Abstract
Aim: To assess the functional outcome following spinal infection.
Method: 42 patients who had been treated in our unit for primary spinal infection between 1995–2005 were identified. 33 who were still alive at the time of study, were sent postal questionnaires. Average length of follow up was 5.4 years (rang 0.6–10.5). The non-respondents were contacted by phone two weeks later. Overall 29 (88%) were traced.
Results: Mobility score dropped in 10 (34%) patients whilst domestic circumstances’ score dropped only in 1 (3.4%). Oswestry disability score averaged 18% (range 0–53%). 16 (62%) had mild or no disability, 7(27%) had moderate and 3 (12%) had severe disability. Neck disability index in all those with cervical spine infection was between 10–20% indicating mild disability. Hospital anxiety and depression score for anxiety was normal for 25 (86%) and that for depression was normal for 27(93%) patients. Ten point Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain intensity when doing the questionnaire averaged 1.3 (range 0–9) with 19 (66%) having no pain, 9 (31%) mild to moderate (1–5 score) and 1 (3%) having severe pain (6–10 score). Mean VAS over one week was 1.8(range 0–9) with 14(48%) having no pain, 13(45%) mild to moderate and 2 (7%) having severe pain. VAS for distress averaged at 1.8 (range 0–9), 22 (76%) patients were coping very well (8–10 score) and poor coping (0–4 score) was seen in 1 (3%).
Conclusion: Most patients after spinal infection return to activities of daily living with little or no pain and psychological sequelae. A proportion of patients however end up with moderate to severe disability, pain and psychological problems despite successful treatment of the primary infection.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Mr N. J. Henderson, BASS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
