Psychological impact of peri-implant fractures: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implant fractures (PIFs) are uncommon yet critical complications following orthopedic surgery. These complications can significantly impact a patient's psychological well-being and overall quality of life. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of PIFs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 136 patients who underwent surgery for PIFs between 2018 and 2022. We utilized various validated scales and questionnaires such as Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and Brief COPE Inventory (BCI) to assess their psychological state. RESULT: The results revealed that patients with PIFs experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress compared to the general population. Additionally, they reported lower physical and mental health. Factors such as the number of surgeries, treatment delay, post-operative pain levels, and complications significantly influenced their psychological outcomes. Notably, acceptance, positive reframing, and seeking emotional support were the most common coping mechanisms employed by these patients. Conversely, denial, substance use, and self blame were the least employed strategies. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that psychological interventions could significantly benefit patients with PIFs, potentially reducing their distress and improving their quality of life.