Psychological Distress Independently Predicts Prolonged Hospitalization After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psychological distress on hospital length of stay (LOS) in joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsA retrospective review of 863 patients who underwent primary, unilateral TJA at a single tertiary academic center was performed. Two groups were compared: patients with or without psychological distress defined using the Short Form-12 mental component summary. The primary outcome was the rate of hospital LOS exceeding 2 days. Secondary outcomes were rates of in-hospital complications and 90-day emergency room visits and readmissions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsThe prevalence of psychological distress was 23%. The mean LOS was 2.44 days. Patients with psychological distress were younger (P < .0001) and more likely to have depression (P < .0001), lower educational attainment (P < .0001), smoke tobacco (P = .003), be Hispanic/Latino (P = .001), live alone (P = .001), and have higher rates of nonprimary osteoarthritis (P < .0001). After adjusting for these differences, psychological distress was an independent predictor of LOS > 2 days (P = .049 and .006 for total hip arthroplasty [THA] and total knee arthroplasty [TKA], respectively). There were no differences in the rates of in-hospital complications (P = .913 and .782 for THA and TKA, respectively), emergency room visits (P = .467 and .355 for THA and TKA respectively), or readmissions (P = .118 and .334 for THA and TKA, respectively).ConclusionPsychological distress is an independent predictor of prolonged hospitalization after primary TJA. The Short Form-12 mental component summary is a good screening tool for identifying patients with poor mental health who may not be appropriate candidates for outpatient surgery. Efforts to address psychological distress before surgery are warranted.     

Do Patients With Psychological Distress Have Poorer Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundPatients with psychological distress are likely to have poorer short-term functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. However, the influence of psychological distress on the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is relatively understudied. Previous studies also had short follow-ups of 1 year or less. We examined the influence of psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction, and analyzed the change in mental health after THA at a minimum of 2 years.MethodsProspectively collected data of 1384 patients undergoing primary THA in 2001-2015 were reviewed. Patients were assessed using the Oxford Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and 36-item Short-Form health survey Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Score (MCS). Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (MCS < 50, n = 720) and those without (MCS ≥ 50, n = 664). Multiple regression analysis was used to control for age, gender, body mass index, and baseline scores. The rate of satisfaction and expectation fulfillment was also analyzed.ResultsDistressed patients had a poorer Physical Component Summary at 6 months. However, there was no difference in patient-reported outcomes at 2 years. A higher proportion of distressed patients attained the minimal clinically important difference for Oxford Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, while 92.2% of distressed patients and 92.9% of nondistressed patients were satisfied at 2 years (P = .724). There was no difference in MCS after 6 months. The percentage of distressed patients also declined from 41.8% to 27.3%.ConclusionPatients with psychological distress achieved a comparable level of function, quality of life, and satisfaction 2 years after THA. Undergoing THA may also lead to mental health improvement in a subgroup of distressed patients.     

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Perioperative Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Joint Preservation Surgery for Hip Dysplasia

BackgroundThere is growing recognition of the importance of patient-reported outcome measures and assessment of patient satisfaction in the evaluation of outcomes following surgical interventions. This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes and complication rates after total hip arthroplasty following joint preservation surgery for hip dysplasia.MethodsPatient-reported outcomes and complication rates of 85 hips with previous joint preservation surgery (salvage group) were compared with those of 1279 hips without joint preservation surgery (primary arthroplasty group). As a patient-reported outcome measure, the Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire was used to evaluate the hip condition both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Operative data and postoperative (within 12 months) complications were investigated.ResultsThe salvage group had a longer operative time (56.8 vs 44.9 minutes, P < .001) and a higher total complication rate (5.9% vs 1.1%, P < .001). Additionally, the salvage group exhibited a lower degree of improvement in the visual analog scale value for satisfaction (75.1 vs 83.1 mm, P = .011), the pain and movement category scores, and the total score of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (14.2 vs 16.2, P = .031; 13.7 vs 16.0, P = .005; and 42.3 vs 47.9, P = .007, respectively) compared with the primary arthroplasty group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated a lower rate of improvement in patient satisfaction and worse self-reported outcomes in the salvage group. Furthermore, these patients had a longer operative time and a higher risk of operative complications.     

The Comparison between Cemented and Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty in Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Hemiarthroplasty is the standard treatment for patients with femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Controversy exists over the use of bone cement in hip fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty.

Objective

We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty in patients with femoral neck fractures.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wang Fang, and Sino Med databases. Studies comparing cemented with uncemented hemiarthroplasty for FNFs in elderly patients up to June 2022 were included. Data were extracted, meta-analyzed, and pooled as risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Twenty-four RCTs involving 3471 patients (1749 cement; 1722 uncemented) were analyzed. Patients with cemented intervention had better outcomes regarding hip function, pain, and complications. Significant differences were found in terms of HHS at 6 weeks (WMD 12.5; 95% CI 6.0–17.0; P < 0.001), 3 months (WMD 3.3; 95% CI 1.6–5.0; P < 0.001), 4 months (WMD 7.3; 95% CI 3.4–11.2; P < 0.001), and 6 months (WMD 4.6; 95% CI 3.3–5.8; P < 0.001) postoperatively. Patients with cemented hemiarthroplasty had lower rates of pain (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39–0.9; P = 0.013), prosthetic fracture (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.16–0.38; P < 0.001), subsidence/loosening (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.78; P = 0.014), revisions (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.40–0.89; P = 0.012), and pressure ulcers (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23–0.82; P = 0.01) at the expense of longer surgery time (WMD 7.87; 95% CI 5.71–10.02; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with cemented hemiarthroplasty had better results in hip function and pain relief and lower complication rates at the expense of prolonged surgery time. Cemented hemiarthroplasty is recommended based on our findings.     

Implementing the Rapid Recovery Program in primary hip and knee arthroplasty in a UK state run hospital

The Rapid Recovery Program (RRP) is an accelerated discharge programme aimed at reducing the length of stay (LOS) and improving patient satisfaction. Its principles are discussed, and our early experience of 847 hip and knee arthroplasty patients described. Three groups were identified: Pre-RRP implementation (Pre-RRP), Post-RRP implementation who did not attend our pre-operative educational Joint Replacement School (JRS) (RRP-JRS) and Post-RRP who did attend JRS (RRP + JRS). Mean LOS (days) for hip arthroplasty was 11 (Pre-RRP), 6.4 (RRP + JRS) and 8.7 (RRP-JRS) (P < 0.05). Mean LOS (days) for knee arthroplasty was 8.5 (Pre-RRP) (P < 0.05), 5.9 (RRP + JRS) and 5.8 (RRP-JRS). RRP reduced LOS and pre-operative education further reduced LOS in hip arthroplasty. We believe these effects are produced by streamlining perioperative processes, education and improving patient experience.     

Ten-Year Results of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Psychological Distress

BackgroundAlthough the influence of psychological distress on the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty has been described extensively, its effect on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is poorly defined. Furthermore, most studies in arthroplasty literature had short follow-ups of ≤1 year. We investigated the influence of psychological distress on long-term patient-reported outcomes and analyzed the change in mental health after UKA in a cohort with minimum 10 years of follow-up.MethodsProspectively collected data of 269 patients undergoing UKA in 2004-2007 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (36-item Short-Form health survey [SF-36] Mental Component Summary [MCS] <50, n = 111) and those without (SF-36 MCS ≥50, n = 158). Clinical outcomes were obtained preoperatively, at 2 years, and 10 years. Multiple regression was used to control for age, gender, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and baseline scores. The rate of expectation fulfillment and satisfaction was compared.ResultsPsychologically distressed patients had poorer Knee Society Knee Score, Function Score, Oxford Knee Score, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary preoperatively, at 2 years, and 10 years. However, an equal proportion in each group attained the minimal clinically important difference for each score. Distressed patients had a comparable rate of satisfaction (91% vs 95%, P = .136) but lower fulfillment of expectations (89% vs 95%, P = .048). The percentage of distressed patients declined from 41% to 35% at follow-up. The mean SF-36 MCS improved by 6.9 points.ConclusionAlthough psychologically distressed patients had relatively greater pain and poorer function preoperatively and up to 10 years after UKA, a similar proportion of them experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes.     

Comparative outcomes of total joint arthroplasty

A prospective pre- and postoperative general health/quality-of-life factor comparison, using the Rand SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire (TyPE Specification, Quality Quest [Health Outcomes Institute, Minneapolis, MN]), was carried out on a consecutive series of patients with diagnosed osteoarthritis undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty between March 1991 and March 1994. Study groups consisted of 85 total hip arthroplasty patients, 93 total knee arthroplasty patients, and 65 single-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty patients, all treated at the same specialty hospital, under the care of three senior orthopaedic surgeons. The average patient age was 69 years. Significant improvements in quality-of-life measures including physical functioning, social functioning, role functioning/physical problem, role functioning/emotional problem, mental health, energy/fatigue, pain, and change in health were noted in all hip and knee arthroplasty patients 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery (P < .05). There appeared to be no significant differences in quality-of-life measures between hip and knee arthroplasty patients. Results therefore indicate that total hip and knee arthroplasty significantly improve the functional status and quality of life among patients suffering from osteoarthritis.     

Predicting Inpatient Dissatisfaction Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 3,593 Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey Responses

Background

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, is directly tied to hospital reimbursement. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that are predictive HCAHPS survey responses following primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

Longitudinal Study of Psychosocial Outcomes Following Surgery in Women with Unilateral Nonhereditary Breast Cancer

Introduction

Rates of bilateral mastectomy are rising in women with unilateral, nonhereditary breast cancer. We aim to characterize how psychosocial outcomes evolve after breast cancer surgery.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study of women with unilateral, sporadic stage 0–III breast cancer at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada between 2014 and 2017. Women completed validated psychosocial questionnaires (BREAST-Q, Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale) preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months following surgery. Change in psychosocial scores was assessed between surgical groups using linear mixed models, controlling for age, stage, and adjuvant treatments. P < .05 were significant.

Results

A total of 475 women underwent unilateral lumpectomy (42.5%), unilateral mastectomy (38.3%), and bilateral mastectomy (19.2%). There was a significant interaction (P < .0001) between procedure and time for breast satisfaction, psychosocial and physical well-being. Women having unilateral lumpectomy had higher breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being scores at 6 and 12 months after surgery compared with either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, with no difference between the latter two groups. Physical well-being declined in all groups over time; scores were not better in women having bilateral mastectomy. While sexual well-being scores remained stable in the unilateral lumpectomy group, scores declined similarly in both unilateral and bilateral mastectomy groups over time. Cancer-related distress, anxiety, and depression scores declined significantly after surgery, regardless of surgical procedure (P < .001).

Conclusions

Psychosocial outcomes are not improved with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with unilateral breast cancer. Our data may inform women considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

     

Is There an Association Between Negative Patient-Experience Comments and Perioperative Outcomes After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundMultiple stakeholders are interested in improving patient experience after primary total hip arthroplasty due to shifts toward patient-centered care. Patient free-text narratives are a potentially valuable but largely unexplored source of data.MethodsThe records of 383 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty between August 2016 and August 2019 were combined with vendor-supplied patient satisfaction data, which included patient free-text comments and the Press Ganey satisfaction survey. A total of 1295 patient comments were analyzed for sentiment, and negative comments were categorized into nine themes. Postoperative outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures, and traditional measures of satisfaction were compared between patients who provided a negative comment vs those who did not. Multivariable regression was used to determine perioperative variables associated with providing a negative comment.ResultsOf the 1295 patient comments: 54% were positive, 24% were negative, 10% were mixed, and 12% were neutral. Top two themes of negative comments were room condition (25%) and inefficient communication (23%). There were no differences in studied outcomes (eg. peak pain intensity, length of stay, or improvements in hip injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores Jr. and pain visual analog scale scores at 6-week follow-up) between those who provided negative comments vs those who did not (P > .05). However, patients who made negative comments were less likely to recommend their hospital care to peers (P < .001). Finally, patients who had >2 allergies (P = .024) were more likely to provide negative comments.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that patient satisfaction appears not to be a reliable sole proxy for traditional objective outcome measures of pain relief and functional improvement.     

Does Preoperative Activity Level Affect Postoperative Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundMany patients electing to undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) value continuing active lifestyles when considering treatment options. Addressing these concerns requires evaluating the effect of preoperative activity level on patient-reported outcomes and improvement following THA.MethodsThree hundred thirty-five patients (368 hips) who underwent THA with a minimum 6-month (mean 533 ± 271 days) follow-up completed preoperative and postoperative University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score along with various patient-reported measures of function, pain, and mental state. Preoperative UCLA score divided patients into inactive, mild, and active groups. Analysis of covariance controlling for age, sex, body mass index, surgical approach, implant, bilateral cases, conversions, and follow-up time evaluated differences among groups for postoperative outcomes with subsequent Tukey-Kramer pairwise comparisons.ResultsMildly active patients (73:139 male:female) had better postoperative outcomes than inactive patients (40:70 male:female) for UCLA score, EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQVAS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), 12-item Short-Form (SF-12) Physical, and Visual Analog Pain Scale (average/now/worst) (P values <0.001/<0.001/<0.001/<0.001/0.003/<0.001/<0.001). Active patients (32:14 male:female) had better postoperative outcomes than inactive patients for UCLA score, EQVAS, HOS, SF-12 Physical, and Visual Analog Pain Scale Worst (P values <0.001/0.024/0.001/0.001/0.017). No postoperative outcome differences existed between active and mild patients. Inactive patients displayed greater outcome improvements than mildly active patients for UCLA score, Harris Hip Score, and International Hip Outcome Tool (P values <0.001/<0.001/0.013) and active patients for UCLA score, EQVAS, HOS, International Hip Outcome Tool, and SF-12 Physical (P values <0.001/0.008/0.013/0.022/0.004).ConclusionsInactive patients achieve greater measure improvements following THA. Active patients achieve better absolute outcomes than inactive patients; however, increasing activity levels do not incrementally improve patient-reported outcome measures. Patients similarly improve pain and mental health regardless of activity level.     

Conversion of Fused Hip to Total Hip Arthroplasty: Long-Term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes

BackgroundDespite promising results at the mid-term followup, several aspects of conversion of the fused hip to total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes with a minimum 5-year followup in patients who underwent conversion of the fused hip to THA.MethodsFifty-seven patients (59 hips) were evaluated. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), range of motion (ROM), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess hip function and low back pain. Subjective satisfaction with surgery and the presence of the Trendelenburg sign was also evaluated. Radiological assessment was performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate loosening and heterotopic ossification (HO).ResultsAfter a mean followup of 13.0 ± 6.2 years, HHS and VAS significantly improved from 46.0 ± 16.7 to 80.8 ± 18.8 and from 4.4 ± 1.5 to 2.1 ± 1.4 (both P < .001), respectively. Twenty-three patients (40.4%) had a positive Trendelenburg sign, and HOs were found in 29 cases (49.1%). An overall 29.8% complication rate was noted. Smoking habits and rheumatoid arthritis were predictive of Trendelenburg sign (P = .046 and P = .038, respectively). Implant survival rate as the end point was 98.7 ± 1.3% at 5 years, 92.4 ± 3.3% at 10 years, 82.1 ± 5.7% at 15 years, and 73.4 ± 8.0% at 20 and 25 years. A worse cumulative implant survival rate was noted in patients who underwent previous hip surgery, defined as any hip operation before fusion (P = .005).ConclusionConversion of the fused hip to hip arthroplasty provides high levels of hip functionality and satisfaction with surgery at long-term followup. An implant survival rate higher than 70% can be expected 25 years postoperatively.     

Effectiveness of hip or knee replacement surgery in terms of quality-adjusted life years and costs

Background?Concurrent head-to-head comparisons of healthcare interventions regarding cost-utility are rare. The concept of favorable cost-effectiveness of total hip or knee arthroplasty is thus inadequately verified.

Patients and methods?In a trial involving several thousand patients from 10 medical specialties, 223 patients who were enrolled for hip or knee replacement surgery were asked to fill in the 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) survey before and after operation.

Results?Mean (SD) HRQoL score (on a 0–1 scale) increased in primary hip replacement patients (n = 96) from 0.81 (0.084) preoperatively to 0.86 (0.12) at 12 months (p < 0.001). In revision hip replacement (n = 24) the corresponding scores were 0.81 (0.086) and 0.82 (0.097) respectively (p = 0.4), and in knee replacement (n = 103) the scores were 0.81 (0.093) and 0.84 (0.11) respectively (p < 0.001). Of 15 health dimensions, there were statistically significant improvements in moving, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, distress, and vitality in both primary replacement groups. Mean cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained during a 1-year period was € 6,710 for primary hip replacement, € 52,274 for revision hip replacement, and € 13,995 for primary knee replacement.

Interpretation?Hip and knee replacement both improve HRQoL. The cost per QALY gained from knee replacement is twice that gained from hip replacement.     

Pain therapy following joint replacement

A prospective randomized trial in 42 patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty under general anaesthesia was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) versus demanded conventional pain therapy (CPT) for controlling postoperative pain. Four patients had to be excluded from the study (2 postoperative confusion, 1 elevated piritramid dosage caused by chronic pain therapy, 1 stressed by PCA pump handling). PCA group (n = 19) received piritramid via PCA pump, CPT group (n = 19) received tramadol (oral or intramuscularly) or piritramid intravenously. PCA or CPT was started in the intensive care unit. Pain was measured with a standard 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for 60 h postoperatively. Over this period of time, no significant differences were found in the pain score of both groups, nor did the incidence of side-effects differ significantly. The PCA group required on average twice as much piritramid-equivalent than the CPT group (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was good in both groups, but significantly better in the PCA group (P < 0.01), although the measured postoperative individual pain scores were above the preoperatively determined individual subjective pain threshold in the majority of both groups. From these results we draw the conclusion that even if the patients feel satisfied by the pain therapy administered, the majority are objectively treated below their individual subjective pain threshold. Received: 29 June 1998     

Factors predicting patient satisfaction 2 years after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

Objective

To identify factors predicting patient satisfaction 2 years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis.

Methods

Prospective multicenter study of patients followed up for 2 years after TKA for osteoarthritis. We evaluated pain and function (Lequesne index and WOMAC) at baseline and after 2 years. After 2 years, the patients rated their satisfaction as a percentage, with values greater than 50% defining good satisfaction. Factors associated with good satisfaction were identified by univariate analyses followed by multivariate analysis.

Results

Of 299 patients, 264 completed the study (26 were lost to follow-up, six died, and three refused the 2-year evaluation), including 237 (89.8%) with satisfaction scores greater than 50%. Highly significant improvements were found after 2 years versus baseline in the Lequesne index (7.9 vs. 14.5, P < 0.0001) and WOMAC index (26.3 vs. 51.3, P < 0.0001). There were 26 (9.8%) complications. Factors significantly associated with good satisfaction in the multivariate model were absence of complications (P = 0.004), body mass index less than 27 kg/m² (P = 0.015), high radiological joint narrowing score (P = 0.038), age greater or equal to 70 years (P = 0.038), and absence of depression at the 2-year evaluation (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

We report the first prospective multicenter study done in France to assess pain and function in a large number of patients treated with TKA for osteoarthritis. Our results indicate a high success rate. We identified three factors that predict patient satisfaction and can be assessed before surgery (age greater than 70 years, absence of obesity, and severe joint space narrowing).     

The Influence of Obesity on Hip Pain,Function, and Satisfaction 10 Years Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is rising, and increasing numbers of joint arthroplasty surgeries are being performed on obese patients. Concern exists that obesity increases surgical risk; however, its impact on function following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is inconsistently affirmed and less understood. A paucity exists in the literature pertaining long-term objective functional measures. Therefore, we investigated the impact of obesity on hip pain, function, and satisfaction 10 years following THA.MethodsThis single-center, prospective, observational study categorized consecutive THA patients according to their body mass index to nonobese (<30 kg/m²) and obese (≥30 kg/m²) groups. Preoperative assessment included a numerical pain rating and the Oxford Hip Score. These were repeated along with a 6-minute walk test and a Likert satisfaction scale at 3 months, 1, 5, and 10 years postoperatively.ResultsThe series included 191 primary THA patients. No significant differences were found in hip pain or function between the obese and nonobese groups. Obese patients however had poorer walking capacity (P = .008), were more likely to use walking aids (P = .04), and were less satisfied (P = .04) at 10 years.ConclusionTHA confers significant long-term symptom resolution irrespective of obesity; however, despite undergoing surgery, obese patients can be counseled they may not be as satisfied as or achieve the same walking capacity as nonobese individuals.     

Effects of changes in whole-body alignment on ipsilateral knee pain after total hip arthroplasty

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty decreases hip pain and often reduces knee pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Whole-body alignment may be associated with knee pain, but to our knowledge this relationship has not been previously investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in whole-body alignment on ipsilateral knee pain in patients after total hip arthroplasty.MethodsIn total, 94 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis who underwent total hip arthroplasty were enrolled in this study. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to investigate perioperative knee pain. An EOS 2D/3D X-ray system was used to quantify the whole-body alignment of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities in the standing position. The relationship between perioperative changes in knee pain and whole-body alignment was investigated.ResultsAmong 61 patients who had preoperative ipsilateral knee pain, pain resolved in 30 (50%) and persisted in 31 (50%) after surgery. In these patients, average ipsilateral knee pain decreased significantly after surgery, from 41 mm to 14 mm on the VAS (P < 0.01). Preoperative knee pain was correlated with femorotibial rotation, and postoperative knee pain was correlated with K-L grade, preoperative knee pain visualized analog scale, and preoperative sagittal vertical axis. Multiple linear regression identified preoperative sagittal vertical axis as significantly associated with residual postoperative ipsilateral knee pain.ConclusionsIpsilateral knee pain decreased in half of patients after total hip arthroplasty. Patients with a considerable forward-bent posture may have residual ipsilateral knee pain after total hip arthroplasty.     

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.