Sex and Mental Health Disorder Differences Among Military Service Members With Patellofemoral Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Mental health disorders are associated with persistent knee pain, but the association between these conditions has had little investigation in the military. The purpose of this study was to identify rates of mental health disorders in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and determine differences by sex and whether mental health copresence influences outcomes. METHODS Eligible patients with a new PFP diagnosis were categorized according to sex and presence of mental health disorders. Outcomes included odds of mental health disorder before/after initial PFP diagnosis based on sex, and knee-related health care use between patients with/without mental health disorders. RESULTS In 81,832 individuals with PFP (71.1% men; mean age 33; 91.5% active duty), copresence of any mental health disorders was common (18% men; 28% women). Women had more depression and anxiety; men had more post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse disorders. Concurrent mental health disorders after initial PFP diagnosis resulted in higher medical costs and odds of a recurrence (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.20, 1.28; P < .001). CONCLUSION Mental health disorders are common in military service members seeking care for patellofemoral pain. Differences in prevalence vary by sex, and presence of mental health disorders adversely affected long-term health care outcomes.