Prospective study comparing the visual analogue scale pre- and postoperatively following a total knee arthroplasty

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) emerges as a major contributor to chronic pain and limitations in daily activities, particularly among older adults. It's a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and the natural aging process. In this prospective study we try and evaluate the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in a set of 30 patients and compare the results preoperatively and at a medium term follow up. A prospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients undergoing primary TKA. Preoperative VAS scores were collected to assess baseline pain levels. Postoperative VAS scores were obtained at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Paired t-tests were used to analyse the differences between pre-operative and post-operative VAS scores Preoperative VAS scores averaged 7.2 (SD=1.5), indicating moderate to high pain levels. A significant decrease in pain was observed at 4 weeks post-surgery (4.8, SD=1.8), with further improvement at 8 weeks (3.5, SD=1.3) and 6 months (2.1, SD=1.0). This study suggests that TKA is effective in reducing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The significant decrease in VAS scores at 4 weeks post-operatively, with continued improvement at later time points, supports this finding. These results align with existing literature on pain relief following TKA.