Cannabidiol to reduce persistent post-surgical pain following total knee arthroplasty: protocol for a multi-centre, randomized, controlled pilot trial

Abstract Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed to reduce pain and improve functional limitations associated with late-stage osteoarthritis. However, 1 in 4 patients experience persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP); a complaint that is associated with higher peri-operative pain. Cannabidiol (CBD) possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of persistent pain among TKA patients. We designed a pilot trial to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial comparing CBT to placebo for reducing PPSP in patients undergoing