Patients Obtain Meaningful Clinical Benefit After Hip Arthroscopy Despite Preoperative Psychological Distress: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Mid-Term Outcomes
Authors: Saks BR, Glein RM, Jimenez AE, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.05.010
Background
Psychological distress is known to impact surgical outcomes in various fields, but its influence on hip arthroscopy outcomes has been unclear.
Methods
Patients were stratified by preoperative psychological distress levels (SF-12 Mental Component Summary) and compared over a minimum 5-year follow-up after hip arthroscopy.
Key Findings
Patients with preoperative psychological distress still achieved meaningful clinical improvements comparable to those without distress at mid-term follow-up.
Conclusions
While psychological distress may impact baseline function, it does not preclude significant long-term benefit from hip arthroscopy.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Preoperative psychological distress should not be an absolute contraindication to hip arthroscopy.
- Providers should consider that despite distress, patients can still achieve meaningful functional gains.
- Mental health screening remains important to tailor perioperative care but should not limit surgical candidacy.
- Counseling patients on realistic expectations remains essential.