Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

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I was treated with a vertebroplasty for a spinal fracture caused by osteoporosis. According to the X-rays, the operation was a success. But my symptoms aren't much better. It's been slow getting back to normal. How does it get decided that an operation was a "success"?

There are many ways to measure the success of treatment for various problems and conditions. With back pain from any cause, there are two surveys used most often: the SF-36 and the Oswestry. These have to be filled out before surgery and then again after surgery to show if the patient is better, same, or worse.

There is a new survey being tested with low back pain (LBP) patients. It is patient-based meaning it looks at the patient's pain level, function, and sense of personal well-being. It even measures patient satisfaction. Like all other measures of outcome, it must be completed before and after treatment.

The surgeon often goes by results seen on X-ray or other imaging studies. Patient-based results aren't always the standard of measure. Talk with your surgeon if you aren't happy with the results of your operation. You may be a good candidate for a short course of rehab or other treatment that could help.


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