Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of multiple spinal operations by an expert spinal surgeon HV Crock.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 169 patients who had multiple spinal surgery including spinal Fusion and spinal decompression was undertaken. A special Questionnaire form was designed and sent to each patient to answer with an appointment for the patient to be seen and assessed in the spinal assessment clinic where data from the questionnaire, clinical notes and thorough clinical examinations were recorded in a spinal data base which covered the following sections:
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Patients Symptoms
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Treatment received
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Spinal Operations
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Body Diagram for shading the site of pain
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Final outcome
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Patient Satisfaction
Results:
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– 76 patients 66% of the patients who replied “were satisfied” with the surgery.
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– 38 patients 33% of the patients who replied were not satisfied.
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– 58 patients did not reply as they were not interviewed.
There were no significant post-operative neurogenic complications, such as cauada equina syndrome or severe leg weakness interfering with standing and walking retirement. There was always a temporary relief followed by deterioration of symptoms after a period ranging between 1–2 years.
Conclusions: Overall, patients with failed back syndrome need to be evaluated and treated in a multidisciplinary setting, where a group of Health Care Professionals from various fields, such as Physiotherapy, Pain Management and Clinical Psychologist work together, towards the common goal for the benefit of the patient
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bimal Singh, c/o BOSA at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
