Use of hypnosis preoperatively for surgery of the spine: Pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypnosis is a technique requiring no drugs that acts during the three phases of surgery, reducing stress at the pre-surgical phase and the adminstration of anesthetic drugs during the intraoperative phase, as well as leading to improved management of postoperative pain and quality of life management. MATERIAL ET METHOD: We carried out a retrospective study of 46 patients operated on for herniated disc or one or two-level laminectomy without arthrodesis. All patients benefited from a preoperative hypnosis session and completed a questionnaire about their possible concerns. The day after surgery, patients completed a second questionnaire on their postoperative experience following hypnosis. RESULTATS: Our results indicate that this technique had a positive impact on the management of preoperative stress (80% of patients) and on postoperative quality of life (48% of patients). Pain measured by decreased from 4.8/10 preoperatively to 0.9/10 postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with previous findings in the literature as to the positive contribution of this technique in the management of preoperative stress and patient quality of life. Further studies are however required involving considerably larger cohorts and more extensive surgeries to confirm the effect of this technique on management of anesthesia and pain in spine surgery.

Evaluation of Health-related Quality of Life Improvement in Patients Undergoing Spine Versus Adult Reconstructive Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of outcomes in single-level spine and primary hip and knee arthroplasty patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare baseline and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing spine surgery procedures with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to further define outcomes in orthopedic surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Computer-adaptive Patient Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS) allows for standardized assessment of the health-related quality of life across different disease states. METHODS: Patients who underwent spine surgery (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, cervical disc replacement, lumbar laminectomy, microscopic lumbar discectomy, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or adult reconstruction surgery [THA, TKA]) were grouped. Mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Baseline (BL), and 6-month PROMIS scores of physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity were determined. Paired t tests compared differences in CCI, BL, 6 months, and change in PROMIS scores for spine and adult reconstruction procedures. RESULTS: A total of 304 spine surgery patients (age = 58.1 ±â€Š15.6; 42.9% female) and 347 adult reconstruction patients (age = 62.9 ±â€Š11.8; 54.1% Female) were compared. Spine surgery groups had more disability and pain at baseline than adult reconstruction patients according to physical function ([21.0, 22.2, 9.07, 12.6, 10.4] vs. [35.8, 35.0], respectively, P < 0.01), pain interference ([80.1, 74.1, 89.6, 92.5, 90.6] vs. [64.0, 63.9], respectively, P < 0.01), and pain intensity ([53.0, 53.1, 58.3, 58.5, 56.1] vs. [53.4, 53.8], respectively, P < 0.01). At 6 months, spine surgery patients remained more disabled and had more pain compared to adult reconstruction patients. Over the 6-month timespan, spine patients experienced greater improvements than adult reconstruction patients in terms of physical function ([+8.7, +22.2, +9.7, +12.9, +12.1] vs. [+5.3, +3.9], respectively, P < 0.01) and pain interference scores ([-15.4,-28.1, -14.7, -13.1, -12.3] vs. [-8.3, -6.0], respectively, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Spinal surgery patients had lower BL and 6-month PROMIS scores, but greater relative improvement in PROMIS scores compared to adult reconstruction patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Etiological analysis, preventional and therapeutical strategies for the unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the causes of unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression surgery and describe the overhauling strategies and precaution. METHODS: The clinical data of 14 patients required revision surgery were retrospectively analyzed, and these patients with unsatisfied effects were due to cervical posterior decompression surgery from January 2012 to December 2014. Overhauling reasons were analyzed and then different revision procedures were performed. The functions of cervical cord and ambulation were evaluated respectively by modified Japanese Orthopedic Association(mJOA) score and Nurick grade according to the course order:preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up. Improvement rate of nerves function were calculated before and after operation for the first time, before and after revision. Above data were statistically analyzed by SPSS16.0 software. RESULTS: Reoperation reasons including 2 patients with the insufficiency width of laminectomy, 2 patients with the inadequate length of decompression, 2 patients with nerve root and spinal cord compression caused by fractured collapse, 4 patients with closed the door of vertebral lamina, 1 patient with less open-door angle, 2 patiens with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (1 case complicated with close the door), 2 patients with cervical spine kyphotic deformity aggravating (1 case complicated with close the door), 1 patient with nerve root canal stenosis caused by uncovertebral joint hyperplasia. Preoperative for the first time, pre-revision and at final follow-up, mJOA scores were 11.89±1.67, 13.11±1.09, 15.61±0.59, and Nurick grades were 4.21±0.58, 3.57±0.51, 1.71±0.47, respectively. There was significant difference between final follow-up and preoperative for the first time, pre-revision(P<0.05). Improvement rate of nerve function was (22.33±9.49)% with bad before and after operation for the first time, and (64.60±9.88)% with good before and after revision, with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individualized revision surgery based on different causes for unsatisfied cervical posterior decompression can improve the function of spinal cord. Preoperative carefully analyzing the etiological factors, thoroughly decompression can reduce the revision rate.

Association Between Baseline Affective Disorders and 30-Day Readmission Rates in Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing understanding of the prevalence and impact of affective disorders on perception of health status in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. However, the role of these disorders in early readmission is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of psychiatric comorbidities on 30-day all-cause readmissions after elective spine surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 400 patients undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed, of which 107 patients had comprehensive 1- and 2-year patient-reported outcomes data. We identified all unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The prevalence of affective disorders, such as depression and anxiety, were also assessed. All-cause readmissions within 30 days of discharge was the primary outcome variable. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Approximately 6% of patients in this study were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The rate of readmission was 3-fold more for individuals with a psychiatric comorbidity compared with those without a psychiatric comorbidity (10.34% vs. 3.84%, P = 0.03). In a univariate analysis, race, body mass index, gender, patient age, smoking, diabetes, and fusion levels were associated with increased 30-day readmission rates. However, in a multivariate logistic regression model, depression was an independent predictor of readmission within 30 days of discharge. In addition, there was no significant difference in baseline, 1- and 2-year patient-reported outcomes measures between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that psychologic disorders, like depression and anxiety, are independently associated with higher all-cause 30-day readmission rates after elective spine surgery.

[Intraoperative stress in orthopaedic spine surgery : Attending surgeon versus resident]. / Intraoperativer Stress bei Wirbelsäuleneingriffen : Operateur vs. Assistent.

INTRODUCTION: Requirements for orthopaedic spine surgeons include occupational skills, concentration, physical fitness and psychological stress resistance, depending on the attending surgeon's or the resident's position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study measured and evaluated stress-relevant cardiovascular parameters during 101 spinal surgical procedures of a 40-year old fellowship-trained spine surgeon with 12 years of practice. A training computer, personal scales and a thermometer were used to record the duration of surgery, heart rate, weight loss and calorie burning. RESULTS: The average maximum heart rate as an attending surgeon (124 bpm) was significantly higher than the resident's heart rate (99 bmp). A higher stress level resulted in an increasingly higher average maximum heart rate according to the duration of surgery. The mean loss of body fluids at an average room temperature of 20.4 C after surgery was 0.82 kg (0 to 2.3 kg). The mean loss of body weight was calculated as 1.12% of the attending surgeon versus 0.59% of the resident. DISCUSSION: Increasing complexity, longer duration and a higher potential of intraoperative complications arouse a strong response from the attending surgeon. The observed cardiovascular parameters are similar to those of a moderate to intense workout such as cycling. Long lasting surgeries result in a weight loss equivalent to a mild dehydration ranging from 2 to 5% of body fluids. Increasing dehydration will eventually worsen cognitive, visual and motor skills. Results of this study suggest early rehydration and utilization of mental relaxation techniques to minimize risks during prolonged, complex spine surgeries.

Preoperative anxiety about spinal surgery under general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: No study has investigated preoperative anxiety about spinal surgery under general anesthesia. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine how many patients have preoperative anxiety about spinal surgery and general anesthesia, (2) to evaluate the level of anxiety, (3) to identify patient factors potentially associated with the level of anxiety, and (4) to describe the characteristics of the anxiety that patients experience during the perioperative period. METHODS: This study was performed in 175 consecutive patients undergoing laminectomy for lumbar stenosis or discectomy for herniated nucleus pulposus under general anesthesia. Demographic data, information related to surgery, and characteristics of anxiety were obtained using a questionnaire. The level of anxiety was assessed using a visual analog scale of anxiety (VAS-anxiety). Patient factors potentially associated with the level of anxiety were investigated using multiple stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 157 patients finally included in this study, 137 (87%) had preoperative anxiety (VAS-anxiety > 0). The mean VAS-anxiety score for spinal surgery was significantly higher than that for general anesthesia (4.6 ± 3.0 vs. 3.2 ± 2.7; P < 0.001). Sex and age were significant patient factors related to the level of anxiety about spinal surgery (P = 0.009) and general anesthesia (P = 0.018); female patients had a higher level of anxiety about spinal surgery, and elderly patients had a higher level of anxiety about general anesthesia. The most helpful factors in overcoming anxiety before surgery and in reducing anxiety after surgery were faith in the medical staff (48.9 %) and surgeon's explanation of the surgery performed (72.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients awaiting laminectomy or discectomy feared spinal surgery more than general anesthesia. This study also found that medical staff and surgeons play important roles in overcoming and reducing patient anxiety during the perioperative period.

Change in quality of life, disability, and well-being after decompressive surgery: results from a longitudinal study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate quality of life (QoL), disability, and psychological well-being (PWB) in patients with disc herniation and stenosis before and after decompressive surgery and to investigate factors associated with an improvement in the postoperative disability level. An observational longitudinal study was carried out to collect preoperative and postoperative data on QoL, disability, and PWB using European Health Interview Survey-Quality of Life (EUROHIS-QoL), WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, second version (WHODAS-II), and Psychological General Well-Being Index-Short (PGWB-S) questionnaires. Friedman's analysis of variance was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative test scores, whereas a one-sample t-test was calculated to compare the mean test scores with the general population. A hierarchical logistic regression was developed to investigate the association between the change in the disability level after surgery, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and preoperative test scores. Complete data were available for 55 patients. PGWB-S and WHODAS-II scores improved significantly (P=0.004 and 0.003), even if the disability level remained high after surgery. The logistic regression showed that patients with worse preoperative WHODAS-II scores had higher odds achieving improvement in their disability level after surgery. This study showed that disability and PWB improve significantly after surgery, but further treatment and a healthy lifestyle are expected and recommended as the disability level remains high. In addition, more severe preoperative disability was a predictor of better clinical outcome.

Psychiatric disorders and major spine surgery: epidemiology and perioperative outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of the National Hospital Discharge Survey database from 1990 to 2007. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of preoperative depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or dementia on in-hospital (1) adverse events, (2) mortality, and (3) nonroutine discharge in patients undergoing major spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Psychiatric comorbidity is a known risk factor for impaired health-related quality of life and poor long-term outcomes after spine surgery, yet little is known about its impact in the perioperative spine surgery setting. METHODS: Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey database, all patients undergoing either spinal fusion or laminectomy between 1990 and 2007 were identified and separated into groups with and without psychiatric disorders. Multivariable regression analysis was performed for each of the outcome variables. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2007, a total estimated number of 5,382,343 spinal fusions and laminectomies were performed. The prevalence of diagnosed depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia among the study population increased significantly over time. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia were associated with higher rates of nonroutine discharge. Depression, schizophrenia, and dementia were associated with higher rates of adverse events. Dementia was the only psychiatric disorder associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with preoperative psychiatric disorders undergoing major spine surgery are at increased risk for perioperative adverse events and posthospitalization care, but its effect in perioperative mortality is more limited. Presurgical psychological screening of candidates undergoing spine surgery might ultimately lead to the enhancement of perioperative outcomes in this growing segment of the US population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Life dissatisfaction burden is associated with a poor surgical outcome among lumbar spinal stenosis patients: a 5-year follow-up study.

Dissatisfaction with life has been found to be associated with somatic health and the short-term surgery outcome in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. This study investigated the effects of the long-term life dissatisfaction burden on the surgery outcome in LSS patients with a 5-year follow-up. This was a prospective clinical study. Altogether, 102 patients who underwent decompressive surgery completed a set of questionnaires preoperatively, 3 and 6 months, and 1, 2 and 5 years after the surgery. The final study population at the 5-year follow-up included 67 patients. The mean age of the patients was 67 years and 35% of the patients were men. Life satisfaction was evaluated using a four-item Life Satisfaction Scale. The life dissatisfaction burden was the sum of all six life satisfaction scores recorded during the follow-up. The outcome of surgery was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), pain evaluation (Visual Analogue Scale; VAS), overall satisfaction with the surgery and self-reported walking capacity. In linear regression, the long-term life dissatisfaction burden was associated with the 5-year ODI, even after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, preoperative ODI and the 5-year VAS. It was not associated with the 5-year VAS score. Monitoring the life satisfaction of surgically treated LSS patients may enable detection of those at risk of a poorer surgery outcome.

Correlation of preoperative depression and somatic perception scales with postoperative disability and quality of life after lumbar discectomy.

OBJECT: Lumbar discectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the US for patients experiencing back and leg pain from herniated lumbar discs. However, not all patients will benefit from lumbar discectomy. Patients with certain psychological predispositions may be especially vulnerable to poor clinical outcomes. The goal of this study was therefore to determine the role that preoperative depression and somatic anxiety have on long-term back and leg pain, disability, and quality of life (QOL) for patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy. METHODS: In 67 adults undergoing discectomy for a single-level herniated lumbar disc, the authors determined quantitative measurements of leg and back pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]), and disease-specific disability (Oswestry Disability Index) preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The degree of preoperative depression and somatization was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and a modified somatic perception questionnaire (MSPQ). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess associations between Zung Scale and MSPQ scores with achievement of a minimum clinical important difference (MCID) in each outcome measure by 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Overall, a significant improvement in VAS leg pain, VAS back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores was observed by 6 weeks after surgery. Improvements in all outcomes were maintained throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Increasing preoperative depression (measured using the Zung Scale) was associated with a decreased likelihood of achieving an MCID in disability (p = 0.006) and QOL (p = 0.04) but was not associated with VAS leg pain (p = 0.96) or back pain (p = 0.85) by 12 months. Increasing preoperative somatic anxiety (measured using the MSPQ) was associated with decreased likelihood of achieving an MCID in disability (p = 0.002) and QOL (p = 0.03) but was not associated with leg pain (p = 0.64) or back pain (p = 0.77) by 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The Zung Scale and MSPQ are valuable tools for stratifying risk in patients who may not experience clinically relevant improvement in disability and QOL after discectomy. Efforts to address these confounding and underlying contributors of depression and heightened somatic anxiety may improve overall outcomes after lumbar discectomy.

Patients' expectations and satisfaction in lumbar spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective consecutive series. OBJECTIVE: To determine patient expectations in lumbar spine surgery and assess the level of fulfillment of those expectations. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Little has been offered in the literature in specific regards to lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients, 49 patients who underwent discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (Group 1) and 49 patients who underwent laminotomy for lumbar spinal stenosis (Group 2), completed the self-report questionnaire. Preoperative expectations, reasons for surgery, and expected postoperative status were inquired before surgery and the satisfaction at 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Concerning patients' expectations, half of the patients expected to become completely leg pain free, and more than three fourths of the patients expected to become unlimited in their walking ability in both groups. More than half of the patients expected to have a 90% or greater chance of complete success of surgery. With regard to satisfaction, 42 of the 49 patients (86%) in Group 1 and 35 of the 49 patients (71%) in Group 2 chose "Surgery met my expectations" at the follow-up. The remaining patients selected "I did not improve as much as I had hoped." Positive expectations were associated with better satisfaction in Group 1 only. Of the patients who had achieved the expected postoperative status with respect to their no.1 reason for surgery, 2 of 34 patients in Group 1 (6%) and 5 of the 26 patients in Group 2 (19%) nonetheless reported "unfulfilled expectations." In patients whose no. 1 concern was further progression, 3 (38%) of the 8 patients in Group 1 and 2 (40%) of the 5 patients in Group 2 demonstrated unfulfilled expectations. CONCLUSIONS: Even if the clinical expectations were met, some patients were still dissatisfied. Patients with spinal stenosis (Group 2) seem to have more unrealistic expectations than patients with disc herniation (Group 1).

Empiema epidural espinal. Análisis de 14 casos / Spinal epidural empiema. Analysis of 14 cases

Objetivos. Realizar un estudio sobre los casos de empiema epidural espinal atendidos en los últimos 20 años y practicar una revisión de la literatura sobre la patogenia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de estas lesiones. Pacientes y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo sobre 14 casos de empiemas epidurales espinales. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas básicas, manifestaciones clínicas, datos analíticos, técnicas de diagnostico, actitudes terapéuticas usadas y los resultados obtenidos. Resultados. La serie esta formada por 7 varones y 7 mujeres con edades que oscilaron entre 8 y 76 años (media 48.9). En 12 casos el síntoma de presentación fue la presencia de dolor vertebral local, siempre en relación con la localización del empiema, siendo la duración media de la sintomatología de 9.3 días. La velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) estaba elevada en todos los casos y existía leucocitosis en trece paicentes (92,9%). En 11 casos (78,5%), la localización del empiema fue en la región dorsal. Trece pacientes fueron tratados mediante cirugía y uno recibió exclusivamente tratamiento antibiótico. Conclusiones: En paicentes con factores de riesgo (inmunosupresión, diabestes), la presencia de dolor espinal asociado a fiebre y alteraciones analíticas (leucocitosis / elevación de la VSG), deben ser con resonancia magnética espinal, ante el riesgo de desarrollar un empiema epidural. El tratamiento exclusivamente médico debe sólo reservarse para pacientes con elevado riesgo quirúrgico o que no presenten afectación neurológica (AU)

Objective. The goal of this study was to review our series of spinal epidural empiema diagnosed in the last 20 years and review the literatura regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. Patints and methods. This is a retrospective study over 14 patients diagnosed of spinal epidural empyema. We review the epidemiological data, clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging data, the treatment regimen and the results. Results. Fourteen patients, 7 males and 7 females, with an age range form 8 to 76 years (mean 48.9) were identified. The first symptom was localized back/neck pain in 12 patients and the mean duration of symptoms was 9.3 days. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 13 cases (92,9%). Site of sipinal epidural empyemas was distributed along the axis but in 11 cases the location was thoracic. Thirteen patients had surgery for debridement and spinal decompression and one patient was treated successfully with antibiotics alone. Conclusions: Patients with localized back pain and fever who are at risk for developing such empyemas with elevation of white blood cells and increased ESR, should have an immediate magnetic resonance imaging sean. Urgent surgical drainage and antibiotic use are the treatment of choice in order to prevent irreversible neurological deficits. Nonsurgical treatment should be reserved for poor surgical candidates and patients without neurological deficits (AU)

Development of a same day laminectomy program.

Historically, patients undergoing a lumbar laminectomy for discectomy (LLD) have been admitted to the hospital for 1 to 3 days. Because a patient undergoing a surgical procedure is not necessarily medically ill, many surgical procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. A multidisciplinary nursing team proposed that some patients scheduled to undergo an LLD would be able to have this surgery as an outpatient. A 6-month research project was developed to study outcomes of patients undergoing LLD who were discharged after 4 to 6 hours of postoperative care in the PACU. Guidelines were established to define the candidates for enrollment in the same day LLD. A patient clinical pathway was established, and outcome monitors were selected. Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in this study. This article describes the process of development, application, and future implications of this study.

Continuity of care for short-stay neurosurgery patients: a quality improvement initiative.

Decreases in the length of hospital stay for patients undergoing spinal surgery prompted this evaluation of the post-discharge needs of patients and the strategies that patients and their families employ to meet these needs. The nature and extent of post-discharge problems experienced by newly discharged patients was required as a baseline for the evaluation and improvement of discharge planning. Forty patients were interviewed following discharge, 20 patients within the first week of discharge, and 20 different patients between three and four weeks after discharge. Most patients reported that they had been well-informed about pain management and the majority of patients reported that pain was well-controlled. There was a subset of patients, however, who continued to report high levels of pain, even at one month after discharge. Less than one in three patients stated that they had received information about wound care and the information received was not consistent among health professionals. Given the limited time to prepare patients for discharge, this project highlights the need for written materials and for systematic follow-up after discharge.

Severe pain confounds neuropsychological test performance.

There is little information on the effect of pain on neuropsychological test performance. We have undertaken this study to explore which tests are affected by pain, the magnitude of these changes, and other confounders of neuropsychological performance in a population of patients having spine surgery. Twenty-four elderly English speaking Caucasian patients (age > 60 years) were enrolled pre-operatively in this Institutional Review Board approved study. Pain scores using an 11-point Numeric Pain Intensity scale and performance on a neuropsychological battery (Controlled Oral Word Association, Rey Complex Figure, Trails A and B) were assessed at two times, before and one day after surgery. Scores were calculated using the standard algorithms and change scores were calculated by subtracting the baseline from follow-up scores. After surgery, performance on the Rey Complex Figure ( r = -0.577, p = 0.004) and Trails Part A (r = 0.527, p = 0.01) declined with increasing post-operative pain scores. Women reported higher pain scores post-operatively than men (p = 0.046), and performed worse than men for change in performance on Trails Part A (p = 0.027). These data suggest that pain can influence performance on certain cognitive tests, and that some gender differences in these effects may occur. Interpretation of performance measures should take into account possible effects of pain, although our understanding of pain effects and ability to predict them in individual people, currently are quite limited.

A prospective study of psychological predictors of lumbar surgery outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective design in which 102 patients were evaluated with a battery of psychological assessment tests 1-2 weeks before surgery, and outcome was assessed 6 months and 1 year after surgery. OBJECTIVES: The study examined whether three aspects of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and hostility) predict several surgical outcomes (employment status, subjective pain change ratings, and changes in functional abilities). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgery for back pain has been shown to yield poor results in 15-45% of patients. Tools are needed to identify those "at risk" for poor outcome. Aspects of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and hostility, have been found to be relevant to various illness outcomes (e.g., cancer, heart disease), but their influence has not been prospectively evaluated for back pain surgical outcome. METHODS: Study patients completed measures of distress before surgery, including the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Depression Scale, Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, and Cook-Medley Hostility Scale. At 1-year follow-up, patients completed pain change ratings, functional abilities measure (Dallas Pain Questionnaire), and questions about employment status. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analyses, controlling for significant demographic variables, found that failure to return to work was predicted by presurgical anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0. 01); failure to report improvement in pain was predicted by presurgical somatic anxiety (P < 0.01) and depression (P < 0.058); and failure to report improved functional abilities was predicted by presurgical somatic anxiety (P < 0.01) and depression (P < 0.05). Hostility did not predict any outcome. Regression analyses found a strong predictor to be a combination of the Zung Depression Scale and Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, known as the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that screening for presurgical distress is likely to identify those patients at risk for poor outcome. Studies to evaluate whether presurgical psychological treatment improves outcome are warranted.

Somatoform pain disorder in a case of Klinefelter's syndrome with multiply operated lower back.

We report a case of Klinefelter's syndrome with multiply operated low back (MOB). Psychological and/or psychosocial problems related to MOB have been of recent interest in the field of orthopedic surgery. Based on psychiatric interviews, this case was diagnosed as a somatoform pain disorder of the DSM-III-R somatoform disorders. In addition to psychological problems, the pain was partly explicable by severe osteoporosis, which was prematurely caused by endocrinological disturbances associated with Klinefelter's syndrome. Patients with this syndrome are more likely to develop severe osteoporosis. In the presenile period of Klinefelter's syndrome with severe osteoporosis, liaison psychiatrists may pay attention to somatoform disorders (e.g. somatoform pain disorder and conversion disorder) linked with the MO.

Body image in preoperative and postoperative lumbar laminectomy patients.

Many patients each year undergo a lumbar laminectomy for removal of a herniated disc. This study was conducted to determine if the patient had a change in body image from the preoperative to postoperative period. Body image was measured using the Body-Cathexis Scale. Twenty-four (24) patients were included in the study. Results indicated that there was a significantly higher difference in the total Body-Cathexis score postoperatively as compared to preoperatively. In addition, there was a significantly higher difference in the patients' ratings of back, knee, posture, energy level and sexual activity in the postoperative period. Further research is needed with a larger sample and over time to see whether these effects hold true.

Informed consent: is it a myth?

The issue of informed consent at it relates to neurosurgical professional malpractice liability and litigation has been of concern for 20 years or more. The problem persists, and the subject has been addressed by providing patient education with full disclosure regarding neurosurgical procedures. In the process of imparting informed consent, the authors studied the effectiveness of specific neurosurgical health care teaching. One hundred six persons undergoing anterior cervical fusion or lumbar laminectomy were instructed by a neurosurgeon and clinical nurse specialist with a master's degree in neurosurgery. Written testing was performed in each case immediately after a formal teaching session before surgery. Questions were simple and covered only four general topics: 1) diagnosis and surgical techniques; 2) operative risks; 3) postoperative care; and 4) goals and benefits relating to surgery. The mean score on testing immediate retention of information revealed a 43.5% overall performance rate. When patients were tested approximately 6 weeks later, the score dropped to 38.4%. This was statistically significant (chi 2, P less than 0.05). The authors encourage the concept of patient education. The data in the current study, however, suggest that the reasonable and prudent neurosurgeon making a concerted effort at patient education, with the assistance of a professional educator, cannot necessarily expect accurate patient or family recall or comprehension. Fulfillment of the doctrine of informed consent by neurosurgeons may very well be mythical.