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Prospective analysis of health-related quality of life after surgery for spinal metastases

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Spinal Studies and Surgery, Queen’s Medical Centre Campus of Nottingham University Hospitals, West Block, D Floor, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK

    N. A. Quraishi, D. Pasku, J. E. J. Koch, G. Arealis & B. M. Boszczyk

  2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    K. L. Edwards

Authors
  1. N. A. Quraishi
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  2. D. Pasku
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  3. J. E. J. Koch
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  4. G. Arealis
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  5. B. M. Boszczyk
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  6. K. L. Edwards
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. E. J. Koch.

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Quraishi, N.A., Pasku, D., Koch, J.E.J. et al. Prospective analysis of health-related quality of life after surgery for spinal metastases. Eur Spine J 29, 3163–3169 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06396-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06396-6

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