Introduction of a score system for the clinical evaluation of patients with spinal processes

To facilitate statistical analysis of the clinical course of patients with spinal lesions such as tumours, dysraphic malformations, inflammation, or syringomyelia, we have developed a score system for each of the following symptoms and signs: sensory deficits, dysaesthesiae, pain, motor weakness, gait, bladder and bowel function. For each a score between 0 and 5 is given. The grading is designed in such a way that levels of functional significance receive separate scores: 0 = no function, 1 = severely disabled, 2 = disabled, 3 = severely compromised but function preserved, 4 = slightly compromised, and 5 = normal function. In general, scores between 0 and 2 indicate insufficient functional capacity and an unsatisfactory condition. Scores between 3 and 5 represent levels of function which should be the aim of treatment. We have used this scoring system for evaluation of almost 500 patients with spinal lesions both retrospectively and prospectively with good results in terms of reproducibility and validity.