Correlation between chronic pain, disability, and psychological factors (depression and anxiety) after surgery for acute orthopedic trauma

The occurrence of chronic pain and disability after acute orthopedic trauma is significantly correlated with psychological factors, particularly depression and anxiety. As such, assessment of these factors is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation.

To investigate the correlation between chronic pain, disability, and psychological factors (depression and anxiety) after acute orthopedic trauma surgery.

Data from 120 patients, who underwent surgery for acute orthopedic trauma at Xi'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Shaanxi Province, China) between June 2022 and June 2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Basic information and postoperative pain metrics [visual analog scale (VAS)], disability rating index (DRI), Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were collected from electronic medical records. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine associations between chronic pain VAS, DRI, HAMD, and HAMA scores.

Among the 120 patients [79 (65.8%) males and 41 (34.2%) females], postoperative VAS scores were significantly associated with HAMD and HAMA scores, with correlation coefficients of 0.625 (P = 0.027) and 0.568 (P < 0.001), respectively. Postoperative DRI scores were also significantly associated with HAMD and HAMA scores, with correlation coefficients of 0.683 and 0.557, respectively (both P < 0.001).

Chronic pain and disability after surgery for acute orthopedic trauma are significantly correlated with psychological factors (depression and anxiety). Multidisciplinary teams should integrate mental health services to improve patient outcomes.