Topic 24 · Everything else
Psychological Factors in OLT Outcomes
Anxiety and depression measurably affect surgical outcomes. Worth addressing before an operation, not after.
→ Your mental state affects surgical outcomes. Anxiety and depression are common with chronic pain. Addressing mental health can improve physical recovery.
2024 OLT-Specific Study
A landmark 2024 study examined psychological status in OLT patients [141]:
- 48% of Hepple V OLT patients had preoperative anxiety/depression symptoms
- Both groups improved after surgery
- However, patients with preoperative psychological symptoms had poorer overall prognosis
2025 Systematic Review: Preoperative Anxiety
A meta-analysis of 115,380 orthopedic patients found [142]:
- Preoperative anxiety positively correlated with postoperative anxiety (z=0.60)
- Preoperative anxiety positively correlated with postoperative pain (z=0.22)
- Preoperative anxiety negatively correlated with joint function (z=-0.25)
- Females reported higher preoperative anxiety
Clinical Implications
- Poor preoperative mental health and depression negatively impact outcomes across orthopedic procedures
- Screening with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is recommended
- Addressing psychological factors may improve physical recovery
Takeaway: Managing pain-related anxiety and depression is an important part of comprehensive OLT treatment.