Pre-surgery distress and delirium after major orthopedic operations in older adults

The Association Between Preoperative Distress and Postoperative Delirium, Pain, and Length of Hospital Stay in Elderly Patients Undergoing Major Orthopedic Surgery

Elazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi · NCT07512752

We will test whether higher stress before major orthopedic surgery leads to more postoperative delirium, worse pain, and longer hospital stays in people aged 65 and older.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorElazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi (other)
Locations1 site (Elâzığ)
Trial IDNCT07512752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study enrolling patients aged 65 and older who are having major orthopedic procedures such as hip fracture repair or hip/knee arthroplasty. Participants will have preoperative psychological distress measured with validated questionnaires, and postoperative outcomes including delirium incidence, pain scores, and length of hospital stay will be recorded. Clinical staff will identify delirium using standard diagnostic methods and pain by routine scoring systems during the hospital stay. The study will analyze whether higher preoperative distress is associated with increased delirium, greater pain, or prolonged hospitalization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 65 or older undergoing major orthopedic surgery (hip fracture repair, primary or revision hip arthroplasty, or primary knee arthroplasty) who can provide informed consent or have a legally authorized representative.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia, active preoperative delirium, planned postoperative ICU sedation, or who are not having major orthopedic surgery are unlikely to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk for delirium so they can target prevention and support to reduce complications and shorten hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested links between preoperative psychological distress and worse postoperative outcomes, but direct evidence specifically linking distress to postoperative delirium is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Age ≥65 years
* Undergoing major orthopedic surgery, including:
* Hip fracture surgery
* Primary or revision hip arthroplasty
* Primary knee arthroplasty
* Ability to provide informed consent or availability of a legally authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria

* Known diagnosis of severe dementia or significant cognitive impairment
* Presence of preoperative delirium or an active diagnosis of delirium
* Severe hearing or visual impairment preventing effective communication
* History of intracranial surgery or neurological diseases significantly increasing the risk of delirium (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease, severe stroke sequelae)
* Planned postoperative sedation in the intensive care unit

Where this trial is running

Elâzığ

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Delirium, Preoperative Distress, Pain, Length of Hospital Stay

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.