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Nonsurgical resource utilization in adult spinal deformity
Steven D Glassman1, Sigurd Berven, John Kostuik
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, and the Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Center, Louisville, KY, USA. tallgeyer@spinemds.com
Spine
|April 20, 2006
Summary
Adult spinal deformity patients with high symptoms utilize more nonsurgical resources like pain medication and physical therapy. Even low-symptom patients commonly use these treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Spine Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exist on nonsurgical resource utilization for adult spinal deformity.
- Understanding nonsurgical treatment patterns is crucial for managing this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and analyze nonsurgical resource use in adult spinal deformity patients.
- To identify differences in resource utilization based on symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,061 patients from a prospective multicenter study.
- Analysis of demographic data, surgical history, symptom assessment, and nonsurgical regimens.
- Categorization of patients into low- and high-symptom subgroups using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in health status measures between high- and low-symptom groups (P < 0.0001).
- High-symptom patients used more narcotics, epidural blocks, physical agents, analgesics, and pain management referrals.
- High-symptom patients also utilized more bed rest, strength training, nerve root blocks, and stabilization exercises.
Conclusions:
- Distinct high- and low-symptom groups exist within adult spinal deformity patients.
- High-symptom patients demonstrate significantly higher nonsurgical resource utilization.
- A majority of low-symptom patients also engage with nonsurgical resources.