Impact of depression on functional status in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) ranges from 22% to 26%. The impact of depression on functional status post-TKA remains controversial. To be the first study in Latin American population to evaluate the association between depression and functional status one year after TKA, hypothesizing that elderly patients with depression will demonstrate lower rates of functional improvement. We conducted an observational, descriptive and analytic, retrospective cohort study involving patients over 65 years old who were indicated for TKA. Assessments were made via the Program for Determination and Management of Risks for Practices and Procedures of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, between June 2015 and July 2019. Depression screening was conducted using Yesavage's abbreviated score and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, while functional ability was evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS). Of the 100 patients analyzed, 22 (22%) screened positive for depression. The mean age was 80 years ± 6.3 years, with an average of 77.6 years ± 6 years in the depressed group and 80.6 years ± 6.3 years in the non-depressed group (P = 0.05). Depressed patients showed significantly greater cognitive impairment clock-face drawing test median: 5 (3-6) vs 6 (5-7), P = 0.06 and more risk factors for confusional syndrome (mean: 8 ± 2 vs 6.5 ± 2.2, P = 0.006). Frailty was also more prevalent in depressed patients Edmonton: 15 (68%) vs 33 (42%), P = 0.05; Fried: 17 (77%) vs 42 (54%), P = 0.05. Postoperative Functional KSS were similar between groups (depressed: 65 ± 22.1 vs non-depressed: 66.3 ± 20.3, P = 0.8). Linear regression analysis revealed no association between depression and changes in KSS. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were -0.0304 (P = 0.8) for Functional KSS variation and -0.1 (P = 0.3) for KSS variation. Depression in patients with osteoarthritis should not hinder surgical planning. Identifying and treating depression preoperatively may enhance outcomes such as pain relief and reduce risks of acute confusional syndrome, cognitive impairment, and frailty.