Background: We conducted a systematic evaluation of neurological, functional, quality of life and pain
outcomes of patients who underwent spine surgery in our neurosurgery unit using patient reported outcome
(PRO) assessment tools.
Methods: The study was performed by assessing outcome of all the patients who underwent spine surgery
at our department in a cross-sectional fashion using a 5-year operative database. This was an all-inclusive
spine outcome study with 2 main groups; a trauma group composed of spinal cord injured patients and a
non-trauma group composed of patients with spinal degenerative diseases, spinal tumors, deformity,
infection, and vascular malformations.
Results: Our analysis included 197 patients who met inclusion criteria for the study. The overall study
population was mainly dominated by spinal cord injured patients and spinal degenerative disease patients;
34 % and 60.9 % respectively. The average age was 42 years (range: 15-78 years) with patients in the trauma
group being substantially younger than the rest of the cohort. Eighty five percent of trauma patients
presented with spinal cord injury causing neurological deficit, of which 58% had no preservation of motor
function below the level of injury; ASIA IS A and B (35.8% and 22% respectively). Additionally, 68% of
patients in the non-trauma group underwent surgery with severe disability. Overall, 60% of all trauma
patients showed improvement of their neurological status as per ASIA IS. Of note, 40% of patients with
preoperative ASIA IS B and 8% of patients with preoperative ASIA IS A gained full neurological recovery
postoperatively (ASIA IS E). Using the Core outcome measurement Index (COMI) from patient’s
perspective, 78.6% of patients reported to have no pain significant enough to make them stop their normal
daily activities. Rate of overall return to work (RTW) in the non-trauma group was 77% with 52% of patients
being fully functional without condition-related work interruptions.
Conclusion: Careful selection of patients for surgery is key for good outcome of patients undergoing spine
surgery. In contradiction to most other patients’ groups, patients with severe disability with spinal
degenerative conditions might benefit most from surgery. Postoperative outcome of spinal cord injured
patients with severe neurological deficits might be better than commonly believed. Controlled prospective
data is likely to draw stronger conclusions.
Long-Term Systematic Outcome Assessment of Patients Following Spine Surgery in Rwanda: The Use of Patient Reported Outcome Tools