Quality of life in osteoporotic patients with low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and osteoporosis (Op) are two complex diseases affecting the spine in the general population over the age of 50 years and can cause an accumulating clinical-dysfunctional impact that ultimately impacts on quality of life. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether our rehabilitation program relieves pain and restores physical function and quality of life in 52 females with postmenopausal Op and DS with a degree of slip ranging from 5%–25%, Meyerding grade Ⅰ, during a six-month period. All patients were randomized (Study group—25 patients, Control group—27 patients) and completely assessed. Functional parameters were measured at admission to inpatient rehabilitation (T1), after 4 weeks (T2), and 6 months (T3) following the commencement of rehabilitation. We used student’s t-test to compare the study and control groups for each variable measured and each time, and ANOVA (Analysis of variance) to compare the three sets of result obtained for each measured variable over time. The values for VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), SRM (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and SF-MOS (Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 Health Survey) improved in a highly significant manner over the duration of the study, both for the study and control groups. The results confirmed the complexity in the level of functionality and the results had no statistical significance in the T2 and T3 assessment. The effectiveness of the rehabilitation program for the study group was supported by the development of the differences between VAS and SRM. We found that non-surgical care and rehabilitation program is one of the optimal choices for osteoporotic patients with minimal DS, especially after 60 years of age.