Psychological attributes of preoperative total joint replacement patients: implications for optimal physical outcome

David C Ayers
Patricia D. Franklin, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Paula M Trief
Robert Ploutz-Snyder
Deborah Freund

Abstract

In this study, 107 primary total joint replacement (TJR) patients were assessed preoperatively using the SF-36 (Mental Component Score [MCS] and Physical Component Score [PCS]), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Patients with preoperative MCS < 50 had significantly higher trait anxiety (P <.001), higher BDI scores (P <.001), and lower appraisal (P <.018) and belonging (P <.006) support when compared with patients with preoperative MCS > or = 50. Low MCS patients used more catastrophizing coping techniques (P <.001) and reported poorer pain control (P <.04). A multivariate prediction model found that adding preoperative MCS to baseline demographic and physical function (PCS) measures significantly improved the prediction of 6-month change in PCS. Further research should evaluate the role of multimodality emotional support in assuring optimal physical return after TJR.