Effect of cold weather on patients with orthopedic implants

Abstract

Objective: We conducted this study to examine the prevalence of pain in patients with orthopedic implants, placed to stabilize a fracture or for arthroplasty, when exposed to cold weather in the Saudi Arabia Methods: We asked 100 patients with orthopedic implants to complete a pretested questionnaire. These patients visited the Orthopedic Clinic at King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia, for follow-up. Results: Of 100 patients, 49 (49%) experienced pain from implants related to cold temperatures (8 °C–10 °C) during winter. The remaining 51 patients (51%) did not experience pain due to cold weather. Conclusion: The current study showed a statistically significant relationship between cold weather and pain in patients with implanted orthopedic hardware.