Preoperative Zung depression scale predicts patient satisfaction independent of the extent of improvement after revision lumbar surgery

Background contextPatient satisfaction ratings are increasingly being used in health care as a proxy for quality and are becoming the focal point for several quality improvement initiatives. Affective disorders, such as depression, have been shown to influence patient-reported outcomes and self-interpretation of health status. We hypothesize that patient psychiatric profiles influence reported satisfaction with care, independent of surgical effectiveness.PurposeTo assess the predictive value of preoperative depression on patient satisfaction after revision surgery for same-level recurrent stenosis.Study designRetrospective cohort study.Patient sampleFifty-three patients undergoing a revision surgery for symptomatic same-level recurrent stenosis.Outcome measuresPatient-reported outcome measures were assessed using an outcomes questionnaire that included questions on health state values (EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), depression (Zung self-rating depression scale), and Short Form 12 (SF-12) physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS). Patient satisfaction was dichotomized as either “YES” or “NO” on whether they were satisfied with their surgical outcome 2 years after the surgery.MethodsA total of fifty-three patients undergoing revision neural decompression and instrumented fusion for same-level recurrent stenosis-associated back and leg pain were included in this study. Preoperative Zung self-rating depression score (ZDS), education status, comorbidities, and postoperative satisfaction with surgical care and outcome was assessed for all patients. Baseline and 2-year VAS for leg pain (VAS-LP), VAS for low back pain (VAS-BP), ODI, SF-12 PCS and MCS, and health-state utility (EQ-5D) were assessed. Factors associated with patient satisfaction after surgery were assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwo years after surgery, a significant improvement was reported in all outcome measures: VAS-BP (5±2.94 vs. 9.28±1, p<.001), VAS-LP (3.43±2.95 vs. 9.5±0.93, p<.001), ODI (21.75±12.07 vs. 36.01±6, p<.001), SF-12 PCS (32.30±11.01 vs. 25.13±5.84, p<.001), SF-12 MCS (47.48±10.96 vs. 34.91±12.77, p<.001), EQ-5D (0.60±0.31 vs. 0.18±0.22, p<.001), and ZDS (37.52±11.98 vs. 49.90±10.88, p<.001). Independent of postoperative improvement in pain and disability (surgical effectiveness), increasing preoperative Zung depression score was significantly associated with patient dissatisfaction 2 years after revision lumbar surgery (Odds ratio=0.67 [confidence interval: 0.38, 0.87], p<.001).ConclusionsOur study suggests that independent of the surgical effectiveness, the extent of preoperative depression influences the reported patient satisfaction after revision lumbar surgery. Quality improvement initiatives using patient satisfaction as a proxy for quality should account for the patients' baseline depression as potential confounders.     

Depression Treatment Is Not Associated With Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate if there were differences in disease-specific, overall health, and activity outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) between treated and untreated depressed patients.MethodsPatients who underwent primary, elective, unilateral TJA were divided into 3 groups based on self-reported history of depression and treatment at the time of surgery: 1) patients without depression, 2) patients with treated depression, and 3) patients with untreated depression. The primary outcomes were the differences in SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS, WOMAC, and UCLA activity rating scale up to 12 months postoperatively. A secondary outcome was the effect of depression treatment on patients’ perception of experiencing limitation in their activities due to depression. Univariate and mixed-effects model analyses were performed to control for potential confounding factors.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 189/749 (25%). Compared to patients with treated depression, untreated patients had lower baseline SF-12 MCS (P < .001) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (P < .001). After controlling for potential confounding factors, there were no differences in either the absolute scores or net changes in any of the assessed outcomes at 12 months postoperatively among depressed patients regardless of treatment (P > .05). In addition, depression treatment did not affect patients’ perception of activity limitation (P = .412).ConclusionAlthough it is clear that depression adversely impacts patient outcomes in primary TJA, treatment does not appear to mitigate this negative effect. Depression treatment does not necessarily imply resolution of depressive symptoms. Future studies should explore alternative interventions to reduce the health-related consequences of depression to optimize the outcomes of TJA.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty Has A Positive Effect on Patients With Low Mental Health Scores

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on mental health.MethodsA total of 205 patients who underwent primary TKA with baseline and 1-year postoperative Short Form-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) were included in this retrospective analysis. Eighty-five (41%) patients had a preoperative MCS less than 50 points, while 120 (59%) patients had a preoperative MCS over 50 points. Two groups were assigned to the patients based on their preoperative MCS: low MCS <50 and high MCS >50.ResultsA preoperative MCS less than 50 points was predictive of greater improvement in MCS at 1 year after TKA (P < .001). Patients with low MCS improved by a mean of 10.6 points from 39.1 ± 8.6 points preoperatively to mean of 49.7 ± 10.7 points 1 year after TKA (P < .001). Patients with a high MCS decreased by a mean of 3.5 points from 60.01 ± 6.0 points preoperatively to mean of 56.6 ± 6.8 points 1 year after TKA (P < .001). This remained higher than the postoperative MCS of the patients with a low MCS, 49.7 ± 10.7 (P < .001). The patients with a high MCS had greater improvement in the Short Form-12-Physical domain (14.8 points) than the patients with a low MCS (9.2 points, P < .001).ConclusionPatients with lower baseline mental health had greater improvement in postoperative mental health following TKA than patients with higher baseline mental health. Low preoperative MCS was associated with less improvement in patient-reported outcome measures. Patients with lower baseline mental health scores before TKA benefit mentally and physically from the procedure.     

Does Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Have an Effect on the Patients’ Functional or Behavioral Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life of the Affected Partners?

BackgroundSpouses are the primary caregivers of patients living with osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about how the quality of life (QoL) of OA patients’ partners change after total joint replacement surgery (TJR).MethodsPreoperative health status and 12-month postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared in 24 couples using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36), knee or hip specific Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (OOS) and accelerometry for the assessment of habitual physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). Correlations between the changes in the patients’ OOS subscales scores, habitual activity, and their partners’ SF-36 scores were calculated.ResultsFollowing TJR the patients’ OOS subscale scores showed positive changes (P < .001). The SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score improved (P < .001), while the mental component summary (MCS) score as well as PA and SB remained unchanged (P ≥ .093). Their partners’ PCS, MCS, and SB did not change (P ≥ .286), whereas the PA even decreased (P = .027). Correlation analyses showed positive results for the changes in the patients’ OOS subscale pain and the changes in their partners’ MCS (r = 0.355, P = .048) as well as the changes in the patients’ OOS subscale activities of daily living and the changes in the PCS of their partners (r = 0.406, P = .027). In contrast to the results described above, changes in the patients’ PA were negatively correlated with changes in their partners’ PCS (r = ?0.389, P = .033).ConclusionTJR has a positive influence on QoL but not the habitual activity of OA patients. Their partners, on the other hand, show no changes in QoL and even a slight decrease in habitual activity.     

Differential changes in self-reported quality of life in elderly populations after diagnosis of a genitourinary malignancy

BackgroundThe time of cancer diagnosis is a major event during which quality of life (QOL) can be affected and represents a crucial time to identify patients at high risk of decline. We sought to compare the differential effects of the diagnosis of 3 major urologic malignancies on QOL.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database was queried for patients who completed a QOL questionnaire (SF-36 or VR-12) before and after a diagnosis of bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer. Primary outcome measures were the mental component summary (MCS), and physical component summary (PCS) scores. Mixed effects linear regression was performed with cancer diagnosis as the primary variable of interest, with race and cardiovascular comorbidity status included as potentially confounding independent variables.ResultsThere were 3,258 patients with urologic cancers. Both MCS and PCS scores dropped after diagnosis in all disease states. Bladder and kidney cancer patients demonstrated the greatest decline in MCS score (-1.762 points, 95% CI-2.571 to -0.952, P < 0.001) and PCS score (-3.769 points, 95% CI-5.042 to -2.496, P < 0.001), respectively, after adjustment for potential confounders. By contrast, prostate cancer patients demonstrated the smallest decline in both domains. Race and cardiovascular comorbidity status were independently associated with QOL, with an association 2 to 3 times greater than that of cancer diagnosis.ConclusionsDiagnosis of a urologic cancer was associated with a decline in patient-reported QOL, particularly in those with bladder or kidney cancer. Changes in physical health were more prominent than in mental health. Race and cardiovascular comorbidity status influenced QOL domains to a greater extent than specific urologic cancer diagnosis.     

Prospective assessment of health-related quality of life after endovascular repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using fenestrated-branched endografts

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate changes in health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients treated for pararenal aortic aneurysms (PAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR).MethodsA total of 159 consecutive patients (70% male; mean age, 75 ± 7 years) were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized single-center study using manufactured F-BEVAR (2013-2016). All patients were observed for at least 12 months (mean follow-up time, 27 ± 12 months). Patients' health-related QOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire at baseline (N = 159), 6 to 8 weeks (n = 136), 6 months (n = 129), and 12 months (n = 123). Physical component scores (PCSs) and mental component scores (MCSs) were compared with historical results of patients enrolled in the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) 1 trial who were treated by standard EVAR for simple infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.ResultsThere were 57 patients with PAAs and 102 patients with TAAAs (50 extent IV and 52 extent I-III TAAAs). There were no 30-day deaths, in-hospital deaths, conversions to open surgery, or aorta-related deaths. Survival was 96% at 1 year and 87% at 2 years. Major adverse events occurred in 18% of patients, and 1-year reintervention rate was 14%. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in 30-day outcomes. Patients treated for TAAAs had lower baseline scores compared with those treated for PAAs (P < .05). PCS declined significantly 6 to 8 weeks after F-BEVAR in both groups and returned to baseline values at 12 months in the PAA group but not in the TAAA group. Patients with TAAAs had significantly lower PCSs at 12 months compared with those with PAAs (P < .001). There was no decline in mean MCS. Major adverse events were associated with decline in PCS assessed at 6 to 8 weeks (P = .021) but not in the subsequent evaluations. Reinterventions had no effect on PCS or MCS. Overall, patients treated by F-BEVAR had similar changes in QOL measures as those who underwent standard EVAR in the EVAR 1 trial, except for lower PCS in TAAA patients at 12 months.ConclusionsPatients treated for TAAAs had lower scores at baseline in their physical aspect of health-related QOL. F-BEVAR was associated with significant decline in PCSs in both groups, which improved after 2 months and returned to baseline values at 12 months in patients with PAAs but not in those with TAAAs. Patients treated for PAAs had similar changes in QOL compared with those treated for infrarenal aortic aneurysms with standard EVAR.     

Effect of age on quality of life after gastric bypass: data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

BackgroundWhether patients aged 60 years or older should be recommended bariatric surgery is still controversial.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of age on health-related quality of life (QoL) over time after gastric bypass.SettingData from the Swedish national registry for bariatric surgery.MethodsData of 57,215 patients undergoing gastric bypass were retrieved from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register with a follow-up rate at 1,2, and 5 years at 89%, 69%, and 59%, respectively. Patients were divided into 5-years age intervals. Odds ratios for the relative mean changes in QoL were compared by logistic regression.ResultsPreoperatively, patients aged 60 years or older scored better on mental aspects (Mental Component Summary score, MCS) of RAND-36 (Short Form Health Survey (higher values better)) as well as OP (Obesity related Problem scale (lower values better)) better than the entire cohort of patients (MCS: mean [95% CI], 46.2 [45.5–46.9] versus 43.5 [43.4–43.7], respectively; OP: mean [95% CI], 55.3 [54.0–56.6] versus 64.1 [63.9–64.4], respectively), whereas the Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores of patients aged 60 years or older were lower (mean [95% CI], 32.3 [31.7–32.8] for the ≥60-yr cohort versus 36.4 [36.2-36.5] for the entire cohort; P < .001 for all). In all age groups, MCS was improved at 1 and 2 years but decreased to baseline at 5 years. The postoperative improvements in PCS and OP were sustained in all age groups. Although the relative increases for PCS and OP in patients aged ≥60 years were somewhat lower compared with the entire cohort at 5 years, the values were well above baseline levels (mean [95% CI], 41.0 [40.0–42.0] versus 32.3 [31.7–32.8] and 22.2 [20.3–24.0] versus 55.3 [54.0–56.6], respectively; P < .001).ConclusionMental QoL is transiently improved after bariatric surgery without marked differences between age groups. However, patients aged ≥60 years report pronounced and sustained improvements in physical and obesity-specific QoL 5 years postoperatively. These observations support previous studies that older patients should not be denied bariatric surgery from a risk-benefit perspective, solely based on age.     

Mental health improvements after elective spine surgery: a Canadian Spine Outcome Research Network (CSORN) study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSpine patients have a higher rate of depression then the general population which may be caused in part by levels of pain and disability from their spinal disease.PURPOSEDetermination whether improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) resulting from successful spine surgery leads to improvements in mental health.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThe Canadian Spine Outcome Research Network prospective surgical outcome registry.OUTCOME MEASURESChange between preoperative and postoperative SF12 Mental Component Score (MCS). Secondary outcomes include European Quality of Life (EuroQoL) Healthstate, SF-12 Physical Component Score (PCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ9), and pain scales.METHODSThe Canadian Spine Outcome Research Network registry was queried for all patients receiving surgery for degenerative thoracolumbar spine disease. Exclusion criteria were trauma, tumor, infection, and previous spine surgery. SF12 Mental Component Scores (MCS) were compared between those with and without significant improvement in postoperative disability (ODI) and secondary measures. Multivariate analysis examined factors predictive of MCS improvement.RESULTSEighteen hospitals contributed 3222 eligible patients. Worse ODI, EuroQoL, PCS, back pain and leg pain correlated with worse MCS at all time points. Overall, patients had an improvement in MCS that occurred within 3 months of surgery and was still present 24 months after surgery. Patients exceeding Minimally Clinically Important Differences in ODI had the greatest improvements in MCS. Major depression prevalence decreased up to 48% following surgery, depending on spine diagnosis.CONCLUSIONSLarge scale, real world, registry data suggests that successful surgery for degenerative lumbar disease is associated with reduction in the prevalence of major depression regardless of the specific underlaying diagnosis. Worse baseline MCS was associated with worse baseline HRQOL and improved postoperatively with coincident improvement in disability, emphasizing that mental wellness is not a static state but may improve with well-planned spine surgery.     

Impact of health-related quality of life on repeat protocol biopsy compliance on active surveillance for favorable prostate cancer: results from a prospective cohort in the PRIAS-JAPAN study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is related to repeat protocol biopsy compliance.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis using data from a prospective cohort in the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS)-JAPAN study between January 2010 and August 2019. We used the Short Form 8 Health Survey (SF-8), as patient-reported outcomes, to assess HRQOL at AS enrollment and the first year of the protocol. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were calculated from SF-8 questionnaires. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the association of HRQOL at enrollment on the first repeat biopsy compliance. The secondary outcome was the comparison of SF-8 scores during AS, stratified by repeat protocol biopsy compliance.ResultsOf 805 patients who proceeded to the first year of the protocol, the non-compliance rate was 15% (121 patients). In the adjusted model, lower MCS at enrollment was significantly associated with the first repeat protocol biopsy non-compliance (odds ratio [OR], 2.134; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.031-4.42; P = 0.041) but not in lower PCS (OR, 0.667; 95% CI, 0.294-1.514; P = 0.333). All subscales of SF-8 were lower in the non-compliance group than in the compliance group at any point. MCS in the non-compliance group improved over time from the time of AS enrollment (2.34 increased, P = 0.152).ConclusionOur data suggest that lower MCS at AS enrollment using patient-reported outcomes was negatively associated with the first repeat protocol biopsy compliance. Our study may support the availability of a simple questionnaire to extract non-compliance.     

Effects of Depression,Anxiety, and Pain Catastrophizing on Total Hip Arthroplasty Patient Activity Level

BackgroundImprovements in psychological factors are strongly associated with increased physical activity in the general population. The effects of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing on activity level have not been thoroughly explored in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Mental health markedly influences patient perspectives on treatment success and quality of life. We hypothesized that improvements in screenings for depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing correlate with improvements in activity levels after THA.MethodsTwo hundred ninety two patients (313 hips) who underwent THA with a minimum 1-year (mean 615 ± 270 days) follow-up completed preoperative and postoperative surveys containing the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed between preoperative and postoperative times for outcome measures. Partial Spearman’s rank-order correlations were performed between the change in UCLA Score and the change in HADS, PCS, and DASS.ResultsThere were significant improvements in UCLA Score (P value < .0001) and every subscale of PCS, HADS, and DASS (P values < .0001). Significant negative correlations existed between change in UCLA Score and change in HADS-anxiety (r_s = −0.21, P value < .001), change in HADS-depression (r_s = −0.23, P value < .001), and change in DASS-anxiety (r_s = −0.22, P value = .004) following THA. Weaker significant negative correlations existed between change in UCLA Score and change in the remaining PCS (P values = .006) and DASS-depression(P value = .037) subscales.ConclusionImprovements in patient-reported depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing screenings following THA were associated with increased activity levels. Patients who were screened for catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety achieved statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms following THA. Addressing patient mental health provides another avenue for holistic care of THA patients.     

Health-related quality-of-life improvement after hallux valgus corrective surgery

BackgroundHallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity that affects function of foot and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify factors associated with clinically important improvements in QoL after hallux valgus corrective surgery.MethodsA retrospective analysis on 591 cases of hallux valgus corrective surgery performed between 2007 and 2013 was conducted. Patients’ preoperative and 2-year postoperative Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) were compared to identify the presence of clinically significant improvements in patient-reported QoL. A multiple logistic regression model was developed through a stepwise variable-selection model building approach. Age, BMI, preoperative patient reported outcome score, PCS, MCS, pain score, gender, side of surgery, type of surgery, and presence of lesser toe deformities or metatarsalgia were considered.ResultsMedian PCS significantly improved from 49 to 53 (p < 0.001), and median MCS remained at 56 (p = 0.724). Age, preoperative MCS and PCS were independent predictors for significant improvements of PCS at 2-year postoperatively.ConclusionThree groups of patients were more likely to have significant QoL improvements after hallux valgus corrective surgery. These were the younger patients, those with better preoperative mental health or those with poorer preoperative physical health.Level of evidence: III.     

Improvement in patient-reported outcomes in Chinese adults after bariatric surgery: 1-year follow-up of a prospective cohort

BackgroundImpaired health-related quality of life is commonly observed in patients with obesity who are scheduled for bariatric surgery. However, bariatric surgery tends to improve quality of life physically, with no final conclusion regarding mental domains.ObjectiveTo assess changes of patient-reported outcomes in terms of health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety status, and physical activity (PA) after bariatric surgery among patients with obesity.SettingsQueen Mary Hospital, Tung Wah Hospital, and United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR; a longitudinal study.MethodsA multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted in Hong Kong between 2017 and 2018. Follow-up interviews at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were administrated via telephone. Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2, Euroqol 5-dimension-5-level, and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite were used to assess health-related quality of life. Scores of anxiety and depression were evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Walking, moderate, and vigorous metabolic equivalent tasks and PA levels were measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, and preexisting co-morbidities at baseline were collected. Comparisons of scores were made between baseline and 12 months using paired t test or McNemar test.ResultsA total of 25 patients who have received bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: 96%; laparoscopic gastric bypass: 4%) and 25 control patients matched using propensity scores derived by baseline covariates were involved. Significant improvements were observed in health-related quality of life regarding physical functioning (P < .001), role physical (P = .013), bodily pain (P = .011), general health (P < .011), vitality (P = .029), social functioning (P = .017), and physical composite summary (P < .001) of Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2 from baseline to follow-up 12 months after surgery. Scores of physical composite summary, mental composite summary, and Short Form-6 D of surgical patients all had an overall upward trend during observation compared with those in the control group. All domains in Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite were significantly higher at 12 months compared with baseline (P = .001 in sexual life domain, P < .001 in other domains). Patients experienced a decrease in depression score of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 12 months after bariatric surgery (P = .026), while anxiety score was not found to differ from baseline (P = .164). No significant differences in total metabolic equivalent tasks (P = .224) and PA levels (P = .180) between baseline and 12-month follow-up were found.ConclusionAfter 12 months of follow-up, increase in physical quality of life, reduction in depression status and less impairment caused by weight were observed, without significant changes in anxiety score and postoperative PA.     

Do Patients With Diabetes Have Poorer Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundDiabetes is one of the most common comorbidities in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis. However, the evidence remains unclear on how it affects patient-reported outcome measures after TKA.MethodsWe reviewed prospectively collected data of 2840 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA between 2008 and 2018, of which 716 (25.2%) had diabetes. All patients had their HbA1c measured within 1 month before surgery, and only well-controlled diabetics (HbA1c <8.0%) were allowed to proceed with surgery. Patient demographics and comorbidities were recorded, and multiple regression was performed to evaluate the impact of diabetes on improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (Short Form 36 (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS)) and knee range of motion (ROM).ResultsCompared with nondiabetics, patients with diabetes were more likely to possess a higher body mass index (P-value <.001), more comorbidities (P-value <.001), and poorer preoperative SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (P-value <.001), WOMAC (P-value = .002), KSS-function (P-value <.001), and knee ROM (P-value <.001). Multiple regression showed that diabetic patients experienced marginally poorer improvements in KSS-knee (?1.22 points, P-value = .025) and knee ROM (?1.67°, P-value = .013) than nondiabetics. However, there were no significant differences in improvements for SF-36 PCS (P-value = .163), Mental Component Summary (P-value = .954), WOMAC (P-value = .815), and KSS-function (P-value = .866).ConclusionPatients with well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c <8.0%) can expect similar improvements in general health and osteoarthritis outcomes (SF-36 PCS and Mental Component Summary, WOMAC, and KSS-function) compared with nondiabetics after TKA. Despite having marginally poorer improvements in knee-specific outcomes (KSS-knee and knee ROM), these differences are unlikely to be clinically significant.     

Assessing Preoperative Pain Sensitivity Predicts the Postoperative Analgesic Requirement and Recovery after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study of 178 Patients

BackgroundThe aim of this article is to study the correlation between preoperative pain sensitivity and postoperative pain and analgesic requirements for patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty.MethodsBetween December 2018 and April 2019, the pain sensitivity of 178 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty was assessed preoperatively with a digital algometer. The patients reported the VAS (visual analog scale) score at 3 instances of needle prick (phlebotomy, glucometer blood sugar, intradermal antibiotic test dose), during the range of movements and completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale score. Postoperative VAS score, analgesic requirement, and physiotherapy milestones were recorded in all these patients on day 0 to day 4.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 64.13 years and 69.1% were females. Females had lower mean algometry values (56.12 ± 12.77 [standard deviation]) compared to males (71.09 ± 18.78 [standard deviation]) (P < .001). Higher Depression Anxiety Stress Scale correlated with lower algometry values (P < .001). The postoperative VAS score was 2.54 ± 0.59 on the day of surgery which increased to 3.27 ± 0.69 on day 1 after mobilization (P < .001) and reduced to 1.67 ± 0.62 on day 4. Low algometer score correlated with higher postoperative VAS score (P < .05), increased analgesic requirement, and opioid utilization (P < .001), delay in achieving an optimum range of movements (P < .001) and independent ambulation (P < .001).ConclusionPreoperative assessment of pain sensitivity predicts postoperative analgesic requirements and recovery. Patients with a lower pain threshold should be counseled preoperatively and also receive a better titration of analgesics perioperatively and prolonged physiotherapy.     

Which NDI domains best predict change in physical function in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery?

Background ContextPhysical function is a critical aspect of patient outcomes. NDI is a widely validated outcome measure in cervical spine disease, yet to what extent its individual domains predict changes in physical function remains unknown.PurposeTo examine the impact of individual NDI domains on changes in physical function in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.Study Design/SettingProspective Cohort Study.Patient SampleAdult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, excluding those undergoing surgery for instability due to trauma.Outcome MeasuresAbsolute change in outcome measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Physical Function [PF], Short Form 36 [SF-36] Physical Component Score [PCS], and Neck Disability Index [NDI]) from pre- to postoperatively, correlation of NDI individual domains with PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS (preoperatively, postoperatively, and change from pre- to postoperatively).MethodsPatients undergoing cervical spine surgery between 2016 and 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires (NDI, SF-36 PCS, and PROMIS PF) preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Patient demographics, including age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and underlying diagnoses were collected. Comparisons between NDI scores preoperatively versus postoperatively were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Correlations of NDI individual items and PROMIS/SF-36 were assessed using Pearson correlation. A stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify NDI items that are independently predictive of PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS.ResultsA total of 137 patients were included in the study, with mean age 56.9 years (range 24.4–84.9). Each of the NDI domains as well as PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS demonstrated significant improvement following cervical spine surgery (p<.001). Changes in all NDI domains demonstrated significant negative correlation with changes in PROMIS PF, with recreation (R=−0.537, p<.001), work (R=−0.514, p<.001), and pain intensity (R=−0.488, p<.001) having the greatest negative correlation. Changes in all NDI domains demonstrated significant negative correlation with changes in SF-36 PCS, with recreation (R=−0.451, p<.001), work (R=−0.443, p<.001), lifting (R=−0.373, p<.001), and driving (R=−0.373, p<.001) having the greatest negative correlation. For PROMIS PF, the NDI domains that were independently associated with changes in PF were work (R=−0.092, p=.001), pain intensity (R=−0.089, p=.003), and recreation (R=−0.067, p=.004). For SF-36 PCS, the NDI items that were independently associated with changes in PCS were work (R=−0.269, p=.003) and recreation (R=−0.215, p=.002).ConclusionsAll NDI domains improve significantly after cervical spine surgery and demonstrate significant correlation with changes in PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS. The work, recreation, and pain intensity domains were the only independent predictors of physical function changes postoperatively. Considering physical function, our findings highlight the importance of presenting changes in individual NDI domains in addition to the total score.     

No Difference in Quality-Of-Life Outcomes in the First 7 Years Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed Using Computer Navigation Versus Conventional Referencing: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BackgroundComputer navigation techniques can potentially improve both the accuracy and precision of prosthesis implantation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but its impact on quality-of-life outcomes following surgery remains unestablished.MethodsAn institutional arthroplasty registry was queried to identify patients with TKA performed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019. Propensity score matching based on demographical, medical, and surgical variables was used to match computer-navigated to conventionally referenced cases. The primary outcomes were Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey scores (VR-12 PCS and MCS), Short Form 6 Dimension utility values (SF-6D), and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in the first 7 years following surgery.ResultsA total of 629 computer-navigated TKAs were successfully matched to 1,351 conventional TKAs. The VR-12 PCS improved by a mean of 12.75 and 11.94 points in computer-navigated and conventional cases at 12-month follow-up (P = .25) and the VR-12 MCS by 6.91 and 5.93 points (P = .25), respectively. The mean VR-12 PCS improvement at 7-year follow-up (34.4% of the original matched cohort) for navigated and conventional cases was 13.00 and 12.92 points (P = .96) and for the VR-12 MCS was 4.83 and 6.30 points (P = .47), respectively. The mean improvement in the SF-6D utility score was 0.164 and 0.149 points at 12 months (P = .11) and at 7 years was 0.115 and 0.123 points (P = .69), respectively. Computer-navigated cases accumulated 0.809 QALYs in the first 7 years, compared to 0.875 QALYs in conventionally referenced cases (P = .65). There were no differences in these outcomes among a subgroup analysis of obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²).ConclusionThe use of computer navigation did not provide an incremental benefit to quality-of-life outcomes at a mean of 2.9 years following primary TKA performed for osteoarthritis when compared to conventional referencing techniques.     

Acute postcesarean pain is associated with in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding,length of stay and post-partum depression

Study objectiveThe primary aim of the proposed study was to determine the association between postoperative pain and breastfeeding after cesarean delivery during hospital stay.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPostoperative recovery area and operating room.PatientsData was obtained on singleton pregnancies undergoing scheduled cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia between 2013 and 2016.InterventionsDetermine the association between postoperative pain and breastfeeding after cesarean delivery.MeasurementsPostoperative pain score, breastfeeding, LATCH score post-partum depression and length of stay values collected.Main resultsThe dataset consisted of electronic medical records from 5350 patients. We found that the pain score is negatively associated with the LATCH score; higher pain was associated with lower LATCH scores, −0.01 [−0.01,-0.00], p < .0402. Every one-point increase in average pain score was associated with a 21% reduction in the odds of in-hospital exclusive breast-feeding relative to exclusive formula-feeding, OR = 0.79 [0.70–0.90], p < .0002. We observed that the post-partum depression status was associated with the average postoperative pain score, F (1, 5347) = 41.51, p < .0001. We also found a significant positive association between the average pain score and the duration of hospital stay (p < .0001); every one-point increase in the average pain-score was associated with a 7.98 [6.28, 9.68] hour increase in length of stay.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate significant association between the increase in post-cesarean pain scores and deterioration of breastfeeding initiation while also exposing slight reductions in the quality of breastfeeding. Additionally, we found that increases in post-cesarean pain scores also positively associate with postpartum depression and duration of stay, with each increase in pain score resulted in an almost one-day increase in the length of stay.     

Surgical Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Pain in Arthroplasty Surgeons

BackgroundOne occupational hazard inherent to total joint replacement surgeons is procedural-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP). The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of work-related MSP among arthroplasty surgeons and analyze associated behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs toward surgical ergonomics.MethodsA survey was sent to members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. The survey included 3 main sections: demographics, symptoms by body part, and attitudes/beliefs/behaviors regarding surgical ergonomics. Pain was reported using the Numeric Rating Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = maximum pain), and well-being was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.ResultsIn total, 586 surgeons completed the survey: 96.1% male and 3.9% female. Most surgeons (96.5%) experience procedural-related MSP. Collectively, surgeons reported an average pain score of 3.7/10 (standard deviation ±1.95). Significant levels of MSP (≥5/10) were most common in the lower back (34.2%), hands (24.8%), and the neck (21.2%). There was a positive association among higher MSP and burnout (P < .001), callousness toward others (P = .005), and decreased overall happiness (P < .001). MSP was also found to have a significant impact on surgeon behavior including the degree of irritability (P < .001), alcohol intake (P < .001), and poor sleep patterns (P < .001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MSP among arthroplasty surgeons is extremely high. This study demonstrates that MSP has a significant impact on career attitudes, lifestyle, and overall surgeon well-being. This study may also contribute to future work to prevent cumulative chronic ailments, disability, and lost productivity of arthroplasty surgeons through promotion of improved ergonomics and risk-reduction strategies.Level of EvidenceIV.     

The association of comorbidity indices and minimal clinically important difference in a population undergoing shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundShoulder arthroplasty (SA) procedures are increasingly common. The Charlson and Elixhauser indices are ICD-10 based measures used in large databases to describe the patient case mix in terms of secondary medical conditions. There is a paucity of data on the relationship between these indices and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after shoulder arthroplasty.MethodsPatients undergoing SA from 2016-2018 were identified in the electronic medical records. Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidities were used to calculate comorbidity scores according to established algorithms (eg Elixhauser-Walraven). Patient shoulder-specific (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS)) and general health scales (SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI)) PROMs were obtained from our institution’s shoulder registry. Linear regression models adjusting for age and sex evaluated associations between comorbidity scores and PROMs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal cutoffs, maximizing sensitivity and specificity to identify patients likely to fail to meet minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values.ResultsA total of 1817 SA procedures were identified. Higher Charlson and Elixhauser-Walraven scores were significantly associated with lower baseline SAS and SF-12 PCS. Patients with higher Charlson scores had lower baseline ASES (P = .003) and lower baseline (P = .0002) and 2-year (P = .02) SF-12 MCS. No significant associations were found for PROMIS-PI with either index. The Charlson score better predicted the failure to meet MCID for SF-12 PCS with an AUC of 0.64, compared to 0.55 for Elixhauser-Walraven. Conversely, Elixhauser-Walraven better predicted PROMIS-PI with an AUC of 0.66, compared to 0.53 for Charlson. Moderate AUCs were observed for the remaining PROMs, ranging from 0.57-0.64, with little difference between index scores.ConclusionHigher Charlson and Elixhauser-Walraven scores were associated with lower baseline scores on most PROMs. Generally, the Charlson score performed better than the Elixhauser-Walraven score in predicting worse outcomes at 2 years. Comorbidity indices may be useful as a decision aid to provide appropriate expectations of outcomes for patients undergoing SA.     

Health-related quality of life improvement following surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a United Kingdom population

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine if parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism produces improvement in health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population.MethodsSince October 2002, patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism were asked to complete the SF-36 questionnaire, a validated self assessment tool prior to surgery and at six months post surgery. The questionnaires were either mailed to the patients or given at the time of outpatient follow up.Results24 out of 29 patients completed the questionnaire pre- and postoperatively. Compared to the national average, the median pre-operative scores were worse in all 8 domains. At 6 months post surgery, there were significant improvements in six out of eight domains (p < 0.05); physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, energy and mental health. The median physical component summary score (PCS) and the mental component summary score (MCS) were also significantly improved postoperatively [Preop vs. Postop (PCS) = 28.16 vs. 35.40 (P = 0.03)] and Preop vs. Postop (MCS) = 41.50 vs. 56.23 (P = 0.005)]. The post-operative MCS was comparable with the national average.ConclusionThis study shows that parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism improves health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population.