Robert Hart, MD, of Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University explored the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and lumbar spinal fusion procedures. He published his findings in Spine, according to The Bonati Institute.
Here are five insights:
1. While a majority of patients reported a positive experience and pain relief following spine surgery, 20 percent of patients suffered from PTSD symptoms. Dr. Hart included 73 patients in the study.
2. The strongest factor in determining whether spinal fusion patients suffered PTSD symptoms was their history with psychiatric disturbance, such as depression or anxiety.
3. Dr. Hart discovered, however, patients who did not have a past of psychiatric disturbance suffered from PTSD following fusion as well.
4. Dr. Hart suggests physicians treating patients with psychiatric disturbances offer treatment to patients prior to lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
5. OHSU is the state's only academic health and research university with 14,000 employees and more than 4,300 students and trainees.