SCREENING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF ILIZAROV FRAME PATIENTS

Background It is an accepted fact that Ilizarov frames are difficult to live with. Professionals advise patients that things get easier over time, but, there is little evidence to support this. This study examined the course of patient's self-reported anxiety and depression during treatment with an Ilizarov frame. Method Over 12 months, 66 trauma and elective patients were prospectively recruited to the study. Patients completed validated questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) at set time points through their treatment ranging from before the frame was fitted through to after it was removed. Results Complete data sets were collected for sixty patients. Two patients were unable to be included and four have yet to complete treatment. There is a trend towards decreasing anxiety and depression throughout the period evaluated. However, of seven patients who scored within the ‘severe’ range (PHQ/GAD = 15+) before the Ilizarov frame was applied, four remained in the ‘severe’ range at t...