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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. This large prospective study showed that surgical treatment for spinal metastases significantly improved the HRQOL.