Dr Sitanshu Barik,
Associate Professor, AIIMS Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: sitanshubarik@gmail.com
Orthopaedic trauma care has traditionally operated within the confines of the biomedical model, focusing on physical recovery markers such as bone healing and functional restoration. However, this narrow approach often overlooks the profound influence of psychological and social factors on recovery. Emerging evidence underscores that mental health conditions—including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders—substantially affect rehabilitation outcomes in orthopaedic trauma patients. Psychological distress not only prolongs recovery times but also impairs treatment adherence and functional return. Moreover, patients’ cognitive responses, such as catastrophizing and self-efficacy, play pivotal roles in shaping their rehabilitation trajectories. Catastrophizing magnifies perceived disability and pain, while high self-efficacy fosters resilience and active engagement in recovery. To address these psychosocial dimensions, the biopsychosocial model of care is gaining traction. Targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, graded physical exposure, and goal-setting have proven effective in reducing distress and enhancing recovery motivation. Furthermore, injury-specific strategies—for conditions like femoral fractures, ACL tears, and spinal surgeries—can be tailored to address patients’ unique informational and emotional needs through in-hospital counselling, digital resources, and home-based support. The integration of mental health screening, early referral, and multidisciplinary intervention is essential in orthopaedic practice. Clinical guidelines from leading orthopaedic bodies now recommend psychosocial evaluation as part of trauma care. Ultimately, incorporating structured, time-efficient, and scalable interventions into routine orthopaedic workflows—especially in high-volume settings—can improve both mental health outcomes and physical rehabilitation. This shift toward holistic, patient-centred care is imperative for optimizing outcomes in orthopaedic trauma recovery.
Keywords: Orthopedics, Mental health, Caregivers.
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