Patient-Reported Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Following Surgery for Thoracic Myelopathy

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient Outcomes Research

Background:

• The relationship between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and satisfaction after thoracic myelopathy surgery is unclear.
• Improving patient satisfaction is crucial for successful surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient satisfaction following surgical intervention for thoracic myelopathy.
• To identify factors associated with patient satisfaction after thoracic myelopathy surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 133 patients undergoing thoracic myelopathy surgery.
• Assessment of PROs using validated questionnaires (EQ-5D, SF-12, ODI) preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.
• Categorization of patients into satisfied and dissatisfied groups based on treatment satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Ninety patients completed PRO questionnaires, showing significant improvement.
• 64.4% of patients reported satisfaction; the satisfied group had superior PRO improvement.
• Dissatisfied patients reported significantly poorer quality of life and higher pain scores.

Conclusions:

• Patient satisfaction after thoracic myelopathy surgery is associated with better PROs.
• The observed satisfaction rate (64.4%) is lower than in studies of cervical or lumbar spine surgery.
• Addressing factors contributing to dissatisfaction may improve overall patient experience and outcomes.