The purpose of this study is to prospectively collect patient-reported outcome measures, biospecimens, and imaging on patients who undergo orthopaedic sports medicine surgeries. These data will be used to determine predictors and correlates of joint damage (i.e. cartilage, ligament or meniscal damage, as well as osteoarthritis and arthrofibrosis) on the day of surgery and patient symptoms (such as pain, stiffness, and function) on the day of surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively.THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - The study population will consist of patients undergoing hip, knee, or shoulder surgery. All study subjects are patients of two orthopaedic surgeons, who are study investigators. Initial screening will be performed by research personnel on the day of surgery. Potential study subjects will be approached and enrolled on the day of surgery in the pre-operative holding area in a private patient bay.

The most common sensory assessment methods currently used in clinical practice include the Moving and Static Two-Point Discrimination Test (2PD), Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWM), and the Ten Test (TT). Despite advancements in sensory assessment methods, the application of these tests has largely remained confined to the hand. To date, limited evidence exists regarding the performance of these sensory tests in other anatomic regions (Vriens et al., 2011). Expanding the use of these assessment tools beyond the hand could improve sensory evaluation across a broader range of clinical settings. However, it remains unclear which of the tests (2PD, SWM, or TT) demonstrates the best validity, reliability, feasibility, and clinical applicability for routine facial sensory assessment. We hypothesize that there is no difference amongst the three tests (2PD, SWM, or TT) in measuring facial sensory responses. Therefore, we will evaluate and compare the validity, reliability, and clinical applicability of 2PD, SWM, and TT for facial sensation assessment among patients undergoing inferior alveolar nerve block procedures. Our overarching research question is “Which of the three sensory assessment methods best detects and characterizes facial sensory reduction after a known temporary nerve block?”THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - This study will be conducted among patients among pediatric and adult patients undergoing inferior alveolar nerve block procedures from pediatric dentistry, graduate prosthodontics, and graduate Cariology and Operative Dentistry clinics at Indiana University School of Dentistry Indianapolis over a 12-month period between June 2026 and May 2027. Eligible participants will be identified and a member of the research team will then approach eligible patients, and where applicable their parent or legal guardian, in person during the approached during routine outpatient clinic visits to introduce the study and assess interest in participation.