Characterizing Health-Related Quality of Life by Ambulatory Status in Patients with Spinal Metastases

Conclusion. Patients with spinal metastases and independent ambulatory function have an HRQL similar to patients with primary cancers and no spinal involvement. Loss of ambulatory ability leads to a 22% decrease in HRQL for ambulation with assistance and an 82% reduction among nonambulators. Given prior studies demonstrate superior maintenance of ambulatory function with surgery for spinal metastases, our results support surgical consideration to the extent that it is clinically warranted. Level of Evidence: 3
Source: Spine - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH Source Type: research