There are numerous patient satisfaction questionnaires by none specific for an Independent Medical Examination (IME). The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a questionnaire suitable for an IME. The questionnaire (IMESQ) consisted of five process domains (“Interpersonal manner”, “Communication”, “Technical ability”, “Information exchange”, “Time allocation”) and an outcome domain (“Satisfaction”), each with a five-scale Likert response. An 11-point numerical satisfaction scale (NSS) and a 3-point scale question on the “willing to undergo another examination with the doctor if required” were alternative measures of validation. The questionnaire was tested against numerous independent variables. Statistical analysis included Spearman correlation ((rS) between the items in the questionnaire and the total score with the NSS, and “willing to undergo another examination with the doctor if required” with point-biserial correlation (rpb). Internal consistent reliability was tested using split-half correlation coefficient (rSB) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α). The construct was subjected to Factor Analysis. The results from 53 respondents were analysed. There was moderate to strong inter-item correlation (rs range 0.57 to 0.83, median 0.67, p < 0.01) and good correlation with the NSS (rs = 0.79, p < 0.01) and dichotomous question (rpb = 0.45, p < 0.01). Five respondents were “neither satisfied or dissatisfied” (Item 6) and 12 recorded “maybe” to further examination. The split-half correlation was strong (rSB= 0.76, p < 0.01). There was good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.92). “Interpersonal manner” (ψ = 4.3) was the only item to have an eigenvalue greater than one, accounting to 72% of the variance across the scale. Eigenvector analysis confirmed the questionnaire was unidimentional. The IMESQ is a brief questionnaire to assess satisfaction with an IME. It is validated and has good internal consistency reliability. The five process domains can identify areas of suboptimal performance: useful for a 360° audit.
Fretting corrosion of spinal implants has been previously demonstrated. Elevated metal ion levels in tissue fluids might be expected, however there are significant differences in stress on the spinal implant when compared with a mobile joint bearing. The aim of this study is to determine whether component metal ions can be measured in the blood and urine of patients who have previously undergone surgery with spinal instrumentation.
There was no difference in levels of serum nickel and blood chromium between controls and study cohorts. A significant difference between the controls and study groups was noted with the mean urinary chromium/ creatinine ratio being in the order of 100 times greater in the implant group. The mean level in the implant-retained group was1.6 times greater than in patients in whom the implants had been removed. The random urinary chromium/creatinine ratios correlated with the length of the instrumentation and the number of couplings in the spinal instrumentation.
The outcomes for the 2002–2003 publications were better (MWp=0.02) than for the de Kleuver study. Fewer patients had disc replacement at more than one level (FEp<
0.01). The number of patients undergoing secondary surgery (FEp<
0.01) and arthrodesis (FEp=0.04) was less and the incidence of prosthetic subsidence or migration was lower (FEp=0.28). This overall improvement in recent studies highlights the importance of patient selection and the use of a disc replacement of appropriate size. Following disc replacement, there was a significant improvement in outcome measures at six-week follow-up. This improvement was maintained at two years. While disc replacement reported significantly less pain and disability in the early period following surgery compared with the fusion, the difference was not significant by six months.
Percentage slip Slip angle Rounding of the sacrum Trapezoid index of L5 vertebral body Progression of a lumbar lordosis was defined as an increase in slip of 5% or more.
The association between spondylolisthesis and scoliosis was studied in 84 patients who presented during a 30-year period with symptomatic spondylolisthesis. The incidence of scoliosis was 42 per cent, the majority of cases being lumbar or thoracolumbar curves of less than 15 degrees. The incidence was highest in the group of patients with spondylolisthesis at L4--5 where all except one had scoliosis. Scoliosis was present in 47 per cent of patients with dysplastic spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction; in this group, the incidence of scoliosis was greater where the displacement exceeded 25 per cent. The lowest incidence (25 per cent) was found in the group with isthmic spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction. There appeared to be no relationship between excessive lumbar lordosis or tightness of the hamstrings and scoliosis.