Quantification of Impairment in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Czech version

Authors: B. Mičánková Adamová ^1,2; S. Voháňka ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ¹; CEITEC – Středoevropský technologický institut, MU, Brno ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2013; 76/109(5): 570-574
Category: Review Article

Overview

Quantification of impairment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) should be based on assessment of the severity of clinical impairment and its impact on patient disability, rather than derived from a relative analysis of radiological findings. A range of scores and scales are used to assess patient status and there are several valid reasons why impairment should be quantified, including accurate assessment of patient status, evaluation of long-term clinical outcome and therapeutic efficacy, and help with the choice of optimal treatment modality. This article addresses the scales, questionnaires and quantified assessments that the authors often use in patients with LSS, namely a visual analogue scale for pain or a pain intensity numerical rating scale, the neurological impairment score in lumbar spinal stenosis, the Oswestry Disability Index and measuring of distance covered on a treadmill. We propose criteria for the assessment of LSS severity that may be useful in selecting a treatment (conservative or surgical therapy). These are based on the evaluation of pain using a pain intensity numerical rating scale, assessment of disability using the Oswestry Disability Index and analysis of distance covered on a treadmill.

Key words:
lumbar spinal stenosis – The Oswestry Disability Index – neurogenic claudication –pain assessment

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.

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