Background: Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to improve the level of capability (ability to perform valued life activities) associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, some evidence suggests a substantial proportion of patients remain dissatisfied with their outcomes after this procedure. We sought to better understand the association between mental health, specifically symptoms of depression, with postoperative outcomes. Symptoms of depression are shown to be common among orthopaedic populations in general and can be briefly and conveniently evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) in a less burdensome manner compared with longer mental health surveys. This study assesses the association between preoperative depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) and levels of capability at 6 weeks and 6 months after TKA.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 114 patients with knee OA across five clinics in California and Texas scheduled for TKA. Participants completed a preoperative PHQ-2 and Knee Injury and OA Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) survey at 6 weeks and 6 months post-TKA. We analyzed these data using bivariate and multivariable regression.
Results: Preoperative PHQ-2 scores were significantly associated with lower KOOS JR scores at 6 weeks and 6 months post-TKA. Latino/Hispanic race was also associated with lower KOOS JR scores at 6 weeks. The association between preoperative depressive symptoms and level of capability after TKA were more pronounced at 6 months compared with 6 weeks.
Conclusion: Preoperative symptoms of depression are strongly associated with reduced capability after TKA and can be screened for using the PHQ-2-a brief tool that can be feasibly incorporated into clinical workflows. User-friendly assessment of depressive symptoms can assist orthopaedic surgeons in identifying and addressing mental health at the outset during the management of knee OA.
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