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Staartjes VE, Klukowska AM, Stumpo V, Vandertop WP, Schröder ML. Identifying clusters of objective functional impairment in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal disease using unsupervised learning. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1320-1331. [PMID: 38127138 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test was designed to capture objective functional impairment (OFI), and thus provides an adjunctive dimension in patient assessment. It is conceivable that there are different subsets of patients with OFI and degenerative lumbar disease. We aim to identify clusters of objectively functionally impaired individuals based on 5R-STS and unsupervised machine learning (ML). METHODS Data from two prospective cohort studies on patients with surgery for degenerative lumbar disease and 5R-STS times of ≥ 10.5 s-indicating presence of OFI. K-means clustering-an unsupervised ML algorithm-was applied to identify clusters of OFI. Cluster hallmarks were then identified using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. RESULTS We included 173 patients (mean age [standard deviation]: 46.7 [12.7] years, 45% male) and identified three types of OFI. OFI Type 1 (57 pts., 32.9%), Type 2 (81 pts., 46.8%), and Type 3 (35 pts., 20.2%) exhibited mean 5R-STS test times of 14.0 (3.2), 14.5 (3.3), and 27.1 (4.4) seconds, respectively. The grades of OFI according to the validated baseline severity stratification of the 5R-STS increased significantly with each OFI type, as did extreme anxiety and depression symptoms, issues with mobility and daily activities. Types 1 and 2 are characterized by mild to moderate OFI-with female gender, lower body mass index, and less smokers as Type I hallmarks. CONCLUSIONS Unsupervised learning techniques identified three distinct clusters of patients with OFI that may represent a more holistic clinical classification of patients with OFI than test-time stratifications alone, by accounting for individual patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E Staartjes
- Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anita M Klukowska
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Vittorio Stumpo
- Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - W Peter Vandertop
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc L Schröder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Klukowska AM, Staartjes VE, Vandertop WP, Schröder ML. Predictors of five-repetition sit-to-stand test performance in patients with lumbar degenerative disease. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:107-115. [PMID: 36477416 PMCID: PMC9840589 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05441-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS) has recently been validated as an objective measure of functional impairment in patients with lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). Knowledge of factors influencing 5R-STS performance is useful to correct for confounders, create personalized adjusted test times, and potentially identify prognostic subgroups. We evaluate factors predicting the 5R-STS performance in patients with LDD. METHODS Patients with LDD requiring surgery were included. Each participant performed the 5R-STS and completed a questionnaire that included their age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, employment type, ability to work, analgesic drug usage, history of previous spinal surgery, and EQ5D depression and anxiety domain. Surgical indication and index level of the spinal pathology were also recorded. Predictors of 5R-STS were identified through multivariable linear regression. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 240 patients, 47.9% being female (mean age, 47.7 ± 13.6 years). In the final multivariable model incorporating confounders, height (regression coefficient (RC), 0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.003/0.16, p = 0.042) and being an active smoker (RC, 2.44; 95%CI, 0.56/4.32, p = 0.012) were significant predictors of worse 5R-STS performance. Full ability to work (RC, - 2.39; 95%CI, - 4.39/ - 0.39, p = 0.020) was associated with a better 5R-STS performance. Age, height, surgical indication, index level of pathology, history of previous spine surgery, history of pain, analgesic drug use, employment type, and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms demonstrated confounding effect on the 5R-STS time. CONCLUSIONS Greater height, being an active smoker, and inability to work are significant predictors of worse 5R-STS performance in patients with LDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03303300 and NCT03321357.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Klukowska
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Victor E Staartjes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - W Peter Vandertop
- Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marc L Schröder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Staartjes VE, Joswig H, Corniola MV, Schaller K, Gautschi OP, Stienen MN. Association of Medical Comorbidities With Objective Functional Impairment in Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. Global Spine J 2022; 12:1184-1191. [PMID: 33334183 PMCID: PMC9210248 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220979120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Analysis of a prospective 2-center database. OBJECTIVES Medical comorbidities co-determine clinical outcome. Objective functional impairment (OFI) provides a supplementary dimension of patient assessment. We set out to study whether comorbidities are associated with the presence and degree of OFI in this patient population. METHODS Patients with degenerative diseases of the spine preoperatively performed the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and a battery of questionnaires. Comorbidities were quantified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grading. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were fitted. RESULTS Of 375 included patients, 97 (25.9%) presented at least some degree of medical comorbidity according to the CCI, and 312 (83.2%) according to ASA grading. In the univariate analysis, the CCI was inconsistently associated with OFI. Only patients with low-grade CCI comorbidity displayed significantly higher TUG test times (p = 0.004). In the multivariable analysis, this effect persisted for patients with CCI = 1 (p = 0.030). Regarding ASA grade, patients with ASA = 3 exhibited significantly increased TUG test times (p = 0.003) and t-scores (p = 0.015). This effect disappeared after multivariable adjustment (p = 0.786 and p = 0.969). In addition, subjective functional impairment according to ODI, and EQ5D index was moderately associated with comorbidities according to ASA (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The degree of medical comorbidities appears only weakly and inconsistently associated with OFI in patients scheduled for degenerative lumbar spine surgery, especially after controlling for potential confounders. TUG testing may be valid even in patients with relatively severe comorbidities who are able to complete the test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E. Staartjes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Joswig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health and Medical University Potsdam, Ernst von Bergmann Hospital, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marco V. Corniola
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Schaller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oliver P. Gautschi
- Neuro- und Wirbelsäulenzentrum Zentralschweiz, Klinik St.Anna, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland,Martin N. Stienen, MD/FEBNS, Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, Rorschacher Str. 95, 9007 St.Gallen, Switzerland.
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Kim JH, Kim SM, Kim YC, Seo BK. Spadework for Establishing Integrative Enhanced Recovery Program After Spine Surgery: Web-Based Survey Assessing Korean Medical Doctors’ Perspectives. J Pain Res 2022; 15:1039-1049. [PMID: 35431577 PMCID: PMC9012315 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s356434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efforts are necessary to promote postoperative patient management to reduce complications or side effects, particularly those adapted to spinal surgery. Considering compatible medical system in Korea, the study objective is to report the opinions of Korean medical doctors regarding integrative enhanced recovery after spine surgery. Methods From December 2020 to January 2021, members of the Korean Medical Association were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding an integrative enhanced recovery program after spine surgery. A total of 726 participants responded to the survey. Results Approximately half of the respondents had more than 10 years of medical experience in the Korean health-care system, and 58.29% were affiliated with primary Korean medical clinics. The majority of respondents were not aware of the ERAS program (N = 412, 79.08%) but said that patient management would be advanced from the establishment of a postoperative medical program that reflected an integrated medical perspective (N = 505, 96.92%). Furthermore, Korean medical professionals believe that Korean medical interventions should play a major role in the pain management and digestive improvement sections of the upcoming postoperative program. Moreover, respondents claimed that Korean traditional medical modalities such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal decoction should be included in the program. Discussion/Conclusion Responses collected from the present study can be used as a spadework for future studies. A study on the development of a comprehensive postoperative program that reflects the perspectives of patients and conventional medical doctors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chan Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Kwan Seo
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: Byung-Kwan Seo, Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-2-440-6239, Fax +82-2-440-7143, Email
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Klukowska AM, Staartjes VE, Vandertop WP, Schröder ML. Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test Performance in Healthy Individuals: Reference Values and Predictors From 2 Prospective Cohorts. Neurospine 2022; 18:760-769. [PMID: 35000330 PMCID: PMC8752709 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2142750.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The 5-repetition-sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test is an objective test of functional impairment- commonly used in various diseases, including lumbar degenerative disc diseases. It is used to measure the severity of disease and to monitor recovery. We aimed to evaluate reference values for the test, as well as factors predicting 5R-STS performance in healthy adults.
Methods Healthy adults (> 18 years of age) were recruited, and their 5R-STS time was measured. Their age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, work situation and EuroQOL-5D Healthy & Anxiety category were recorded. Linear regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of 5R-STS performance.
Results We included 172 individuals with mean age of 39.4±14.1 years and mean BMI of 24.0 ±4.0 kg/m2. Females constituted 57%. Average 5R-STS time was 6.21 ±1.92 seconds, with an upper limit of normal of 12.39 seconds. In a multivariable model, age (regression coefficient [RC], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05/0.09; p<0.001), male sex (RC, -0.87; 95% CI, -1.50 to -0.23; p=0.008), BMI (RC, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.10–0.71; p=0.010), height (RC, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04–0.22; p=0.006), and houseworker status (RC, -1.62; 95% CI, -2.93 to -0.32; p=0.016) were significantly associated with 5R-STS time. Anxiety and depression did not influence performance significantly (RC, 0.82; 95% CI, -0.14 to 1.77; p=0.097).
Conclusion The presented reference values can be applied as normative data for 5R-STS in healthy adults, and are necessary to judge what constitutes abnormal performance. We identified several significant factors associated with 5R-STS performance that may be used to calculate individualized expected test times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Klukowska
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Queen's Medical Center, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victor E Staartjes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - W Peter Vandertop
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc L Schröder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Staartjes VE, Klukowska AM, Vieli M, Niftrik CHBV, Stienen MN, Serra C, Regli L, Vandertop WP, Schröder ML. Machine learning-augmented objective functional testing in the degenerative spine: quantifying impairment using patient-specific five-repetition sit-to-stand assessment. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 51:E8. [PMID: 34724641 DOI: 10.3171/2021.8.focus21386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE What is considered "abnormal" in clinical testing is typically defined by simple thresholds derived from normative data. For instance, when testing using the five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test, the upper limit of normal (ULN) from a population of spine-healthy volunteers (10.5 seconds) is used to identify objective functional impairment (OFI), but this fails to consider different properties of individuals (e.g., taller and shorter, older and younger). Therefore, the authors developed a personalized testing strategy to quantify patient-specific OFI using machine learning. METHODS Patients with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or discogenic chronic low-back pain and a population of spine-healthy volunteers, from two prospective studies, were included. A machine learning model was trained on normative data to predict personalized "expected" test times and their confidence intervals and ULNs (99th percentiles) based on simple demographics. OFI was defined as a test time greater than the personalized ULN. OFI was categorized into types 1 to 3 based on a clustering algorithm. A web app was developed to deploy the model clinically. RESULTS Overall, 288 patients and 129 spine-healthy individuals were included. The model predicted "expected" test times with a mean absolute error of 1.18 (95% CI 1.13-1.21) seconds and R2 of 0.37 (95% CI 0.34-0.41). Based on the implemented personalized testing strategy, 191 patients (66.3%) exhibited OFI. Type 1, 2, and 3 impairments were seen in 64 (33.5%), 91 (47.6%), and 36 (18.8%) patients, respectively. Increasing detected levels of OFI were associated with statistically significant increases in subjective functional impairment, extreme anxiety and depression symptoms, being bedridden, extreme pain or discomfort, inability to carry out activities of daily living, and a limited ability to work. CONCLUSIONS In the era of "precision medicine," simple population-based thresholds may eventually not be adequate to monitor quality and safety in neurosurgery. Individualized assessment integrating machine learning techniques provides more detailed and objective clinical assessment. The personalized testing strategy demonstrated concurrent validity with quality-of-life measures, and the freely accessible web app (https://neurosurgery.shinyapps.io/5RSTS/) enabled clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E Staartjes
- 1Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,2Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam.,3Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anita M Klukowska
- 2Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam.,3Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,4Department of Surgery, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom; and
| | - Moira Vieli
- 1Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiaan H B van Niftrik
- 1Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin N Stienen
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Serra
- 1Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Regli
- 1Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - W Peter Vandertop
- 2Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam
| | - Marc L Schröder
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Nguyen L, Agaronnik N, Ferrone ML, Katz JN, Schoenfeld AJ. Evaluating ambulatory function as an outcome following treatment for spinal metastases: a systematic review. Spine J 2021; 21:1430-1439. [PMID: 33992794 PMCID: PMC8429248 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Studies regarding treatment of spinal metastases are critical to evidence-based decision-making. However, variation exists in how a key outcome, ambulatory function, is assessed. PURPOSE To characterize the sources and tools investigators have used to evaluate ambulatory function as an outcome following treatment of spinal metastases. We also sought to understand the ways ambulatory function has been conceptualized in prior studies. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of the literature. PATIENT SAMPLE We identified 44 published studies for inclusion. Samples within these investigations ranged from 20 to 2,096 subjects. OUTCOME MEASURES We describe the methods investigators have used to evaluate ambulatory function following treatment for spinal metastases. METHODS We conducted a systematic review through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines. We included studies that consisted of adult patients receiving operative or non-operative treatment for spinal metastases. We also required that study investigators specified post-treatment ambulatory function as an outcome. We recorded year of publication, study design, types of spinal metastases included in the study, treatments employed, and sample size. We also described the source (medical record, study-specific observer and/or provider, patient and/or participant), tool (standardized measure, quantitative, qualitative) and concept (eg, ambulatory vs. non-ambulatory; independent ambulation vs. ambulatory with assistance vs. non-ambulatory) used to assess ambulatory function. RESULTS We found the plurality of studies relied on medical record documentation as their source. Amongst prospective studies, only a minority used a quantitative measure (eg, prespecified degree of walking ability) to assess ambulatory function. Most studies conceptualized ambulatory function as a dichotomized outcome, typically ambulatory versus non-ambulatory or a similar equivalent. CONCLUSIONS Wide variation exists in how ambulatory function is defined in studies involving patients with spinal metastases. We suggest several improvements that will allow a more robust assessment of the quality and quantity of ambulatory function among patients treated for spinal metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lananh Nguyen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicole Agaronnik
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marco L. Ferrone
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew J. Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel.: 857-307-3793 Fax: 617-278-6919, (A.J. Schoenfeld)
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Stienen MN, Maldaner N, Sosnova M, Zeitlberger AM, Ziga M, Weyerbrock A, Bozinov O, Gautschi OP. External Validation of the Timed Up and Go Test as Measure of Objective Functional Impairment in Patients With Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:E142-E149. [PMID: 33040156 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is the most commonly applied objective measure of functional impairment in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). OBJECTIVE To demonstrate external content validity of the TUG test. METHODS Consecutive adult patients, scheduled for elective lumbar spine surgery, were screened for enrollment into a prospective observational study. Disease severity was estimated by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; Visual Analog Scales [VAS], Core Outcome Measures Index [COMI] back, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire [ZCQ]) and the TUG test. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) were used to describe the relationship between logarithmic TUG test raw values and PROMs. RESULTS A total of 70 patients (mean age 55.9 ± 15.4 yr; 38.6% female; 27.1% previous spine surgery; 28.6% lower extremity motor deficits) with lumbar disc herniation (50%), lumbar spinal stenosis (34.3%), or instability requiring spinal fusion (15.7%) were included. The mean TUG test time was 10.8 ± 4.4 s; age- and sex-adjusted objective functional impairment (OFI) T-score was 134.2 ± 36.9. A total of 12 (17.1%) patients had mild, 14 (20%) moderate, and 9 (12.9%) severe OFI, while 35 (50%) had TUG test results within the normal population range (no OFI). PCCs between TUG test time and VAS back pain were r = 0.37 (P = .002), VAS leg pain r = 0.37 (P = .002), COMI back r = 0.50 (P < .001), ZCQ symptom severity r = 0.41 (P < .001), and ZCQ physical function r = 0.36 (P = .002). CONCLUSION This external validation demonstrated similar OFI rates and PCCs between logarithmic TUG test results and PROMs compared to the original article from 2016. These findings support the TUG test being a quick, easy-to-use objective test, which provides the physician with a robust estimate of pain and functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Nicolai Maldaner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marketa Sosnova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Anna M Zeitlberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Michal Ziga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Weyerbrock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bozinov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Oliver P Gautschi
- Neuro- and Spine Center, Hirslanden Clinic St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Maldaner N, Sosnova M, Zeitlberger AM, Ziga M, Gautschi OP, Regli L, Weyerbrock A, Stienen MN, _ _. Evaluation of the 6-minute walking test as a smartphone app-based self-measurement of objective functional impairment in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. J Neurosurg Spine 2020; 33:779-788. [DOI: 10.3171/2020.5.spine20547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEDigital transformation enables new possibilities to assess objective functional impairment (OFI) in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). This study examines the psychometric properties of an app-based 6-minute walking test (6WT) and determines OFI in patients with lumbar DDD.METHODSThe maximum 6-minute walking distance (6WD) was determined in patients with lumbar DDD. The results were expressed as raw 6WDs (in meters), as well as in standardized z-scores referenced to age- and sex-specific values of spine-healthy volunteers. The 6WT results were assessed for reliability and content validity using established disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures.RESULTSSeventy consecutive patients and 330 volunteers were enrolled. The mean 6WD was 370 m (SD 137 m) in patients with lumbar DDD. Significant correlations between 6WD and the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (r = −0.31), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) symptom severity (r = −0.32), ZCQ physical function (r = −0.33), visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain (r = −0.42), and VAS for leg pain (r = −0.32) were observed (all p < 0.05). The 6WT revealed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.82), and the standard error of measurement was 58.3 m. A 4-tier severity stratification classified patients with z-scores > −1 (no OFI), −1 to −1.9 (mild OFI), −2 to −2.9 (moderate OFI), and ≤ −3 (severe OFI).CONCLUSIONSThe smartphone app-based self-measurement of the 6WT is a convenient, reliable, and valid way to determine OFI in patients with lumbar DDD. The 6WT app facilitates the digital evaluation and monitoring of patients with lumbar DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Maldaner
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen; and
| | | | | | - Michal Ziga
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen; and
| | - Oliver P. Gautschi
- 3Neurological and Spine Center, Hirslanden Clinic St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Regli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
| | | | - Martin N. Stienen
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
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Maldaner N, Stienen MN. Subjective and Objective Measures of Symptoms, Function, and Outcome in Patients With Degenerative Spine Disease. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 72 Suppl 10:183-199. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.24210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Maldaner
- University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen St. Gallen Switzerland
| | - Martin Nikolaus Stienen
- University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Stanford University Hospital and Clinics Stanford California
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11
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Sosnova M, Zeitlberger AM, Ziga M, Gautschi OP, Weyerbrock A, Stienen MN, Maldaner N. Longitudinal smartphone-based self-assessment of objective functional impairment in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative disc disease: initial experience. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162:2061-2068. [PMID: 32405670 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04377-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide spread of smartphone usage enables new possibilities for longitudinal monitoring of objective functional impairment (OFI) in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). METHODS Three patients, undergoing elective surgery for lumbar DDD, self-assessed OFI using a recently validated 6-min walking test (6WT) smartphone application. Results are presented as raw 6-min walking distance (6WD) as well as in reference to age- and sex-specific healthy population reference values using standardized z-scores (number of standard deviations). In parallel, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including numeric rating scale (NRS) leg-pain and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) were obtained before (pre) and 6 weeks (6 W) as well as 3 months (3 M) after surgery. Descriptive analyses were used to compare PROMs with repeated 6WT measurements over time. The feasibility and benefits of the longitudinal OFI measurements using the 6WT app are discussed. RESULTS One patient presented a favorable outcome, reflected by a clinically meaningful improvement in PROMs. Correspondingly, the 6WT distance gradually improved above the normal population values ((pre 399 m (z-score - 1.96) vs. 6 W 494 m (- 0.85) vs. 3 M 557 m (- 0.1)). One patient experienced initial improvement at 6 W, followed by a decline in 6WD at 3 M which promoted further interventions with subsequent recovery ((358 m (z-score - 3.29) vs 440 m (- 2.2) vs 431 m (- 2.32) vs 471 m (- 1.78)). The last patient showed a lack of improvement in PROMs as well as in OFI (360 m (z-score 0.0) vs 401 m (0.30) vs 345 m (- 0.11)) resulting in secondary surgery. CONCLUSION The longitudinal assessment of OFI using the 6WT app was feasible and provided the physician with a detailed history of patients' postoperative walking capacity complementing commonly used PROMs.
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Corniola MV, Meling TR, Tessitore E. Enhanced recovery after spine surgery-a multinational survey assessing surgeons' perspectives. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2020; 162:1371-1377. [PMID: 32242271 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is the object of numerous publications in various surgical fields. Still, its value in spine surgery is not as recognized as it is in other surgical domains. Our aim was to report neurosurgeons' opinions about ERAS in spine surgery. METHODS From December 2019 to January 2020, members of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding ERAS in spine surgery. RESULTS N = 234 participants responded to the survey (60% spine neurosurgeons; 22.6% working in private practice). Thirty-two percent reported to have more than 20 years of experience, followed by surgeons having between 5 and 10 (27.4%), 10-15 (17.9%), 15-20 (12%), and 0-5 years (10.7%). Gender distribution (12% vs 27% female gender, p = 0.04), private practice activity (28% vs 14%, p = 0.01), familiarity with the ERAS concept (57.4% vs 27%, p < 0.0001), and its implementation in the daily clinical practice (47.5% vs 18.3%, p < 0.0001) were statistically different between spine and general neurosurgeons. 54.7% of the surgeons were unfamiliar with ERAS in spine surgery. 63.7% considered ERAS as a progress; 36% declared to implement ERAS in their daily clinical practice. 1.7% reported ERAS as a decrease in the quality of management. 6.8% considered ERAS as not having an impact on patient care; 27.8% had no opinion. There were no differences in opinion on ERAS and its implementation between surgeons working in private and public hospitals. 69.5% of the spine surgeons considered ERAS having a positive impact on patient management, versus 55% of non-spine surgeons (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Efforts are necessary to promote minimal invasive pre-, intra-, and postoperative workflow to improve patient management and reduce complications or side effects particularly adapted to spinal surgery. Specificities of spine patients, in terms of chronic pain, pre- and postoperative pain management, and psychological issues have to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco V Corniola
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Torstein R Meling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Enrico Tessitore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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Tosic L, Goldberger E, Maldaner N, Sosnova M, Zeitlberger AM, Staartjes VE, Gadjradj PS, Eversdijk HAJ, Quddusi A, Gandía-González ML, Sayadi JJ, Desai A, Regli L, Gautschi OP, Stienen MN. Normative data of a smartphone app-based 6-minute walking test, test-retest reliability, and content validity with patient-reported outcome measures. J Neurosurg Spine 2020; 33:480-489. [PMID: 32470938 DOI: 10.3171/2020.3.spine2084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The 6-minute walking test (6WT) is used to determine restrictions in a subject's 6-minute walking distance (6WD) due to lumbar degenerative disc disease. To facilitate simple and convenient patient self-measurement, a free and reliable smartphone app using Global Positioning System coordinates was previously designed. The authors aimed to determine normative values for app-based 6WD measurements. METHODS The maximum 6WD was determined three times using app-based measurement in a sample of 330 volunteers without previous spine surgery or current spine-related disability, recruited at 8 centers in 5 countries (mean subject age 44.2 years, range 16-91 years; 48.5% male; mean BMI 24.6 kg/m2, range 16.3-40.2 kg/m2; 67.9% working; 14.2% smokers). Subjects provided basic demographic information, including comorbidities and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): visual analog scale (VAS) for both low-back and lower-extremity pain, Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and subjective walking distance and duration. The authors determined the test-retest reliability across three measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], standard error of measurement [SEM], and mean 6WD [95% CI]) stratified for age and sex, and content validity (linear regression coefficients) between 6WD and PROMs. RESULTS The ICC for repeated app-based 6WD measurements was 0.89 (95% CI 0.87-0.91, p < 0.001) and the SEM was 34 meters. The overall mean 6WD was 585.9 meters (95% CI 574.7-597.0 meters), with significant differences across age categories (p < 0.001). The 6WD was on average about 32 meters less in females (570.5 vs 602.2 meters, p = 0.005). There were linear correlations between average 6WD and VAS back pain, VAS leg pain, COMI Back and COMI subscores of pain intensity and disability, ZCQ symptom severity, ZCQ physical function, and ZCQ pain and neuroischemic symptoms subscores, as well as with subjective walking distance and duration, indicating that subjects with higher pain, higher disability, and lower subjective walking capacity had significantly lower 6WD (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides normative data for app-based 6WD measurements in a multicenter sample from 8 institutions and 5 countries. These values can now be used as reference to compare 6WT results and quantify objective functional impairment in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine using z-scores. The authors found a good to excellent test-retest reliability of the 6WT app, a low area of uncertainty, and high content validity of the average 6WD with commonly used PROMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazar Tosic
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elior Goldberger
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolai Maldaner
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marketa Sosnova
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Anna M Zeitlberger
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Victor E Staartjes
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pravesh S Gadjradj
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ayesha Quddusi
- 5Center for Neuroscience, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jamasb Joshua Sayadi
- 7Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California; and
| | - Atman Desai
- 7Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California; and
| | - Luca Regli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver P Gautschi
- 8Neuro and Spine Center, Hirslanden Clinic St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Martin N Stienen
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- 7Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California; and
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Stienen MN, Rezaii PG, Ho AL, Veeravagu A, Zygourakis CC, Tomkins-Lane C, Park J, Ratliff JK, Desai AM. Objective activity tracking in spine surgery: a prospective feasibility study with a low-cost consumer grade wearable accelerometer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4939. [PMID: 32188895 PMCID: PMC7080733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to estimate disability of patients with spinal degenerative disease. Emerging technological advances present an opportunity to provide objective measurements of activity. In a prospective, observational study we utilized a low-cost consumer grade wearable accelerometer (LCA) to determine patient activity (steps per day) preoperatively (baseline) and up to one year (Y1) after cervical and lumbar spine surgery. We studied 30 patients (46.7% male; mean age 57 years; 70% Caucasian) with a baseline activity level of 5624 steps per day. The activity level decreased by 71% in the 1st postoperative week (p < 0.001) and remained 37% lower in the 2nd (p < 0.001) and 23% lower in the 4th week (p = 0.015). At no time point until Y1 did patients increase their activity level, compared to baseline. Activity was greater in patients with cervical, as compared to patients with lumbar spine disease. Age, sex, ethnic group, anesthesia risk score and fusion were variables associated with activity. There was no correlation between activity and PROMs, but a strong correlation with depression. Determining activity using LCAs provides real-time and longitudinal information about patient mobility and return of function. Recovery took place over the first eight postoperative weeks, with subtle improvement afterwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Paymon G Rezaii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Allen L Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Anand Veeravagu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Corinna C Zygourakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Christy Tomkins-Lane
- Wearable Health Lab, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jon Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - John K Ratliff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Atman M Desai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
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15
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Klukowska AM, Schröder ML, Stienen MN, Staartjes VE. Objective functional impairment in lumbar degenerative disease: concurrent validity of the baseline severity stratification for the five-repetition sit-to-stand test. J Neurosurg Spine 2020; 33:4-11. [PMID: 32084632 DOI: 10.3171/2019.12.spine191124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test provides a new dimension of clinical assessment by capturing objective functional impairment (OFI). Through the utilization of data from two prospective studies, the authors sought to evaluate the concurrent validity of the proposed 5R-STS baseline severity stratification (BSS) for OFI with the following levels based on time to completion in seconds: none, ≤ 10.4; mild, 10.5-15.2; moderate, 15.3-22.0; and severe, > 22.0 seconds. METHODS Patients with degenerative diseases of the spine performed the 5R-STS test and completed visual analog scales (VASs) for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and EQ-5D questionnaires. The degree of OFI severity was assessed based on the previously proposed BSS, and its association with patient-reported scales was evaluated using ANOVA as well as crude and adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS Our sample included 240 patients, of whom 101 exhibited no OFI, whereas 80, 34, and 25 were judged to have mild, moderate, and severe OFI, respectively. A higher baseline severity was strongly associated with loss of working ability (p < 0.001), as well as results of all patient-reported scales (p ≤ 0.001), with the exception of the VAS for leg pain (p = 0.556). Crude and adjusted regression analyses corroborated these findings, although only patients with moderate and severe OFI as judged by using the 5R-STS BSS demonstrated clinically relevant differences compared with patients without OFI. CONCLUSIONS The degree of OFI-based on the 5R-STS BSS-is strongly associated with measures of back pain, subjective functional impairment, and health-related quality of life. However, leg pain severity is not reflected within the dimension of OFI measured by the 5R-STS. The proposed BSS appears to be a concurrently valid and clinically relevant measure of OFI in patients with degenerative spinal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Klukowska
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- 2School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marc L Schröder
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin N Stienen
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Victor E Staartjes
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; and
- 4Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; and Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Stienen MN, Maldaner N, Sosnova M, Joswig H, Corniola MV, Regli L, Hildebrandt G, Schaller K, Gautschi OP. Lower Extremity Motor Deficits Are Underappreciated in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Added Value of Objective Outcome Measures. Neurospine 2020; 17:270-280. [PMID: 32054148 PMCID: PMC7136100 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1938368.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The patient-reported outcome measure (PROM)-based evaluation in lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) is today’s gold standard but has limitations. We studied the impact of lower extremity motor deficits (LEMDs) on PROMs and a new objective outcome measure.
Methods We evaluated patients with lumbar DDD from a prospective 2-center database. LEMDs were graded according to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC; 5 [normal] –0 [no movement]). The PROM-based evaluation included pain (visual analogue scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] & Roland-Morris Disability Index [RMDI]), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short-Form 12 physical component summary/mental component summary & EuroQol-5D index). Objective functional impairment (OFI) was determined as age- and sex-adjusted Timed-Up and Go (TUG) test value.
Results One hundred five of 375 patients (28.0%) had a LEMD. Patients with LEMD had slightly higher disability (ODI: 52.8 vs. 48.2, p = 0.025; RMDI: 12.6 vs. 11.3, p = 0.034) but similar pain and HRQoL scores. OFI T-scores were significantly higher in patients with LEMD (144.2 vs. 124.3, p = 0.006). When comparing patients with high- (BMRC 0–2) vs. low-grade LEMD (BMRC 3–4), no difference was evident for the PROM-based evaluation (all p > 0.05) but patients with high-grade LEMD had markedly higher OFI T-scores (280.9 vs. 136.0, p = 0.001). Patients with LEMD had longer TUG test times and OFI T-scores than matched controls without LEMDs.
Conclusion Our data suggest that PROMs fail to sufficiently account for LEMD-associated disability, which is common and oftentimes bothersome to patients. The objective functional evaluation with the TUG test appears to be more sensitive to LEMD-associated disability. An objective functional evaluation of patients with LEMD appears reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Nikolaus Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolai Maldaner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marketa Sosnova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Holger Joswig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ernst von Bergmann Hospital, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marco Vincenzo Corniola
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luca Regli
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Hildebrandt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Karl Schaller
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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Stienen MN, Gautschi OP, Staartjes VE, Maldaner N, Sosnova M, Ho AL, Veeravagu A, Desai A, Zygourakis CC, Park J, Regli L, Ratliff JK. Reliability of the 6-minute walking test smartphone application. J Neurosurg Spine 2019; 31:786-793. [PMID: 31518975 DOI: 10.3171/2019.6.spine19559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Objective functional measures such as the 6-minute walking test (6WT) are increasingly applied to evaluate patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine before and after (surgical) treatment. However, the traditional 6WT is cumbersome to apply, as it requires specialized in-hospital infrastructure and personnel. The authors set out to compare 6-minute walking distance (6WD) measurements obtained with a newly developed smartphone application (app) and those obtained with the gold-standard distance wheel (DW). METHODS The authors developed a free iOS- and Android-based smartphone app that allows patients to measure the 6WD in their home environment using global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. In a laboratory setting, the authors obtained 6WD measurements over a range of smartphone models, testing environments, and walking patterns and speeds. The main outcome was the relative measurement error (rME; in percent of 6WD), with |rME| < 7.5% defined as reliable. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for agreement between app- and DW-based 6WD was calculated. RESULTS Measurements (n = 406) were reliable with all smartphone types in neighborhood, nature, and city environments (without high buildings), as well as with unspecified, straight, continuous, and stop-and-go walking patterns (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.97-0.98, p < 0.001). Measurements were unreliable indoors, in city areas with high buildings, and for predominantly rectangular walking courses. Walking speed had an influence on the ME, with worse accuracy (2% higher rME) for every kilometer per hour slower walking pace (95% CI 1.4%-2.5%, p < 0.001). Mathematical adjustment of the app-based 6WD for velocity-dependent error mitigated the rME (p < 0.011), attenuated velocity dependence (p = 0.362), and had a positive effect on accuracy (ICC = 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The new, free, spine-specific 6WT smartphone app measures the 6WD conveniently by using GPS coordinates, empowering patients to independently determine their functional status before and after (surgical) treatment. Measurements of 6WD obtained for the target population under the recommended circumstances are highly reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Stienen
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Oliver P Gautschi
- 3Neurological and Spinal Surgery Centre, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Lucerne; and
| | - Victor E Staartjes
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolai Maldaner
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marketa Sosnova
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Allen L Ho
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Anand Veeravagu
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Atman Desai
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Corinna C Zygourakis
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Jon Park
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
| | - Luca Regli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John K Ratliff
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California
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Objective measures of functional impairment for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine: a systematic review of the literature. Spine J 2019; 19:1276-1293. [PMID: 30831316 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The accurate determination of a patient's functional status is necessary for therapeutic decision-making and to critically appraise treatment efficacy. Current subjective patient-reported outcome measure (PROM)-based assessments have limitations and can be complimented by objective measures of function. PURPOSE To systematically review the literature and provide an overview on the available objective measures of function for patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Systematic review of the literature. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for permutations of the words "objective," "assessment," "function," "lumbar," and "spine" including articles on human subjects with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine that reported on objective measures of function, published until September 2018. Risk of bias was not assessed. No funding was received. The authors report no conflicts of interest. RESULTS Of 2,389 identified articles, 82 were included in the final analysis. There was a significant increase of 0.12 per year in the number of publications dealing with objective measures of function since 1989 (95% CI 0.08-0.16, p<.001). Some publications studied multiple diagnoses and objective measures. The United States was the leading nation in terms of scientific output for objective outcome measures (n=21; 25.6%), followed by Switzerland (n=17; 20.7%), Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom (each n=6; 7.3%). Our search revealed 21 different types of objective measures, predominantly applied to patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (n=67 publications; 81.7%), chronic/unspecific low back pain (n=28; 34.2%) and lumbar disc herniation (n=22; 26.8%). The Timed-Up-and-Go test was the most frequently applied measure (n=26 publications; 31.7%; cumulative number of reported subjects: 5,181), followed by the Motorized Treadmill Test (n=25 publications; 30.5%, 1,499 subjects) and with each n=9 publications (11.0%) the Five-Repetition Sit-To-Stand test (955 subjects), as well as accelerometry analyses (336 subjects). The reliability and validity of many of the less-applied objective measures was uncertain. There was profound heterogeneity in their application and interpretation of results. CONCLUSIONS Clinical studies on patients with lumbar degenerative diseases increasingly employ objective measures of function, which offer high potential for improving the quality of outcome measurement in patient-care and research. This review provides an overview on available options. Our findings call for an agreement and standardization in terms of test selection, conduction and analysis to facilitate comparison of results across cohorts. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019122622.
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Stienen MN, Maldaner N, Joswig H, Corniola MV, Bellut D, Prömmel P, Regli L, Weyerbrock A, Schaller K, Gautschi OP. Objective functional assessment using the “Timed Up and Go” test in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 46:E4. [DOI: 10.3171/2019.2.focus18618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standard of care for the assessment of functional impairment. Subjective outcome measures are increasingly complemented by objective ones, such as the “Timed Up and Go” (TUG) test. Currently, only a few studies report pre- and postoperative TUG test assessments in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).METHODSA prospective two-center database was reviewed to identify patients with LSS who underwent lumbar decompression with or without fusion. The subjective functional status was estimated using PROMs for pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Index [RMDI] and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Summary [SF-12 PCS] and the EQ-5D) preoperatively, as well as on postoperative day 3 (D3) and week 6 (W6). Objective functional impairment (OFI) was measured using age- and sex-standardized TUG test results.RESULTSSixty-four patients (n = 32 [50%] male, mean age 66.8 ± 11.7 years) were included. Preoperatively, they reported a mean VAS back pain score of 4.1 ± 2.7, VAS leg pain score of 5.4 ± 2.7, RMDI of 10.4 ± 5.3, ODI of 41.9 ± 16.2, SF-12 PCS score of 32.7 ± 8.3, and an EQ-5D index of 0.517 ± 0.226. The preoperative rates of severe, moderate, and mild OFI were 4.7% (n = 3), 12.5% (n = 8), and 7.8% (n = 5), respectively, and the mean OFI T-score was 116.3 ± 23.7. At W6, 60 (93.8%) of 64 patients had a TUG test result within the normal population range (no OFI); 3 patients (4.7%) had mild and 1 patient (1.6%) severe OFI. The mean W6 OFI T-score was significantly decreased (103.1 ± 13.6; p < 0.001). Correspondingly, the PROMs showed a decrease in subjective VAS back pain (1.6 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) and leg pain (1.0 ± 1.8, p < 0.001) scores, disability (RMDI 5.3 ± 4.7, p < 0.001; ODI 21.3 ± 16.1, p < 0.001), and increase in HRQoL (SF-12 PCS 40.1 ± 8.3, p < 0.001; EQ-5D 0.737 ± 0.192, p < 0.001) at W6. The W6 responder status (clinically meaningful improvement) ranged between 81.3% (VAS leg pain) and 29.7% (EQ-5D index) of patients.CONCLUSIONSThe TUG test is a quick and easily applicable tool that reliably measures OFI in patients with LSS. Objective tests incorporating longer walking time should be considered if OFI is suspected but fails to be proven by the TUG test, taking into account that neurogenic claudication may not clinically manifest during the brief TUG examination. Objective tests do not replace the subjective PROM-based assessment, but add valuable information to a comprehensive patient evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N. Stienen
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
| | | | - Holger Joswig
- 3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva; and
| | - Marco V. Corniola
- 3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva; and
| | - David Bellut
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
| | - Peter Prömmel
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen
| | - Luca Regli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich
| | | | - Karl Schaller
- 3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva; and
| | - Oliver P. Gautschi
- 3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurosurgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva; and
- 4Neuro- and Spine Center, Hirslanden Clinic St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Can objective functional impairment in lumbar degenerative disease be reliably assessed at home using the five-repetition sit-to-stand test? A prospective study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2019; 28:665-673. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-019-05897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Staartjes VE, Schröder ML. The five-repetition sit-to-stand test: evaluation of a simple and objective tool for the assessment of degenerative pathologies of the lumbar spine. J Neurosurg Spine 2018; 29:380-387. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.2.spine171416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVERecently, objective functional tests have generated interest since they can supplement an objective dimension to clinical assessment. The five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test is a quick and objective tool that tests movements frequently used in everyday life. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 5R-STS test in patients with degenerative pathologies of the lumbar spine.METHODSPatients and healthy volunteers completed the standardized 5R-STS, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and EQ-5D for health-related quality of life (HRQOL). To assess convergent validity, the 5R-STS test times were correlated with these questionnaires.RESULTSOverall, 157 patients and 80 volunteers were enrolled. Direct correlation with RMDQ (r = 0.49), ODI (r = 0.44), and VAS for back pain (r = 0.31) and indirect correlation with the EQ-5D index (r = −0.41) were observed (p < 0.001). The 5R-STS test showed no correlation with VAS for leg pain and EQ-5D VAS (p > 0.05). In 119 individuals, the 5R-STS test demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. The upper limit of normal, distinguishing patients with and without objective functional impairment, was identified as 10.35 seconds. A severity stratification classified patients with test times of 10.5–15.2, 15.3–22.0, or greater than 22.0 seconds as having mild, moderate, or severe functional impairment, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe 5R-STS test is a simple and effective tool to describe objective functional impairment. A patient able to perform the test in 10.4 seconds can be considered to have no relevant objective functional impairment.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT03303300 (clinicaltrials.gov)
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E. Staartjes
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
- 2Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc L. Schröder
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergman Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
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Stienen MN, Joswig H, Chau I, Neidert MC, Bellut D, Wälchli T, Schaller K, Gautschi OP. Efficacy of intraoperative epidural triamcinolone application in lumbar microdiscectomy: a matched-control study. J Neurosurg Spine 2018; 28:291-299. [DOI: 10.3171/2017.6.spine161372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether the intraoperative application of an epidural steroid (ES) on the decompressed nerve root improves short- and midterm subjective and objective clinical outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy.METHODSThis study was a retrospective analysis of a 2-center database including consecutive cases in which patients underwent lumbar microdiscectomy. All patients who received ES application (40 mg triamcinolone, ES group) were matched by age and sex to patients who had not received ES application (control group). Objective functional impairment (OFI) was determined using age- and sex-adjusted T-scores of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Back and leg pain (visual analog scale), functional impairment (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Roland-Morris Disability Index [RMDI], and health-related quality of life (hrQoL; 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12] physical component summary [PSC] score and EuroQol [EQ-5D index]) were measured at baseline, on postoperative day 3, and at postoperative week 6.RESULTSFifty-three patients who received ES application were matched with 101 controls. There were no baseline demographic or disease-specific differences between the study groups, and preoperative pain, functional impairment, and hrQoL were similar. On postoperative day 3, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (mean 7.4 vs 10.3, p = 0.003) and higher hrQoL as determined by the SF-12 PCS (36.5 vs 32.7, p = 0.004). At week 6, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (3.6 vs 5.7, p = 0.050) and on the ODI by trend (17.0 vs 24.4, p = 0.056); better hrQoL, determined by the SF-12 PCS (44.3 vs 39.9, p = 0.018); and lower OFI (TUG test T-score 100.5 vs 110.2, p = 0.005). The week 6 responder status based on the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was similar in the ES and control groups for each metric. The rates and severity of complications were similar, with a 3.8% and 4.0% reoperation rate in the ES group and control group, respectively (p = 0.272). There was a tendency for shorter hospitalization in the ES group (5.0 vs 5.8 days, p = 0.066).CONCLUSIONSIntraoperative ES application on the decompressed nerve root is an effective adjunct treatment that may lower subjective and objective functional impairment and increase hrQoL in the short and intermediate term after lumbar microdiscectomy. However, group differences were lower than the commonly accepted MCIDs for each metric, indicating that the effect size of the benefit is limited.■ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: therapeutic; study design: retrospective cohort trial; evidence: Class II.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Joswig
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen; and
| | - Ivan Chau
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen; and
| | | | - David Bellut
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zürich
| | - Thomas Wälchli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zürich
- 3Department of Neurosurgery and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Schaller
- 3Department of Neurosurgery and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oliver P. Gautschi
- 3Department of Neurosurgery and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
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UniversitätsSpital Zürich: 80 years of neurosurgical patient care in Switzerland. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018; 160:3-22. [PMID: 29134341 PMCID: PMC5735218 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-017-3357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The predecessor of today’s Department of Neurosurgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich (USZ), was founded 80 years ago as the first independent Swiss clinic dedicated to neurosurgical patient care. On the occasion of this anniversary, we aimed to highlight the history of neurosurgery as a specialty at the USZ, and to put it into the historical context of Swiss and European Neurosurgery. Method A literature review was conducted and we searched the archives of the USZ and the city of Zurich, as well as those of Swiss journals to extract relevant published articles, books, historical reports and pictures. The USZ Department of Medical History, the Museum of Medical History and the Swiss National Library were contacted to provide source material. To further verify the content, (emeritus) faculty from the USZ and external experts on the history of Swiss neurosurgery reviewed the manuscript. Results Surgeries of the head and spine had occasionally been conducted in Zurich by the general surgeons, Rudolf Ulrich Krönlein and Paul Clairmont, before an independent neurosurgical clinic was founded by Hugo Krayenbühl on 6 July 1937. This was the first Swiss department dedicated to neurosurgical patient care. Besides providing high-quality medicine for both the local and wider population, the department was chaired by eminent leaders of neurosurgery, who influenced the scientific and clinical neurosurgery of their time. As such, it has long been regarded as one of the top teaching and research hospitals in Switzerland and in Europe. Conclusions On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, we have performed an in-depth review of its development, successes and challenges, with a special focus on the early decades. Reflecting on the past, we have identified common denominators of success in neurosurgery that remain valid today. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-017-3357-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Zur exakten Erfassung von Schmerzen, funktionellen Einschränkungen und gesundheitsbezogener Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit degenerativen Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen existiert eine Reihe validierter Messinstrumente. Neben der Beurteilung durch den Therapeuten sowie «subjektiven» patientenorientierten Messmethoden (PROMs) wurde in den vergangenen Jahren der «Timed Up and Go»(TUG)-Test systematisch untersucht und als krankheitsspezifisches Messinstrument validiert. Heute kann eine objektive funktionelle Einschränkung (OFI = Objective Functional Impairment) in wenigen Sekunden und kostenfrei mithilfe einer Smartphone-Applikation bestimmt werden. Die Bestimmung von Z- oder T-Werten, die TUG-Testergebnisse in Relation zur Populationsnorm setzen, ermöglichen eine alters- und geschlechtsadjustierte Ergebnisinterpretation. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst die aktuellen Erkenntnisse zu objektiven Messmethoden bei degenerativen Wirbelsäulenpathologien inklusive deren Vor- und Nachteile zusammen und vergleicht sie mit den bisherigen Beurteilungsmethoden für funktionelle Outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Bellut
- 1 Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich
| | - Luca Regli
- 1 Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich
| | - Oliver N Hausmann
- 2 Neuro- und Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Luzern
| | - Oliver P Gautschi
- 2 Neuro- und Wirbelsäulenzentrum, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Luzern
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