Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis Who Score Highly on the PainDETECT Questionnaire Present With Multi-modality Hyperalgesia, Increased Pain and Impaired Physical Function

OBJECTIVES:: PainDETECT is a self-report questionnaire that can be used to identify features of neuropathic pain. A proportion of patients with knee osteoarthritis score highly on the PainDETECT questionnaire. This study aimed to determine whether those with a higher “positive neuropathic” score on the PainDETECT questionnaire also had greater pain, hypersensitivity and reduced function compared to individuals with knee OA with lower PainDETECT scores. METHODS:: 130 participants with knee OA completed the PainDETECT, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS) questionnaires. Quantitative sensory testing was carried out at three sites (both knees and elbow) using standard methods. Cold and heat pain thresholds were tested using a Peltier thermode and pressure pain thresholds using a digital algometer. Physical function was assessed using three timed locomotor function tests. RESULTS:: 22.3% of participants scored in the “positive neuropathic” category with a further 35.4% in the unclear category. Participants in the “positive neuropathic” category reported higher levels of pain and more impaired function based on the WOMAC questionnaire (P