THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF HIP-ARTHROPLASTY

The impact of total hip arthroplasty on psychological functioning was examined in 51 patients; 25 females and 26 males with a mean age of 65 years (range 42-81 years). Assessments of psychological well-being an d distress were made with the Mental Health Inventory. Life satisfacti on, self-rated health, and pain ratings were also obtained. Assessment s were made prior to surgery, immediately after surgery, and at a 2 mo nth follow-up. The operation produced significant improvements in psyc hological well-being (P < 0.001), psychological distress (P < 0.001), life satisfaction (P < 0.01), self-rated health (P < 0.001), and pain (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the changes in medical and functiona l status following hip arthroplasty documented in previous research ar e accompanied by substantial improvements in psychological state, and that the inclusion of psychological factors in hip arthroplasty resear ch will provide a more comprehensive assessment of outcome.