Prediction of Outcomes Following Total Knee Replacement

This is an observational study (not a treatment study) of pain and physical functioning
after total knee replacement. The study includes 5 visits, 1 before surgery and 4 after
surgery. The last visit will be about 1 year after surgery. You may be eligible if you are
50 or older, will soon be undergoing knee replacement surgery, do not have a serious heart
condition or certain other medical conditions, and are not taking certain types of
medications. The study includes evaluation of peoples' pain, physical functioning,
medication use, and physiological responses to sensory stimuli such as heat and cold. The
research takes place at the Brigham & Women's Pain Management Center, 850 Boylston St,
Chestnut Hill. For further information, please contact George (gmensing@partners.org,
617-732-9463).

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 50 or older

- Meet the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee osteoarthritis

- Scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty

- Facility with the English language that is adequate to complete study procedures

- Patients taking anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen must be on a stable
dose 1 month prior to study.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Cognitive impairment preventing completion of study assessment procedures

- Myocardial infarction within the past 12 months

- Raynaud's phenomenon or severe neuropathy

- Active vasculitis or severe peripheral vascular disease

- Current infection

- Use of oral steroids

- Recent history of substance abuse or dependence

- Confirmed diagnosis of periodic limb movement disorder or restless legs syndrome

- Systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
etc.

- Known anemia