 36 (15.7%) classified as having CS. Multivariable logistic regression identified female gender (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.0–14.3, P = 0.043), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.3, P = 0.006), and residence above 4,000 m (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.7–15.1, P = 0.003) as significant factors associated with CS. After PSM, the CS group had significantly worse short-term outcomes, with higher pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 h (P < 0.001), increased incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (P < 0.001), longer hospital stays (P < 0.001), greater cumulative opioid consumption (P < 0.001), higher rates of chronic postoperative pain (46.9% vs. 21.9%, P = 0.014), and greater patient dissatisfaction (25.0% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.039) compared to the non-CS group.
ConclusionThis study found a 15.7% prevalence of CS among high-altitude TKA patients. Female gender, higher BMI, and residence at altitudes above 4,000 m were identified as factors associated with CS. Furthermore, CS was linked to worse short-term postoperative outcomes, including higher pain levels, increased incidence of PONV, greater opioid consumption, longer hospital stays, and a higher prevalence of chronic postoperative pain and dissatisfaction.