Psychological factors that may influence outcome after joint replacement surgery

Current research on total joint arthroplasty has identified psychological distress as a predictor of poor treatment outcomes. Most recent studies on total knee or hip arthroplasty that include psychological variables have found that preoperative indicators of depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing and low self-efficacy relate directly to higher levels of pain and lower levels of function postoperatively. The goal of this review was to emphasize the current research that has focused on the psychological factors associated with outcomes of knee and hip replacement. Routinely identifying, assessing and treating those with psychological distress before surgery may be warranted.