VOLUME

To use the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Euro Quality of Life (EuroQol) as pre-screening assessment tools to improve surgery outcomes for patients with spinal disorders.

Prior to surgical intervention, 223 (out of 311 lumbar spine) patients who were eventually treated with surgery at Bangkok Spine Academy between August 2010 and June 2011, filled out the above mentioned questionnaires pre-operatively. ODI and EuroQol were used to assess their mobility, activities, pain, anxiety etc., which could help better determine their spine disability together with their medical history and physical examination.

Mobility: Pre-operative 157 (92.9%) had problems, 12 (7.1%) had no problems. Self-care: Pre-operative 97 (57.4%) had problems, 72 (42.6%) had no problems. Usual activities: Pre-operative 157 (92.9%) had problems, 12 (7.1%) had no problems.Pain/discomfort: Pre-operative 167 (98.82%) had problems, 2 (1.18%) had no problems. Anxiety/depression: Pre-operative 137 (81.07%) had problems, 32 (18.93%) had no problems.

All patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of low back pain were found to be having significant disability and restrictions in their lives; using the pre-operative ODI and EuroQol measurements they could be categorized as having moderate to severe disability.

Back surgery, Lumbar spine surgery, Oswestry Disability Index, Euro Quality of life

10.31524/bkkmedj.2012.02.005