Comparing psychological burden of orthopaedic diseases against medical conditions: Investigation on hospital course of hip, knee, and spine surgery patients

Retrospective review of National Inpatient Sample (2000-2012) revealed that 31.28% of musculoskeletal (MSK) patients were found to have in-hospital psychological burdens (PBs). Adult spinal deformity (ASD), degenerative disc disease (DDD) and lung cancer patients had highest PB-prevalence. MSK patients with PB were more often young, white females with increased Deyo index compared to no-PB patients. Patients who underwent spinal revision procedures had higher PB rates than with primary procedures; a converse trend was observed for total hip/knee arthroplasty. Psychological disorders were identified as significant predictors of increased total-hospital charges. Augmenting counseling with psychological screening/support is recommended to complement MSK management.