Does preoperative anxiety and depression predict satisfaction after total knee replacement?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Psychological Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has variable patient satisfaction rates.
• Preoperative factors like pain severity, chronicity, and psychological distress negatively impact TKA outcomes.
• The relationship between preoperative anxiety/depression and knee pain is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between anxiety, depression, and knee pain/function before and after TKA.
• To determine if psychological symptoms are a cause or effect of knee pain in TKA candidates.

Main Methods:

• Forty patients undergoing TKA were assessed.
• Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Both HAD and OKS scores significantly improved after TKA (p<0.001).
• Preoperative anxiety and depression severity correlated with greater knee disability.
• Postoperative reductions in anxiety and depression were linked to improved knee function at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates that knee pain is a significant contributor to psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression in TKA patients.
• Successful TKA not only improves knee function but also positively impacts patients' psychological well-being.
• Addressing psychological factors alongside surgical intervention may optimize TKA outcomes.