Evaluation of Depression and Cognitive Status in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery

Yıldırım Safak E., Savci A., Kuyubaşı S. N.

ACTA CHIRURGIAE ORTHOPAEDICAE ET TRAUMATOLOGIAE CECHOSLOVACA, vol.91, no.6, pp.348-354, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 91 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Journal Name: ACTA CHIRURGIAE ORTHOPAEDICAE ET TRAUMATOLOGIAE CECHOSLOVACA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Page Numbers: pp.348-354
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Cognitive disorders are common in geriatric surgical patients We conducted a study to evaluate depression and cognitive

behavior in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Turkey, involving 262 elderly patients who

underwent orthopedic surgeries. Data were collected using The Patient Information Form, S tandardized Mini-Mental Test,

and Geriatric Depression Scale.

RESULTS

The mean score of the Standardized Mini-Mental Test scale of the patients after surgery was 17.9 7±4.99, mean score of

the Geriatric Depression Scale was 6.20±2.78. The study revealed that 85.1% (n=223) of the participants had cognitive

impairment and 69.1% (n=181) depressive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms increased

as age, pain scores, and length of hospital stay increased. Our research also showed that individuals with a history

of falls, visual/hearing impairment, malnutrition, use of assistive devices, dependence on others for daily activities,

non-educated or single, individuals are more likely to experience geriatric depression and have a higher of cognitive impairment.

Additionally, patients who have had hip arthroplasty, have low hemoglobin levels, or have high ASA scores are more

prone to cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was more common in patients with higher depression scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering these fi ndings, it is crucial to identify the cognitive disorders and depressive symptoms during their initial

hospitalization to prevent or treat them in geriatric patients. Regular monitoring of geriatric patients in orthopedic clinics for

symptoms of cognitive status and depression is recommended, and caregivers should be made aware of this issue.

Key words: geriatric patients, orthopedic procedures, cognitive status, depression.