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Reconstructive spinal surgery: assessment of outcome
C R Bossons1, J Levy, C E Sutterlin
1Florida Foundation for Research in Spinal Disorders Inc, Gainesville 32605, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Assessing spinal surgery outcomes is challenging. Patient return to work and satisfaction are negatively impacted by factors like compensation claims, depression, and pre-existing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Evaluating patient outcomes after spinal surgery presents significant challenges.
- Reliably assessing symptom and functional changes attributable to the operative procedure is difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing patient satisfaction and return to work following spinal surgery.
- To correlate patient-reported outcomes with surgical and demographic data.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to patients at least 6 months post-spinal surgery.
- Data analysis involved correlation studies and t tests to determine statistical significance.
- Seventy-two patients returned completed questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Return to work rates were significantly lower for patients involved in workers' compensation or litigation, and those with prolonged unemployment before surgery.
- Depression showed an inverse correlation with patient satisfaction.
- Physical deconditioning, altered attitudes, pre-existing job dissatisfaction, secondary financial gain, and other medical conditions significantly reduced the likelihood of return to work and satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Patient-reported outcomes after spinal surgery are multifactorial.
- Factors beyond the surgical procedure itself, including psychosocial and pre-existing conditions, significantly influence return to work and overall satisfaction.