Emphasizing the biopsychosocial dimension in post-traumatic orthopedic recovery

Chronic pain and disability following acute orthopedic trauma are not only physical concerns but also deeply intertwined with psychological well-being. The recent retrospective cohort study by Yang et al, published, provides compelling evidence of significant associations between depression, anxiety, and postoperative recovery. These findings align with an expanding body of literature that confirms the need for orthopedic rehabilitation to adopt a biopsychosocial perspective. This letter contextualizes Yang et al's study within current evidence, highlighting the roles of sleep disturbance, catastrophizing, stress, neurobiological mechanisms, and coping strategies in shaping recovery. It further emphasizes the importance of integrating nursing-led and multidisciplinary interventions to address both physical and psychological domains, ultimately promoting holistic recovery.

Journal

WORLD JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY

Year

2026

Volume

16

Issue

1

ISSN

2220-3206

DOI

10.5498/wjp.v16.i1.115015

WoS UID

WOS:001663371000008