recruitment problems

To compare the efficacy of long-acting oxycodone to extended-release acetaminophen in older persons with no and mild to moderate cognitive impairment and persistent moderate or higher intensity non-cancer lower extremity arthritis pain; and Describe the association of change in non-cancer pain self-report with an older adults functional status (BPI and WOMAC and brief physical performance measure) and to determine if cognitive status modifies this relationship.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age over 65
2. Pain at least 3 months duration
3. Pain greater in lower extremity than other anatomical site with ambulation
4. Pain self-report of moderate intensity of higher on an average day
5. Community-dwelling
6. Ambulatory
7. Physician states participants have decision-making capacity to enroll into the trial
8. Participants with cognitive impairment have a reliable caregiver
9. Inadequate pain relief from NSAIDS and/or acetaminophen in the past

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current cancer requiring chemotherapy
2. History of addiction to opioids or other controlled substance
3. Consumes more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day
4. Severe balance disturbance
5. Intra-articular steroid injection in the past 6 weeks

This study was initially designed as a randomized crossover trial comparing extra strength acetaminophen (1,000 mg twice daily) to long acting oxycodone (10 mg twice daily). Unfortunately the treatment group assignments were lost and therefore there is no information on which treatment sequence patients were assigned to. In addition, no information is available on the timing of adverse events. As a result, adverse events can only be reported for the entire group of enrolled patients.