Values for the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire in the general elderly population: A Japanese cohort survey randomly sampled from a basic resident registry

Comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes in unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a retrospective analysis of three surgical approaches

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the combined spinous process-splitting approach with a Wiltse (SPSW) approach, the combined conventional approach with a Wiltse (CW) approach, and the conventional open (CO) approach in unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

METHODS

The clinical outcomes were assessed, and intraoperative data and complications were collected. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for low back pain and leg pain, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) scores for evaluating functions of the lumbar spine and health-related quality of life, and the modified MacNab standard for assessing satisfaction were analyzed. Radiographic outcomes included disc space height, segmental lordosis, interbody fusion assessment, and the rate of muscle atrophy of the multifidus and the erector spinae muscles.

RESULTS

Among the three groups, the SPSW group exhibited the shortest operation and drain retention time, lowest intraoperative blood loss, and minimal postoperative blood loss. Notably, the SPSW group displayed the highest level of social life function based on the JOABPEQ, and the highest level of patient satisfaction according to the modified MacNab Criteria, along with the lowest rate of muscle atrophy.

CONCLUSION

All the SPSW, CW, and CO approach TLIF procedures achieved overall satisfactory effects of decompression and fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases. The SPSW approach procedure appears to be associated with the smallest surgical trauma and highest satisfaction because of reducing iatrogenic injury of the paraspinal muscles.

Cross-cultural adaptation of The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire: A methodological systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) is a reliable and sensitive measure of disability to determine functional status and evaluate curative effects in low back pain, it has now been cross-cultural translated into many other languages and adapted for use in different countries. We aim to evaluate the translation procedures and measurement properties of cross-cultural adaptations of the JOABPEQ.

METHODS

Studies related to cross-cultural adaptation of the JOABPEQ in a specific language/culture were searched in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SciELO, PsycINFO, SinoMed, and Web of Science from their inception to March 2022. The Guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures and the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments guideline were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

Nine different versions of cross-cultural JOABPEQ adaptations in 8 different languages/cultures were included. The adaptation process was not strictly performed, such as standard forward translation and expert committee review were rarely reported. Content validity (8/9), floor and ceiling effects (3/9), reliability (4/9), and interpretability (6/9) were assessed in most of the adaptations, while agreement (2/9), responsiveness (2/9), and the internal consistency (2/9) were not. JOABPEQ can replace functional and quality of life score to reduce the burden of scientific research.

CONCLUSION

We recommend Persian-Iranian, simplified Chinese-Chinese Mandarin, Thai and Gunaydin G's Turkish adaptations for application. The numerical pain rating scale/visual analogue scale in low back pain and lower extremities, as well as numbness in lower extremities could not be neglected in JOABPEQ adaptations.

Reliability and validity of gait dynamic balance assessment in adult spinal deformity patients using a two-point trunk motion measuring device

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients often complain of walking discomfort. However, dynamic balance evaluation methods of gait in ASD have not been well established.

DESIGN

Case series study.

PURPOSE

Characterize the gait of ASD patients using a novel two-point trunk motion measuring device.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Sixteen ASD patients scheduled for surgery and 16 healthy control subjects.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Trunk swing width and track length of the upper back and sacrum.

METHODS

Gait analysis was performed using a two-point trunk motion measuring device on 16 ASD patients and 16 healthy control subjects. Three measurements were taken for each subject, and the coefficient of variation was determined to compare measurement accuracy between the ASD and control groups. Trunk swing width and track length were measured in three dimensions for comparisons between the groups. The relationship among output indices, sagittal spinal alignment parameters, and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire scores was examined as well.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found for the precision of the device between the ASD and control groups. Compared with controls, the walking style of ASD patients tended to have larger right-left swing of the trunk (+14.0 cm and +23.3 cm at the sacrum and upper back, respectively), larger horizontal plane movement of the upper body (+36.4 cm), less vertical movement (-5.9 cm and -8.2 cm up-down swing at the sacrum and upper back, respectively), and longer gait cycle (+0.13 sec). Regarding QOL in ASD patients, greater right-left/front-back swing of the trunk, greater movement in the horizontal plane, and longer gait cycle were associated with lower QOL scores. Conversely, greater vertical movement was associated with higher QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

ASD patients had unique gait characteristics, the intensity of which were associated with diminished QOL. The two-point trunk motion measuring device may be reliable and useful for the clinical assessment of balance during gait in ASD patients.