Prospective analysis of health-related quality of life after surgery for spinal metastases
N. A. Quraishi, D. Pasku, J. E. J. Koch, G. Arealis, B. M. Boszczyk, K. L. Edwards
December 2020, Volume 29, Issue 12, pp 3163 - 3169 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-020-06396-6
First Online: 07 April 2020
Purpose
Most spinal metastases are detected late, and thus, the impact of treatment on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important consideration. This study investigated the HRQOL following surgery for spinal metastases.
Methods
A prospective study of patients operated for symptomatic spinal metastases, at a single tertiary referral spine centre (2011–2013). Data were collected pre-operatively and up to 2 years following surgery (if alive). The HRQOL assessment was performed using recognised systems including the Frankel score (neurological status), EQ-5D, and the Oswestry Disability Index.
Results
A total of 199 patients were studied (median age 65 years, 43% (86) F; 57% (113) M). The Frankel score improved significantly after surgery in 69 patients (35%), worsened in 17 (8%), with 20/39 patients regaining the ability to walk (51%). All the HRQOL scores improved significantly following surgery. The complication rate was 27% and median survival 270 days, and 44 patients (22%) survived at 2 years.
Conclusions
This large prospective study showed that surgical treatment for spinal metastases significantly improved the HRQOL.
Read Full Article