Obesity, knee osteoarthritis, and polypathology: factors favoring weight loss in older people

We aimed to explore the meaning of obesity in elderly persons with knee osteoarthritis (KO) and to determine the factors that encourage or discourage weight loss. Background: Various studies have demonstrated that body mass index is related to KO and that weight loss improves symptoms and functional capacity. However, dietary habits are difficult to modify and most education programs are ineffective. Design: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted. Intentional sampling was performed in ten older persons with KO who had lost weight and improved their health-related quality of life after participating in a health education program. A thematic content analysis was conducted following the stages proposed by Miles and Huberman. Findings: Participants understood obesity as a risk factor for health problems and stigma. They believed that the cause of obesity was multifactorial and criticized health professionals for labeling them as 'obese' and for assigning a moral value to slimness and diet. The factors identified as contributing to the effectiveness of the program were a tolerant attitude among health professionals, group education that encouraged motivation, quantitative dietary recommendations, and a meaningful learning model based on social learning theories. Conclusion: Dietary self-management without prohibitions helped participants to make changes in the quantity and timing of some food intake and to lose weight without sacrificing some foods that were deeply rooted in their culture and preferences. Dietary education programs should focus on health-related quality of life and include scientific knowledge but should also consider affective factors and the problems perceived as priorities by patients. Keywords: obesity, elderly, polypathology, therapeutic education, diet, nursing, knee osteoarthriti

Artroplastia total de rodilla: experiencia de una unidad monográfica

Introducción: Se presenta la experiencia de la Unidad de Prótesis de Rodilla (UPR) del Hospital Clínico de Barcelona. Pacientes y método: Estudio de casos. La población del estudio fueron los pacientes intervenidos durante los meses de mayo y junio, de los años 2004 y 2010. Las variables consideradas fueron: edad, sexo, permanencia promedio, dolor al alta, flexión al alta, deambulación al alta, comorbilidades y complicaciones durante el ingreso. Se compararon los resultados de ambos períodos. Resultado: En la comparación de los años 2004 y 2010 se observó, en el último período citado, un aumento de los recambios de prótesis. La permanencia promedia se mantuvo en alrededor de 7 días. La media de edad de los pacientes se mantuvo por encima de los 70 años. Hubo un mejor control del dolor, de la flexión y de la deambulación al alta. El de número de complicaciones se redujo y hubo un aumento de las personas con obesidad. Conclusiones: En los próximos años habrá una evolución hacia intervenciones más complejas por recambio de prótesis. Los indicadores de calidad para evaluar el éxito del tratamiento continuarán siendo muy parecidos. Habrá una tendencia a la disminución del tiempo de ingreso debido a cambios en la técnica quirúrgica. Se deberá continuar trabajando para disminuir complicaciones relacionadas con la herida quirúrgica y las infecciones. La obesidad será la comorbilidad más present

Therapeutic education and functional readaptation in obese patients on a waiting list for total knee replacement. A case-control study

Background Studies show patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) on waiting list for total knee replacement (TKR) underused conservative treatment, did not adhere to clinical guidelines on knee OA management, and potentially had earlier surgery and a higher risk of revisions. Therapeutic education and functional readaptation (TEFR) plus conventional therapy in waiting list patients improved function and adherence. TKR patients are often obese, negatively influencing TKR results, many patients are dissatisfied after TKR, and around 14% of TKR are inappropriate..

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL intervention for non-specific SUBACUTE low back pain in a working population : a cluster randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a multifactorial condition with individual and societal impact that affects populations globally. Current guidelines for the treatment of LBP recommend pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. The aim of this study was to compare usual clinical practice with the effectiveness of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in reducing disability, severity of pain and improving quality of life in a working population of patients with subacute (2-12 weeks), non-specific LBP. METHODS: Longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in 39 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) of Barcelona, with patients aged 18-65 years (n = 501; control group = 239; 26 PHCC, intervention group = 262; 13 PHCC). The control group received usual clinical care. The intervention group received usual clinical care plus a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention, which consisted of physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and medication. The main outcomes were changes in the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the minimal clinically important differences. Secondary outcomes were changes in the McGill Pain (MGPQ) and Quality of Life (SF-12) questionnaires. Assessment was conducted at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Analysis was by intention-to-treat and analyst-blinded. Multiple imputations were used. RESULTS: Of the 501 enrolled patients, 421 (84%) provided data at 3 months, and 387 (77.2%) at 12 months. Mean age was 46.8 years (SD: 11.5) and 64.7% were women. In the adjusted analysis of the RMDQ outcome, only the intervention group showed significant changes at 3 months (- 1.33 points, p = 0.005) and at 12 months (- 1.11 points, p = 0.027), but minimal clinically important difference were detected in both groups. In the adjusted analysis of the RMDQ outcome, the intervention group improvement more than the control group at 3 months (- 1.33 points, p = 0.005) and at 12 months (- 1.11 points, p = 0.027). The intervention group presented a significant difference. Both groups presented a minimal clinically important difference, but more difference in the intervention group. The intervention group presented significant differences in the MGPQ scales of current pain intensity and VAS scores at 3 months. No statistically significant differences were found in the physical and mental domains of the SF-12. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary biopsychosocial intervention in a working population with non-specific subacute LBP has a small positive impact on disability, and on the level of pain, mainly at short-term, but no difference on quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN21392091 (17 oct 2018) (Prospectively registred

Guía metodológica para la elaboración de un programa estructurado de educación terapéutica: del diseño a la evaluación

Antecedentes y objetivo: La educación terapéutica (ET) se ha demostrado eficaz e imprescindible en un contexto de prevalencia creciente de enfermedades crónicas, siendo necesarias herramientas para la planificación de programas estructurados. El objetivo fue elaborar una guía para el diseño y evaluación de un programa de educación terapéutica. Métodos: 1) Se constituyó un grupo multidisciplinario de profesionales expertos, procedentes de distintas áreas hospitalarias. 2) Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura científica sobre la planificación de programas de ET dirigidos a personas con diferentes enfermedades crónicas, familiares o cuidadores. 3) El texto final propuesto se sometió a comentarios y sugerencias de profesionales del centro directamente implicados en actividades educativas y participantes en un curso sobre metodología de Información y Educación Terapéutica. Las recomendaciones fueron consensuadas por el grupo redactor. Resultados Se obtuvo un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo dirigido a los profesionales implicados en la planificación de programas estructurados de ET, basado en recomendaciones internacionales. El documento está estructurado en los siguientes apartados: a) Definición del problema de salud y análisis de la situación. b) Estructura del programa: recursos humanos y materiales; objetivos: de salud, de conducta y educativos y metodología. c) Circuito que sigue el paciente y familia/cuidador en el programa. d) Evaluación e indicadores. La evaluación del procedimiento, en el marco de los cursos de metodología, fue favorable. Conclusiones: La metodología aportada por este documento servirá de instrumento para planificar de forma homogénea y sistematizada los programas educativos, unificando criterios en la redacción de los programas

Knee osteoarthritis and periarticular structure quantified by ultrasound. A case-control study

Background Assessment of pain and physical function is complex in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), as standard criteria are lacking.A previous study examining correlations between functional capacity and pain (WOMAC) and anthropometric characteristics and periarticular knee structure (quantified by ultrasound imaging) in females with knee OA found increased quadriceps muscle density was associated with higher functional disability and pain scores, suggesting that not only joint wear and symptom severity are involved and more objective measures are necessary..

Total knee replacement from the patient's perspective. A qualitative study

Total knee replacement (TKR) is effective in relieving pain and improving function in patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) However, studies report that 14-30% of patients are dissatisfied with the result and do not achieve the expected benefits, especially in function. Objectives: To examine the factors influencing decision-making before TKR. Methods: We made a phenomenological study of the determinants that lead patients to accept, delay or reject TKR (this study is part of a larger study). Demographic and clinical data were collected and pain intensity measured by the WOMAC scale. Focus groups were conducted and the results transcribed and analysed using the 4-stage analysis of qualitative data according to Ritchie, Spencer and O'Connor (2003). Results: 12 patients (9 female, mean age 71.58 + 6.02 years, BMI 37.43 + 5.32, mean comorbidities 6.73 + 2.19 and mean WOMAC pain 14.9 + 8.89, function 15.77 + 8.6, total 15. 71 + 8. 22) were included: 6 had received, 4 were waiting for and 2 had rejected TKR. Focus groups identified widespread pain (pain intensity functional limitations), causal beliefs and perceptions (OA a natural process associated with age, obesity, physical work, sport) mood (importance of optimism), professional-user relationship (communication, experience of OA) expectations (need for surgery conditioned by pain, lost function, surgical risks), and social support (promotion of healthy habits and adherence conditioned by family and social support) as factors influencing attitudes to undergoing TKR. Conclusions: The process of deciding to undergo TKR is complex and influenced by multiple factors. TKR improves a small proportion of an aging painful body. Our results suggest the need of care before and after TKR, psychosocial support and preventive and educational programmes. References: Ritchie J, Spencer L, O'Connor W. Carrying out qualitative analysis. In Ritchie J. and Lewis J. (eds.) guide for social science students and researchers Oaks; New Delhi. Qualitative research practice: A. Sage: London; Thousand; 2003 Disclosure of Interest: None declare

Study protocol of effectiveness of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in the evolution of non-speficic sub-acute low back pain in the working population : cluster randomised trial

Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common cause for consultation with the general practitioner, generating increased health and social costs. This study will analyse the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention to reduce disability, severity of pain, anxiety and depression, to improve quality of life and to reduce the incidence of chronic low back pain in the working population with non-specific low back pain, compared to usual clinical care. Methods/Design: A Cluster randomised clinical trial will be conducted in 38 Primary Health Care Centres located in Barcelona, Spain and its surrounding areas. The centres are randomly allocated to the multidisciplinary intervention or to usual clinical care. Patients between 18 and 65 years old (n = 932; 466 per arm) and with a diagnostic of a non-specific sub-acute low back pain are included. Patients in the intervention group are receiving the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, in addition to a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention consisting of group educational sessions lasting a total of 10 hours. The main outcome is change in the score in the Roland Morris disability questionnaire at three months after onset of pain. Other outcomes are severity of pain, quality of life, duration of current non-specific low back pain episode, work sick leave and duration, Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Goldberg Questionnaires. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Analysis will be by intention to treat. The intervention effect will be assessed through the standard error of measurement and the effect-size. Responsiveness of each scale will be evaluated by standardised response mean and receiver-operating characteristic method. Recovery according to the patient will be used as an external criterion. A multilevel regression will be performed on repeated measures. The time until the current episode of low back pain takes to subside will be analysed by Cox regression. Discussion: We hope to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in avoiding the chronification of low back pain, and to reduce the duration of non-specific low back pain episodes. If the intervention is effective, it could be applied to Primary Health Care Centres

Psychometric characteristics of the Spanish version of instruments to measure neck pain disability

[EN] Background. The NDI, COM and NPQ are evaluation instruments for disability due to NP. There was no Spanish version of NDI or COM for which psychometric characteristics were known. The objectives of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the Spanish version of the Neck Disability Index Questionnaire (NDI), and the Core Outcome Measure (COM), to validate its use in Spanish speaking patients with non-specific neck pain (NP), and to compare their psychometric characteristics with those of the Spanish version of the Northwick Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Methods. Translation/re-translation of the English versions of the NDI and the COM was done blindly and independently by a multidisciplinary team. The study was done in 9 primary care Centers and 12 specialty services from 9 regions in Spain, with 221 acute, subacute and chronic patients who visited their physician for NP: 54 in the pilot phase and 167 in the validation phase. Neck pain (VAS), referred pain (VAS), disability (NDI, COM and NPQ), catastrophizing (CSQ) and quality of life (SF-12) were measured on their first visit and 14 days later. Patients' self-assessment was used as the external criterion for pain and disability. In the pilot phase, patients' understanding of each item in the NDI and COM was assessed, and on day 1 test-retest reliability was estimated by giving a second NDI and COM in which the name of the questionnaires and the order of the items had been changed. Results. Comprehensibility of NDI and COM were good. Minutes needed to fill out the questionnaires [median, (P25, P75)]: NDI. 4 (2.2, 10.0), COM: 2.1 (1.0, 4.9). Reliability: [ICC, (95%CI)]: NDI: 0.88 (0.80, 0.93). COM: 0.85 (0.75,0.91). Sensitivity to change: Effect size for patients having worsened, not changed and improved between days 1 and 15, according to the external criterion for disability: NDI: -0.24, 0.15, 0.66; NPQ: -0.14, 0.06, 0.67; COM: 0.05, 0.19, 0.92. Validity: Results of NDI, NPQ and COM were consistent with the external criterion for disability, whereas only those from NDI were consistent with the one for pain. Correlations with VAS, CSQ and SF-12 were similar for NDI and NPQ (absolute values between 0.36 and 0.50 on day 1, between 0.38 and 0.70 on day 15), and slightly lower for COM (between 0.36 and 0.48 on day 1, and between 0.33 and 0.61 on day 15). Correlation between NDI and NPQ: r = 0.84 on day 1, r = 0.91 on day 15. Correlation between COM and NPQ: r = 0.63 on day 1, r = 0.71 on day 15. Conclusion. Although most psychometric characteristics of NDI, NPQ and COM are similar, those from the latter one are worse and its use may lead to patients' evolution seeming more positive than it actually is. NDI seems to be the best instrument for measuring NP-related disability, since its results are the most consistent with patient's assessment of their own clinical status and evolution. It takes two more minutes to answer the NDI than to answer the COM, but it can be reliably filled out by the patient without assistanceS

Toma de decisiones y modelo de M. Mishel. Aceptar o no aceptar cirugía de sustitución protésica de rodilla

Introducción: La artroplastia total de rodilla (PTR) es eficaz en el alivio del dolor y la función en los casos de artrosis de rodilla (AR) grave. Representa un problema de salud pública por su prevalencia. A pesar de los resultados clínicos obtenidos con la PTR, diversos estudios refieren que entre un 14-30% de pacientes se muestran insatisfechos con el resultado, al no alcanzar los beneficios esperados, lo que conlleva que otros desestimen el tratamiento quirúrgico. El modelo de cuidados de M. Mishel pertenece al paradigma de la transformación, parte de la teoría social crítica e incorpora principios de la teoría del caos para elaborar su teoría de la incertidumbre; la enfermedad crónica desencadena un desequilibrio y las personas que la experimentan pueden incorporar esta incertidumbre para adquirir un nuevo sentido de la vida