Go Maeda

Operative Treatment of Psychiatric Patients with Fractures

In the past 3 years from 1994 to 1997, we treated 21 patients with pychiatric disorder. 9 patients were male and 12 were female, and their mean age was 56.9 years. There were many problems which could not be managed with in the orthopedic ward. Preoperatively, all patient received intensive phychiatric medication. Minor wound infection in 3 patients and pseudoarthrosis in 1 patient were obserred.At the time of operation, the pre-operative period and pre-operative management of tranquilizers imposed various effects on the results of operations and rehabilitation. Moreover, post-operative care proved difficult as the patients did not recognize their disorders.As 3 patients were predisposed to infections and wound related complications, it suggested the importance of cooperation between the phychiatrist and orthopaedic surgeon during the pre- and post-operative periods in the orthopedic treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders.