30/03/2026
March 2026 Research Updates for www.fmcmpd.org Devin J. Starlanyl
Alasbali MS, Alshammari YA, Alhomaidi MS, et al. Preoperative central sensitization as a predictor of pain outcomes after hip and knee arthroplasty: A systematic review. Cureus. 2026 Jan 18;18(1):e101791. eCollection 2026 Jan. “These findings indicate that preoperative CS is a strong predictor of poor pain-related outcomes following hip and knee arthroplasty, and incorporating CS assessment into preoperative evaluation may support improved risk stratification and the development of personalized perioperative pain management strategies to optimize postoperative outcomes.”
Carender CN, Kheir MM, Dailey EA, et al. Nociplastic pain and central sensitization in hip and knee arthroplasty: A practical primer for arthroplasty surgeons. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2026 Mar 3;10(3). “Nociplastic pain has been identified in more than one-third of patients presenting for evaluation of hip and knee arthritis. Importantly, many of these patients may not carry a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other nociplastic pain syndrome. Patients with nociplastic pain undergoing arthroplasty surgery experience less pain relief and functional improvement, and exhibit increased opioid use after surgery.”
Correa Gaviria T, Ilagan-Ying Y. Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) disguised as recurrent abdominal pain: a diagnostic challenge with a simple solution. BMJ Case Rep. 2026 Mar 5;19(3):e270977. “Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is an under-recognised cause of chronic abdominal or chest wall pain in the era of increased reliance on diagnostic imaging and laboratory studies. We present the case of a man in his mid-60s who was hospitalised eight times over a 2-year period for unexplained abdominal pain despite extensive non-diagnostic workups…. Ultrasound-guided trigger point injection with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic led to immediate symptom relief, confirming the diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic value of the physical exam and the need to consider ACNES in patients with persistent abdominal pain and normal imaging and laboratory studies, as early diagnosis can reduce symptom burden, prevent unnecessary testing and improve patient outcomes.”
Geller S, Levy S, Avitsur R. Masculine identity, body image and illness-related shame: Pathways to psychological distress in men with fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel). 2026 Feb 27;14(5):606. “Although recognition of fibromyalgia (FMS) in men is growing, the mechanisms that contribute to their psychological distress remain poorly understood.…This study comprised a total of 225 men aged 18-75; of these, 102 were men with FMS (based on self-report) and 123 were healthy peers (HPs)…. Between-group analysis showed body appreciation mediated the fibromyalgia-distress relationship. However, within the FMS group, compromised masculine identity and illness-related shame were the strongest pathways to distress, while body appreciation showed no effect…. Masculine identity threats and illness-related shame constitute central mechanisms of psychological distress in men with FMS. Body appreciation operates differently in this population than in healthy men. Findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions addressing identity disruption and emphasizing functionality over appearance-based acceptance.
Gkouvi A, Kontouli KM, Pardali EC, et al. Fibromyalgia and menopause: Friends with benefits? Maturitas. 2026 Mar 3; Online ahead of print. “The menopausal transition can represent a critical time at which fibromyalgia symptoms often worsen…. Among the peri-/post-menopausal women, 6.25% were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The FIQR score was a significant predictor of the severity of menopausal symptoms.., indicating that individuals with worse fibromyalgia tended to experience aggravated menopause symptomatology. Additionally, higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with greater GCS scores…and more severe fibromyalgia impact…. Fibromyalgia preceded
Information, articles, research and handouts about these two often co-existing syndromes. FM and CMPD are among the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistreated illnesses.
