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Topic:

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Issue:

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Category:

Research

Title:

Depression Screening in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Clinics and Identifying Patients At-Risk

Author:

Catanzano, Anthony A. MD; Bastrom, Tracey P. MA; Bartley, Carrie E. MA; Yaszay, Burt MD; Upasani, Vidyadhar V. MD; Newton, Peter O. MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

April 2024

Reference:

44(4):p 291-296, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002635

Level Of Evidence:

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# of Patients:

32,787 unique adolescent patients screened in primary care clinics.
14,078 unique adolescent patients screened in orthopedic clinics.

Study Type:

Retrospective review

Location:

Pediatric orthopedic and primary care clinics

Summary:

Assessed depression screening prevalence in pediatric orthopedic clinics and identified at-risk populations. Compared screening results from orthopedic clinics with primary care settings.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of depression screening using PHQ-2/PHQ-9 and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale over two years. Compared demographic and clinical data between orthopedic and primary care clinics. Statistical comparisons between orthopedic subspecialties.

Exclusions:

Data from clinics without depression screening or incomplete demographic information.

Results:

Depression prevalence: Moderate-severe depression in 5.2% of primary care patients vs. 2.0% in orthopedic patients (P<0.001). 2.7% of primary care patients vs. 0.8% of orthopedic patients were at risk for self-harm (P<0.001). Within orthopedic clinics: Spine patients showed the highest risk of moderate-severe depression (3.5%), significantly higher than sports (1.4%, P=0.006) and acute fracture patients (1.3%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Depression screening in pediatric orthopedic clinics identified a significant subset of at-risk adolescents, particularly among spine patients. Findings highlight the importance of targeted mental health interventions in high-risk populations to ensure timely treatment.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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