The Influence of Multilevel Spinal Deformity Surgery on the EuroQol 5 Dimensions’ (EQ-5D) Questionnaire and Residential Status in the Elderly: A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study

Abstract

Study Design Multicenter, international prospective study. Objective This study investigated the clinical outcome up to 2 years after multi-level spinal deformity surgery in the elderly by reporting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D), EQ-VAS, and residential status. Methods As an ancillary study of 219 patients ≥60 years with spinal deformity undergoing primary instrumented fusion surgery of ≥5 levels, this study focuses on EQ-5D (3-L) as the primary outcome and EQ-VAS and residential status as secondary outcomes. Data on EQ-5D were compared between pre-operatively and postoperatively at 10 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months. An anchor-based approach was used to calculate the MCID. Results The EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS, respectively, improved significantly at each time point compared to pre-operatively (from .53 (SD .21) and 55.6 (SD 23.0) pre-operatively to .64 (SD .18) and 65.8 (SD 18.7) at 10 weeks, .74 (SD .18) and 72.7 (SD 18.1) at 12 months, and .73 (SD .20) and 70.4 (SD 20.4) at 24 months). 217 (99.1%) patients lived at home pre-operatively, while 186 (88.6%), 184 (98.4%), and 172 (100%) did so at 10 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively. Our calculated MCID for the EQ-5D index at 1 year was .22 (95% CI .15-.29). Conclusions The EQ-5D index significantly increased at each time point over 24 months after ≥5 level spinal deformity surgery in elderly patients. The MCID of the EQ-5D-3 L was .22. Patients living at home pre-operatively can expect to be able to live at home 2 years postoperatively.