Do we have the right PROMs for measuring outcomes in lumbar spinal surgery?

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an important part of routine auditing of outcomes in spinal surgery in the UK. PROMs can be used to help assess the quality of care provided by surgical units by determining the comparative health status of patients, before and after surgery. This study was designed to review the PROMs used to assess outcomes in spinal surgery and to determine if they are fit for the purpose. METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify studies that reported PROMs data following lumbar spinal surgery. The PROMs that were used in each study were recorded and a separate search was undertaken to determine the evidence regarding the validity of each measure. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1142 abstracts, which were reduced through de-duplication, filtering and review to 58 articles, which were retrieved and reviewed in full. The search identified that the majority of studies used either the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and EQ-5D along with visual analogue scales or numeric rating scales for back and leg pain. CONCLUSIONS: The consistent use of PROMs supports the comparison of outcomes from different studies, although there was minimal evidence regarding the specificity and sensitivity of these measures for use with lumbar spinal patients. Our review highlights the need to determine a consensus regarding the use and reporting of outcome measures within the lumbar spine literature.

Outcome of embolised vascular metastatic renal cell tumours causing spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: To present the results of the surgical management of metastatic renal cell tumours of the spine with cord compression who underwent pre-operative embolisation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all embolised vascular metastatic renal cell tumours of the spine that underwent urgent surgical intervention over a 7-year period (2005-2011). All medical notes, images and angiography/embolisation details were studied. We recorded the timing (immediate vs. delayed) and grade of embolisation and compared this to the estimated blood loss (EBL); extent of metastatic spinal cord compression (using the Tomita score and Bilsky scores) was also compared to EBL. Finally, neurological (Frankel grade), surgical outcome and complications were reviewed in all patients. RESULTS: During the study period, we operated on 25 emergency patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma causing spinal cord compression who had received pre-operative embolisation (mean age 59.6 (24-78) years; 8 females, 17 males). All but one of our patients had hypervascularisation/arterio-venous fistulae on angiography. We were able to achieve greater than 90 % embolisation in the majority (17/25, 68 %) The estimated blood loss was 1,696 (400-5,000) ml; mean operating time was 276 (90-690) min and an average of 2.3 (0-7) units of whole blood was transfused. Nine patients had a posterior only decompression/stabilisation, nine patients had a posterior decompression ± cement augmentation, six had combined anterior/posterior procedures and one had anterior corpectomy/reconstruction alone. There was no statistical difference in the EBL between immediate versus delayed surgery after embolisation or the grade of embolisation. Immediate surgery after embolisation and interestingly less complete embolisation showed a trend towards less EBL. The extent of the tumour as graded by the Bilsky score correlated with increased EBL (p = 0.042). No complications occurred during the embolisation procedure. The surgical complication rate was 32 % (8/25) including two major complications (septicaemia (1) and metal work failure (2)) and five minor complications. Postoperatively, 52 % (13/25) had no change in neurological status, 36 % (9/25) improved by at least one Frankel grade and 12 % (3/25) had neurological deterioration by one Frankel grade. The average survival following surgery was 14.1 (0.5-72) months. CONCLUSION: Blood loss (mean 1,696 ml) and complications (32 %) remain a concern in the operative treatment of vascular metastatic spinal cord compression. Most patients remained the same neurologically or improved by at least 1 grade (22/25, 88 %). Paradoxically, greater embolisation showed a trend to more blood loss which could be due to more extensive surgery in this group, a rebound 'reperfusion' phenomena or even the presence of arterio-venous fistulae. Interestingly, we also found that the extent of the tumour, as graded by the Bilsky score, correlated with increased blood loss suggesting that more extensive cord compression by metastases could lead to more blood loss intra-operatively.

Access related complications in anterior lumbar surgery performed by spinal surgeons.

PURPOSE: Anterior lumbar surgery is a common procedure for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and artificial disc replacement (ADR). Our aim was to study the exposure related complications for anterior lumbar spinal surgery performed by spinal surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 304 consecutive patients who underwent anterior lumbar spinal surgery over 10 years (2001-2010) at our institution. Each patient's records were reviewed for patients' demographics, diagnosis, level(s) of surgery, procedure and complications related to access surgery. Patients undergoing anterior lumbar access for tumour resection, infection, trauma and revision surgeries were excluded. RESULTS: All patients underwent an anterior paramedian retroperitoneal approach from the left side. The mean age of patients was 43 years (10-73; 197 males, 107 females). Indications for surgery were degenerative disc disease (DDD 255), degenerative spondylolisthesis (23), scoliosis (18), iatrogenic spondylolisthesis (5) and pseudoarthrosis (3). The procedures performed were single level surgery--L5/S1 (n = 147), L4/5 (n = 62), L3/4 (n = 7); two levels--L4/5 and L5/S1 (n = 74), L3/4 and L4/5 (n = 4); three levels--L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 (n = 5); four levels--L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 (n = 5). The operative procedures were single level ADR (n = 131), a single level ALIF (n = 87) with or without posterior fusion, two levels ALIF (n = 54), two levels ADR (n = 14), a combination of ADR/ALIF (n = 10), three levels ALIF (n = 1), three levels ADR/ALIF/ALIF (n = 1), ADR/ADR/ALIF (n = 2), four levels ALIF (n = 1) and finally 3 patients underwent a four level ADR/ADR/ALIF/ALIF. The overall complication rate was 61/304 (20 %). This included major complications (6.2 %)--venous injury requiring suture repair (n = 14, 4.6 %) and arterial injury (n = 5 [1.6 %], 3 repaired, 2 thrombolysed). Minor complications (13.8 %) included venous injury managed without repair (n = 5, 1.6 %), infection (n = 13, 4.3 %), incidental peritoneal opening (n = 12, 3.9 %), leg oedema (n = 2, 0.6 %) and others (n = 10, 3.3 %). We had no cases of retrograde ejaculation. CONCLUSION: We report a very thorough and critical review of our anterior lumbar access surgeries performed mostly for DDD and spondylolisthesis at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels. Vascular problems of any type (24/304, 7.8 %) were the most common complication during this approach. The incidence of major venous injury requiring repair was 14/304 (4.6 %) and arterial injury 5/304 (1.6 %). The requirement for a vascular surgeon with the vascular injury was 9/304 (3 %; 5 arterial injuries; 4 venous injuries). This also suggests that the majority of the major venous injuries were repaired by the spinal surgeon (10/14, 71 %). Our results are comparable to other studies and support the notion that anterior access surgery to the lumbar spine can be performed safely by spinal surgeons. With adequate training, spinal surgeons are capable of performing this approach without direct vascular support, but they should be available if required.

The Memory Metal Spinal System in a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Procedure: A Prospective, Non-Comparative Study to Evaluate the Safety and Performance.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, non-comparative study of 27 patients to evaluate the safety and performance of the Memory Metal Spinal System used in a PLIF procedure in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, symptomatic spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease (DDD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance, radiological outcome and safety of the Memory Metal Spinal System, used in a PLIF procedure, in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, symptomatic spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease in human subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal systems that are currently available for correction of spinal deformities or degeneration such as lumbar spondylosis or degenerative disc disease, use components manufactured from stainless steel or titanium and typically comprise two spinal rods with associated connection devices. The Memory Metal Spinal System consists of a single square spinal rod made from a nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol) used in conjunction with connection devices. Nitinol is characterized by its shape memory effect and is a more flexible material than either stainless steel or titanium. With current systems there is loss of achieved reposition due to the elastic properties of the spine. By using a memory metal in this new system the expectation was that this loss of reposition would be overcome due to the metal's inherent shape memory properties. Furthermore, we expect a higher fusion rate because of the elastic properties of the memory metal. METHODS: Twenty-seven subjects with primary diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, symptomatic spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease (DDD) were treated with the Memory Metal Spinal System in conjunction with the Brantigan IF® Cage in two consecutive years. Clinical performance of the device was evaluated over 2 years using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Safety was studied by collection of adverse events intra-operative and during the followup. Interbody fusion status was assessed using radiographs and a CT scan. RESULTS: The mean pre-operative ODI score of 40.9 (±14.52) significantly improved to 17.7 (±16.76) at 24 months postoperative. Significant improvement in the physical component from the SF36 questionnaire was observed with increases from the baseline result of 42.4 to 72.7 at 24 months (p<.0001); The emotional component in the SF36 questionnaires mean scores highlighted a borderline significant increase from 56.5 to 81.7 at 24 months (p=0.0441). The average level of leg pain was reduced by more than 50% postoperation (VAS values reduced from 5.7 (±2.45) to 2.2 (±2.76) at 24 month post-operation with similar results observed for back pain. CT indicated interbody fusion rate was not significantly faster compared to other devices in literature. No device related adverse events were recorded in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The Memory Metal Spinal System, different from other devices on the market with regard to material and the one rod configuration, is safe and performed very well by improving clinically important outcomes in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, symptomatic spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. In addition the data compares favorably to that previously reported for other devices in the literature.

Congenital kypho-scoliosis: a case of thoracic insufficiency syndrome and the limitations of treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital spinal vertebral anomalies may present with deformity resulting in congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. This leads to abnormal spinal growth. The latter when combined with associated rib fusions may impair normal thoracic cage development and resultant pulmonary hypoplasia. Most congenital scoliosis can be detected in utero by ultrasound scan or recognized in the neonatal period, but a few spinal defects can remain undetected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Grand Round, we present the case of a 7-year-old girl with a severe scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS). 3D CT reconstruction imaging demonstrated a mixed picture of fusion and segmentation abnormalities. A marked kyphoscoliosis was demonstrated at the thoraco-lumbar junction. Via a left thoracotomy, anterior excision of intervertebral discs was performed together with, interbody fusion, and in situ stabilisation of the kyphosis with double allograft (femur) strut grafts. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the features of congenital kypho-scoliosis and TIS. The difficulties of treating kyphosis when combined with TIS are discussed together with the limitations of current surgical techniques.

Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly: an evidence-based narrative review of management.

Considerable controversy exists regarding the optimal management of elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures. There is uncertainty regarding the consequences of non-union. The best treatment remains unclear because of the morbidity associated with prolonged cervical immobilisation versus the risks of surgical intervention. The objective of the study was to evaluate the published literature and determine the current evidence for the management of type II odontoid fractures in elderly. A search of the English language literature from January 1970 to date was performed using Medline and the following keywords: odontoid, fractures, cervical spine and elderly. The search was supplemented by cross-referencing between articles. Case reports and review articles were excluded although some were referred to in the discussion. Studies in patients aged 65 years with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were selected. One-hundred twenty-six articles were reviewed. No class I study was identified. There were two class II studies and the remaining were class III. Significant variability was found in the literature regarding mortality and morbidity rates in patients treated with and without halo vest immobilisation. In recent years several authors have claimed satisfactory results with anterior odontoid screw fixation while others have argued that this may lead to increased complications in this age group. Lately, the posterior cervical (Goel-Harms) construct has also gained popularity amongst surgeons. There is insufficient evidence to establish a standard or guideline for odontoid fracture management in elderly. While most authors agree that cervical immobilisation yields satisfactory results for type I and III fractures in the elderly, the optimal management for type II fractures remain unsolved. A prospective randomised controlled trial is recommended.

Driver reaction time before and after treatment for lumbar radiculopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational pilot study. OBJECTIVE.: To investigate the effect of right and left radiculopathy on driver reaction time (DRT), and the effect of selective nerve root block (SNRB) on DRT. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of many orthopedic procedures on DRT has already been assessed. To date the effect of radiculopathy and SNRB on DRT has not been studied. METHODS: DRTs of 20 radiculopathic patients (10 right, 10 left) were measured using a custom-built car simulator. Each patient was tested pre-SNRB, immediately post-SNRB, and 2 and 6 weeks post-SNRB. As controls 20 age- and sex-matched normal subjects were tested once. Full departmental, institutional, and ethical committee approval were obtained. RESULTS: Mean DRT of the control group was 452 milliseconds. Mean DRT of patients with right or left radiculopathy pre-SNRB was 521 milliseconds (P < 0.045) and 535 milliseconds (P < 0.018), respectively. In the right radiculopathic group, the measurements immediately post-SNRB, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks were 656 milliseconds (P < 0.005), 589 milliseconds (P < 0.019), and 564 milliseconds (P < 0.10), respectively. The delay immediately and at 2 weeks post-SNRB translates into an increase in stopping distance of 3.8 and 1.9 m, respectively at the speed of 100 km/h. In the left radiculopathic group, the measurements immediately post-SNRB, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks were 585 milliseconds (P < 0.037), 534 milliseconds, and 530 milliseconds, respectively. The delay immediately post-SNRB translates into an increase in stopping distance of 1.4 m at the speed of 100 km/h. CONCLUSION: The study identified significant DRTs' changes both in radiculopathy and after SNRB. Right and left radiculopathic patients should be advised about the possible changes in their DRTs post-SNRB. Future research with regard to the suitability for radiculopathic patients to drive and the best time to resume driving post-SNRB is needed.

The reliability of the Vernon and Mior neck disability index, and its validity compared with the short form-36 health survey questionnaire.

Prospective single cohort study. To evaluate the NDI by comparison with the SF36 health Survey Questionnaire. The NDI is a simple ten-item questionnaire used to assess patients with neck pain. The SF36 measures functional ability, well being and the overall health of patients. It is used as a gold standard in health economics to assess the health utility, gain and economic impact of medical interventions. One hundred and sixty patients with neck pain attending the spinal clinic completed self-assessment questionnaires. A second questionnaire was completed in 34 patients after a period of 1-2 weeks. The internal consistency of the NDI and SF36 was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The test-retest reliability was assessed using the Bland and Altman method. The concurrent validity of the NDI with respect to the SF-36 was assessed using Pearson correlations. Both questionnaires showed robust internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha for the NDI scale was acceptable (0.864, 95% confidence limits 0.825-0.894) though slightly smaller than that of the SF36. The correlations between each item of the NDI scores and the total NDI score ranged from 0.447 to 0.659, (all with P < 0.001). The test-retest reliability of the NDI was high (intra-class correlation 0.93, 95% confidence limits 0.86-0.97) and comparable with the best values found for SF36. The correlations between NDI and SF36 domains ranged from -0.45 to -0.74 (all with P < 0.001). We have shown that the NDI has good reliability and validity and that it compares well with the SF36 in the spinal surgery out patient setting.

Combined monitoring of motor and somatosensory evoked potentials in orthopaedic spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate possible advantages of combined (motor and sensory) versus single modality (either motor or sensory) intra-operative spinal cord monitoring and to investigate risk factors for post-operative neurological sequelae. METHODS: Recordings of lower limb motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to multi-pulse transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), and tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), were attempted during 126 operations in 97 patients (79 with spinal deformity and 18 with miscellaneous spinal disorders). RESULTS: Combined motor and sensory monitoring was successfully achieved in 104 of 126 (82%) operations. No response to either modality could be recorded in two patients with Friedreich' s ataxia. In 18 patients monitoring was possible in only one modality: SEPs could not be recorded in two patients and MEPs in 16. Significant intra-operative EP changes occurred in one or both modalities in 16 patients; in association with instrumentation in 10 cases, and with systemic changes in 6. After appropriate remedial measures, SEPs recovered either fully or partially in 8/8 patients and MEPs in only 67% (10/15 patients). New deficits were present post-operatively in 6 of the 16 patients with abnormal intra-operative EPs. Normal MEPs at the end of the operation correctly predicted the absence of new motor deficits in all cases. SEPs either remained unchanged or recovered fully after remedial measures in 3 patients with new post-operative motor deficits. Neurological complications were more frequent in patients with miscellaneous spinal disorders and/or pre-existing neurological deficits. No complications occurred in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Combined SEPs and multi-pulse TES-MEPs provide a safe, reliable and sensitive method of monitoring spinal cord function in orthopaedic surgery. This method is superior to single modality techniques, both for increasing the number of patients in whom satisfactory monitoring of spinal cord function can be achieved and, for improving the sensitivity and predictivity of monitoring. Combined SEP/MEP methods may enhance the impact of neuromonitoring on the intra-operative management of the patient and favourably influence neurological outcome.

A 3D MRI sequence for computer assisted surgery of the lumbar spine.

The aim of this research was to develop a magnetic resonance (MR) sequence capable of producing images suitable for use with computer assisted surgery (CAS) of the lumbar spine. These images needed good tissue contrast between bone and soft tissue to allow for image segmentation and generation of a 3D-surface model of the bone for surface registration. A 3D double echo fast gradient echo sequence was designed. Images were filtered for noise and non-uniformity and combined into a single data set. Registration experiments were carried out to directly compare segmentation of MR and computed tomography (CT) images using a physical model of a spine. These experiments showed the MR data produced adequate surface registration in 90% of the experiments compared to 100% with CT data. The MR images acquired using the sequence and processing described in this article are suitable to be used with CAS of the spine.

Flexion osteotomy of the cervical spine: a new technique for correction of iatrogenic extension deformity in ankylosing spondylitis.

STUDY DESIGN: A new surgical technique of cervical osteotomy to correct an extension deformity of the cervical spine is described, and a case is reported. OBJECTIVES: To emphasize the disparate effect of osteotomy level on sagittal balance and gaze angle in surgical correction of global kyphotic deformity, and to describe a new surgical technique. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous reports of cervical osteotomy essentially have described extension osteotomy for correction of severe flexion deformity. To the authors' knowledge, flexion osteotomy to correct extension deformity of the cervical spine has not been described previously. METHODS: A 44-year-old woman with global kyphotic deformity caused by ankylosing spondylitis underwent corrective lumbar osteotomy at another institution. Ten years later, she experienced further development of the kyphosis, predominantly at the thoracic level, with resultant restriction of forward gaze. Thoracic corrective osteotomy was performed, which resulted in an upward deviation of her visual field. A flexion osteotomy was performed at C7-T1, using two separate posterior and anterior approaches, in one-stage, in the lateral decubitus. The use of transparent drapes permitted direct visualization of the chin-brow angle during operation. Anterior plate fixation prevented any translation at the osteotomy site. RESULTS: The osteotomy united; the gaze angle was fully corrected (45 degrees to -30 degrees ). No deterioration was noted at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Osteotomy at a higher level in the spine for correction of global kyphotic deformity may result in a significant overcorrection of the gaze angle upward. The authors believe that the new technique described in this report is a technically demanding but adequate and safe approach for correcting such a rare deformity.

Injury to the spinal cord without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) in adults.

Injury to the spinal cord without radiological abnormality often occurs in the skeletally immature cervical and thoracic spine. We describe four adult patients with this diagnosis involving the cervical spine with resultant quadriparesis. The relevant literature is reviewed. The implications for initial management of the injury, the role of MRI and the need for a high index of suspicion are highlighted.

Anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion in spinal deformity.

Many authors believe thoracoscopic surgery is associated with a lower level of morbidity compared to thoracotomy, for anterior release or growth arrest in spinal deformity. Others believe that anterior release achieved thoracoscopically is not as effective as that achieved with the open procedure. We evaluated the clinical results, radiological correction and morbidity following anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion, to see whether there is any evidence for either of these beliefs. Twenty-nine patients undergoing thoracoscopic anterior release or growth arrest followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation were evaluated from a clinical and radiological viewpoint. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1-4 years). The average age was 16 years (range 5-26 years). The following diagnoses were present: idiopathic scoliosis (n = 17), neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 2), congenital scoliosis (n = 1), thoracic hyperkyphosis (n = 9). All patients were satisfied with cosmesis following surgery. Twenty scoliosis patients had a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 65.1 degrees (range 42 degrees-94 degrees) for the major curve, with an average flexibility of 34.5% (42.7 degrees). Post operative correction to 31.5 degrees (50.9%) and 34.4 degrees (47.1%) at maximal follow-up was noted. For nine patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis, the Cobb angle averaged 81 degrees (range 65 degrees-96 degrees), with hyperextension films showing an average correction to 65 degrees. Postoperative correction to an average of 58.6 degrees was maintained at 59.5 degrees at maximal follow-up. The average number of released levels was 5.1 (range 3-7) and the average duration of the thoracoscopic procedure was 188 min (range 120-280 min). There was a decrease in this length of time as the series progressed. No neurologic or vascular complications occurred. Postoperative complications included four recurrent pneumothoraces, one surgical emphysema, and one respiratory infection. Thoracoscopic anterior surgery appears a safe and effective technique for the treatment of paediatric and adolescent spinal deformity. A randomised controlled trial, comparing open with thoracoscopic methods, is required.

Hypoglossal nerve injury as a complication of anterior surgery to the upper cervical spine.

Injury to the hypoglossal nerve is a recognised complication after soft tissue surgery in the upper part of the anterior aspect of the neck, e.g. branchial cyst or carotid body tumour excision. However, this complication has been rarely reported following surgery of the upper cervical spine. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with tuberculosis of C2-3. She underwent corpectomy and fusion from C2 to C5 using iliac crest bone graft, through a left anterior oblique incision. She developed hypoglossal nerve palsy in the immediate postoperative period, with dysphagia and dysarthria. It was thought to be due to traction neurapraxia with possible spontaneous recovery. At 18 months' follow-up, she had a solid fusion and tuberculosis was controlled. The hypoglossal palsy persisted, although with minimal functional disability. The only other reported case of hypoglossal lesion after anterior cervical spine surgery in the literature also failed to recover. It is concluded that hypoglossal nerve palsy following anterior cervical spine surgery is unlikely to recover spontaneously and it should be carefully identified.

Epidural abscess in an infant.

We report the case of a 2-year-old infant who developed a staphylococcal septicaemia that subsequently resulted in an epidural abscess and paraparesis. The significance of early diagnosis and the roles of anterior surgery to decompress the spinal cord, debride infection and correct deformity are discussed.

Do first impressions count? A comparison of subjective and psychologic assessment of spinal patients.

Psychologic factors may have a major influence on the outcome of treatment for back pain. Psychologic disturbance is manifest as emotional distress and may be associated with inappropriate symptoms and signs. Few outcome studies describe the patient population in terms of their psychologic profile. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the routine use of psychologic screening tests in British spine practice was rare. An audit of the prevalent use of psychologic testing amongst a selected group of British spinal surgeons was conducted. This was followed by a prospective, double blind comparison of subjective evaluations of patients with formal psychologic tests. The principal aim was to determine how accurately treating physicians could identify psychologically distressed patients. A postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the British Orthopaedic Spine Society. Details of their current practice and frequency of use of psychologic tests was obtained. In a subsequent study, 125 consecutive new patients attending a back pain clinic were initially evaluated by questionnaires and classified as either psychologically distressed or non-distressed. These patients were then interviewed and examined by treating physicians, who then allocated them to one of four psychologic categories, using predefined criteria. The two results were compared and sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the subjective evaluations were calculated. Sixty-three percent of respondents to the postal survey either never or only occasionally used any form of psychologic testing in assessing back pain patients. The follow-up prospective study demonstrated that experienced spinal surgeons achieved only a 26% sensitivity when trying to identify distressed patients. The specificity for identifying non-distressed patients was 96%. The predictive value of a "distressed" evaluation was 69%. The predictive value for non-distressed patients was 77%. Subjective psychologic assessment of back pain patients has a low sensitivity and predictive value for distressed patients. Formal psychologic screening should be routinely included in the clinical decision making process.