Spine surgeons should explain a prognosis using radiological findings instead of using phrases such as "wear and tear," which may cause patients to have negative beliefs about their condition, according to an article published in Spine.
Researchers asked spine surgery patients about their understanding of the mechanisms measuring their pain, flares and future outcome. The interviews were transcribed along with correspondence from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, pain management physicians and lumbar spine radiology reports.
After performing a content analysis on the key terms, "degeneration" and "mechanical" were two categories representing the predominantly emerging themes. Terms such as "wear and tear" and "disc space loss" were associated with a poor perceived prognosis.
Read the abstract for "Explanatory and Diagnostic Labels Perceived Prognosis in Chronic Low Back Pain."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Spondylolsis More Likely in Coronally Oriented Facet Joints
- Study: Visual Analog Scale and 5-Point Vertebral Rating Scale Not Interchangeable
- Nutrition Program Decreases Infection Among Older Spinal Surgery Patients
Researchers asked spine surgery patients about their understanding of the mechanisms measuring their pain, flares and future outcome. The interviews were transcribed along with correspondence from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, pain management physicians and lumbar spine radiology reports.
After performing a content analysis on the key terms, "degeneration" and "mechanical" were two categories representing the predominantly emerging themes. Terms such as "wear and tear" and "disc space loss" were associated with a poor perceived prognosis.
Read the abstract for "Explanatory and Diagnostic Labels Perceived Prognosis in Chronic Low Back Pain."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Spondylolsis More Likely in Coronally Oriented Facet Joints
- Study: Visual Analog Scale and 5-Point Vertebral Rating Scale Not Interchangeable
- Nutrition Program Decreases Infection Among Older Spinal Surgery Patients