A new study published in Spine examines the correlation between health-related quality of life scores, radiographic parameters and complications among adult spinal deformity patients.
The study authors collected data from 248 patients who received thoracolumbar fusion for adult spinal deformity at one of 11 centers across the United States. The patients reported pain scores, radiographs and satisfaction as either highly satisfied or less satisfied. The researchers found:
1. The patients who were highly satisfied reported greater improvement in Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36 component scores, Scoliosis Research Society-22 score and visual analogue scale back scores.
2. Two years after surgery, there was a moderate correlation between the change in mental component summary, physical component summary, ODI and HRQoL scores and the patient's satisfaction.
3. Both groups reported equal preoperative and final postoperative radiographic parameters.
4. Complications didn't have an impact on patient satisfaction.
5. The researchers concluded, "Among operatively treated ASD patients, satisfaction was moderately correlated with some HRQoL measures and not with radiographic changes or postoperative complications. Other factors, such as patient expectations and relationship with the surgeon may be stronger drivers of patient satisfaction."