Abstract
Background
Kohnodai Hospital merged with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry in Japan in 1987. Accordingly, we treat more patients with mental disorders than other hospitals. I treated two patients with schizophrenia for TKA.
Case 1
A 44 year-old female with schizophrenia and malignant rheumatoid arthritis presented with bilateral knee pain and difficulty walking. Her range of motion (ROM) was: right knee; extension −95°, flexion 120°, left knee; extension −95°, flexion 120°. Her Knee Society Bilateral Score was 19 points, X-ray grade: Larsen 5, Steinbrocker grade: Stage 3, class 4. Pre-TKA, corrective casts improved her ROM (extension; right −75°, left −70°). She received right TKA in September, 2013, and left TKA in December 2015. Post-operation bilateral ROM: extension −15° and flexion 120°. After operation, she wore corrective casts.
Post TKA, she received manipulation for bilateral knee contractions in 2015, and she began in-patient rehabilitation. Her progress was normal, and became able to stand easily with a walker. However, after discharge, she discontinued treatment for schizophrenia and refused outpatient rehabilitation, possibly due to her schizophrenia. Thereafter, she lost her ability to stand up easily. Her ROM worsened, right: extension −95°, flexion 115°, left: extension −75°, flexion 115°Knee Society Score; Bilateral 13 points.
Case 2
A 69 year-old male with schizophrenia presented with right knee pain and received hyaluronic acid injections in his knee. He had diabetes and reflux esophagitis at first visit. His ROM was: extension −10° flexion120°, and his Knee Society Score was 34 points. He received TKA in November 2015. He began to walk with full weight bearing the following day after, while continuing his treatment for schizophrenia. In 2018, his ROM was: extension −15° and flexion 105°, Her Knee Society Score was 71 points, and he could ascend stairs normally. After discharge, he had continued rehabilitation together with satisfactory control of his schizophrenia, and his normal prognosis was achieved.
Discussion
Schizophrenia affects about only about 1% of the population, and TKA with schizophrenia is rare. Refusing rehabilitation due to schizophrenia may adversely influence prognosis. Proper control of schizophrenia may be important to avoid patients' refusing rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Refusing rehabilitation due to schizophrenia may adversely influence prognosis in schizophrenia patients receiving TKA, and working in tandem with a psychiatrist should be considered for such patients.
