Does Achieving Global Spinal Alignment Lead to Higher Patient Satisfaction and Lower Disability in Adult Spinal Deformity?

Study Design. Multicenter retrospective review of prospective database. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between postoperative alignment and satisfaction. Summary of Background Data. Achieving high satisfaction is the main goal of any treatment, including adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Despite being one of the key elements, literature is sparse regarding postoperative factors influencing patient satisfaction. Methods. ASD patients with 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without revision after the index procedure were stratified according to deformity type: sagittal (T1 pelvic angle >22 degrees), coronal (C7 plumb line [C7PL] >5cm or MaxCobb >50 degrees), or mixed. Bivariate correlation between satisfaction and postoperative data was conducted on the entire cohort as well as by type of preoperative deformity. Multivariate regression controlling for pre-op alignment and demographic information was used to identify independent predictors of 2Y satisfaction. Results. A total of 509 patients were included in the analysis (58.7 +/- 14.8, 80% females). The quality of life significantly improved between pre- and 2-year (Delta Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]: 17.6, p < 0.001). At 2 years, SRS22 satisfaction was 4.27 +/- 0.89 (median 4.5). Significant associations were found between satisfaction and disability (ODI, r = -0.50) and global coronal (C7PL r = -0.15) and sagittal (sagittal vertical axis [SVA], r = -0.10) alignment (all p < 0.01) but not with the coronal clavicle angle. Stratification by preoperative deformity revealed significant associations between satisfaction and SVA for sagittal deformity only, C7PL and MaxCobb for coronal only, and C7PL for combined deformity. In the multivariate analysis controlling for demographic and pre-op deformity, 2-year ODI and 2-year C7PL were independent predictors of satisfaction. Multilinear regression demonstrated 2-year SVA, pre-op ODI and patient's age were the independent predictors 2-year ODI. Conclusion. The ability to restore global alignment depends on the severity of the preoperative deformity as well as the correction of the main aspect of the deformity. Achieving global coronal and sagittal alignment is an independent predictor of both satisfaction and disability at 2 years post-op. Patients who continue to be disabled are also not satisfied.

Automated summary

This study investigates the potential associations between postoperative alignment and patient satisfaction in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The findings suggest that achieving global coronal and sagittal alignment is an independent predictor of satisfaction and disability at 2 years post-op. Preoperative deformity severity and correction of the main aspect of the deformity also play a role in restoring global alignment and influencing patient satisfaction.