Does clinical photography influence satisfaction with surgery in adult patients operated on for spinal deformity?

Abstract

Background: Recently published data suggest that showing patients operated on for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or kyphosis their preoperative and postoperative photographs may enhance their satisfaction and self-image as measured by Scoliosis Research Society Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SRS-22) scores. No data exist for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the effect on patient postoperative satisfaction and self-image of showing adult deformity patients their preoperative and postoperative whole body photographs. Methods: This was a nonconcurrent prospective study. Patients operated on for ASD with a minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up who had preoperative full-body photographs taken by a professional photographer were included. Two follow-up visits were arranged 7 days apart. In the first visit, patients completed the SRS-22 questionnaire, and full-body standing photographs were taken. In the second visit, patients were asked to complete again questions 4, 6, 10, 14, 19 (self-image), 21, and 22 (satisfaction) of the SRS-22 after seeing their preoperative and postoperative full-body photographs. Results: Thirty patients (28 female) were included. The median age at surgery was 50 years (26–76). The median follow-up was 51 months (24–120). SRS-22 results at first visit were: activity 2.79 6 0.75; self-image 2.71 6 0.82; pain 2.53 6 1.10; mental health 3.08 6 0.77; satisfaction 3.46 6 1.20; global 2.74 6 0.72. SRS22 results at second visit were: self-image 2.9 6 0.75; satisfaction 4.02 6 0.97. After seeing the preoperative and final follow-up photographs, patients experienced an improvement in SRS-22 self-image (P ¼ .000) and satisfaction domains (P ¼ .011). Conclusions: In patients operated on for ASD, showing preoperative and postoperative photographs improves patient satisfaction with surgery and self-image.