Published online Mar 18, 2022. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i3.297
Peer-review started: April 17, 2021
First decision: June 23, 2021
Revised: July 6, 2021
Accepted: February 19, 2022
Article in press: February 19, 2022
Published online: March 18, 2022
Processing time: 333 Days and 20.9 Hours
Patient affected by fractures is evaluated only from a surgical point of view. Psychological aspect is very often underestimated.
More studies are needed in literature, to evaluate before surgical choice not only anatomical parameters but also patient psychological profile.
The aim of our study was to compare open reduction and internal fixation with joint replacement in terms of clinical and psychological outcomes of three- and four- part proximal humeral fractures in patients older than 65 years evaluating whether post-operative psychological symptoms may influence the clinical results after surgery.
An observational prospective single-center study with 12 mo follow-up was performed with a sequential recruitment of subjects affected by proximal humeral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation and joint replacement. A conservative treatment group, as control, was introduced.
Patients underwent primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty showed in each postoperative follow-ups a generalized anxiety disorder and a greater irritability then patients underwent osteosynthesis.
Patient psychological profile should be evaluated by the surgeon before surgery for the choice of surgical devices.
Future investigations are needed to confirm the role of the psychological profile in the field of orthopedic surgical treatment. In addition, long- term analysis needs to clarify if differences in outcomes are really related to the patient’s mental state.