Publication Name	World Journal of Orthopedics
Manuscript ID	112040
Country	Italy

Category	Orthopedics
Manuscript Type	Systematic Reviews
Article Title	Psychological burden of bone and joint infections: Systematic review on mental health and quality of life implications
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Daniele De Meo, Tommaso Accinni, Davide Staccini, Flavia Petrucci, Paolo Martini, Vittorio Candela, Carmine Zoccali and Stefano Gumina
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Daniele De Meo, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 3, Rome 00100, Lazio, Italy. daniele.demeo@uniroma1.it
Key Words	Mental health; Bone infection; Periprosthetic joint infection; Fracture related infection; Anxiety; Depression; Quality of life; Psychopathology
Core Tip	This is the first systematic review to explore the psychological impact of bone and joint infections (BJIs), including periprosthetic joint infections and fracture-related infections. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative studies, we demonstrate that BJIs cause substantial and persistent emotional distress - comparable to oncologic conditions - especially during complex treatment phases. The International Classification of Diseases-10-Symptom Rating and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scales emerged as the most sensitive assessment tools. Our findings call for urgent integration of mental health evaluation and targeted psychological support in BJI care pathways to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Citation	De Meo D, Accinni T, Staccini D, Petrucci F, Martini P, Candela V, Zoccali C, Gumina S. Psychological burden of bone and joint infections: Systematic review on mental health and quality of life implications. World J Orthop 2026; In press

Received	2025-07-16 01:34
Peer-Review Started	2025-07-16 01:34
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-07-21 08:45
Return for Revision	2025-07-21 08:45
Revised	2025-08-04 10:14
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-01-07 02:41
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-01-07 11:33
Articles in Press	2026-01-07 11:33
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2218-5836 (online)
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