[Personality types in patients after vertebral surgery].

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Psychology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Vertebral surgery is a significant intervention for spinal conditions.
• Understanding patient personality traits is crucial for post-operative care and outcomes.
• Chronic back pain and injury-related spinal issues present distinct patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare personality types in patients undergoing vertebral surgery.
• To identify potential personality differences between patients operated for chronic back pain versus injury.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI) to assess personality types.
• Examined 74 patients post-vertebral surgery (22 injury, 52 chronic pain).
• Included a control group of 20 healthy individuals for comparison.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in overall personality types were found between chronic pain and injury groups.
• Patients with chronic back pain showed statistically higher scores on the Neuroticism (N) scale.
• This elevated N scale score was significant when compared to both the injury group and the healthy control group.

Conclusions:

• Higher neuroticism scores in chronic back pain patients may indicate a specific personality type.
• Elevated neuroticism could impede illness acceptance and the adaptation process.
• Patients with chronic back pain may require specialized psychological care and support.