Abstract
Purpose: Purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of elective lumbar spinal surgery as it relates to patient expectations for outcome and outcome as quantified by patient derived generic and disease specific measures.
Methods: Prospectively collected patient derived generic health status (SF-36) and disease specific outcome measures (Oswestry) were quantified in all patients prior to surgery, and at serial postoperative clinical follow-ups. Patient expectations for their surgery were also measured; (pain relief, sleep, recreational and daily activities of living, return to work). Postoperatively, patients completed a questionnaire regarding the results of their spinal surgery as it related to meeting their expectations. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to evaluate for factors that influenced the results of surgery relating to patient expectations.
Results: Between 1998 and 2002 one hundred and forty three consecutive patients were evaluated. Average age was 52 (range 18–84). Diagnosis was disc herniation 43%, spondylitic spondylolisthesis 10%, degenerative spondylolisthesis 30%, spondylosis 6%, other 11%. The mean preoperative SF-36 mental component and physical component scores were 42.1 and 22.3 respectively (1.2 and 3.4 standard deviations below age and gender matched norms). Postoperative SF-36 scores were 48.1 and 38.6. The mean Oswestry disability scores were 48.7% preoperatively vs. 23.1% postoperatively. 81% (116/143) had their expectations met. Of the 19% (27 patients) who did not meet their expectations, they reported lower preoperative SF-36 general health and vitality domain scores. Patients were also less likely to have their expectations met if they had prior lumbar surgery, were involved in worker compensation or litigation. Patients who reported either back or back > leg symptoms were less satisfied than patients who presented with predominantly leg symptoms.
Conclusions: Patient factors inclusive of mental, (as measured by general health perception and vitality), physical (predominance of leg vs back pain), and social (presence of compensation, litigation), all contribute to patient satisfaction and outcomes following lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative conditions.
The abstracts were prepared by Orah Naor, IOA Co-ordinator and Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to Israel Orthopaedic Association, PO Box 7845, Haifa 31074, Israel.
