Background. A cornerstone in treating low back pain (LBP) is the provision of information to patients, and the internet is increasingly being used as a source of health information delivery. However, the effect of and satisfaction with online information have been questioned. Purpose. To develop a multi-item instrument to measure an index score of satisfaction with online information for patients with LBP. Methods. The conceptualization of this patient reported outcome is modelled on the assumption of a formative model. The first draft of the questionnaire was developed based on a previous published interview study of 15 patients and evaluated for face validity by seven experts. The second draft of the questionnaire was pilot-tested in 20 patients to optimize content validity. Patients were recruited from a rehabilitation center and from social media. Results. An eight-item questionnaire was developed after assessing content and face validity. The items were related to design, readability, customization, credibility, usability, and coping. A labelled categorical scale was used for response options. Each item is scored from 0–3, where 0 indicates not at all satisfied, 1 indicates little satisfaction, 2 indicates some satisfaction, and 3 indicates very satisfied giving an overall index score between 0 and 24 points. Conclusion. An eight-item questionnaire measuring satisfaction with an index score from 0–24 points has been developed. The OPSI questionnaire is now being tested for construct validity, reproducibility and interpretation on 150 patients with LBP. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Funded by the Novo Nordic Foundation (NNF17OC0024422)

Aims. In this prospective observational study, we investigated the time-dependent changes and correlations of upper arm performance tests (ten-second test and Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF), the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) in 31 patients with cervical myelopathy who had undergone surgery. . Patients and Methods. We hypothesised that all the indices correlate with each other, but show slightly different recovery patterns, and that the newly described JOACMEQ is a sensitive outcome measure. Results. Peak recoveries were achieved one month post-operatively in the ten-second test and JOACMEQ upper extremity function (UEF) subscale, and at three months in the JOA and STEF scores. The recoveries of all indices were maintained until six months post-operatively. The upper extremity function (UEF) subscale in the JOACMEQ showed the strongest correlation with STEF although all the indices correlated with each other. Patients with ≥ 20 and < 20 acquired points in the UEF subscale were classified into the UEF-improved and UEF-unimproved groups. Comparisons between the groups showed that pre-operative evaluation of “coordinated motion” of the STEF was significantly low in the UEF-unimproved group. . Conclusion. These results indicate that the JOACMEQ is a concise, sensitive, patient-based outcome measure for evaluating functional recovery in patients with cervical myelopathy who have undergone surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:990–6

To prospectively determine the relationship between the two most commonly used generic spinal outcome measures, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS). Outcome measures inform audit and research. Few spine surgical specific outcome measures are in general use. Generic measures are used for a variety of spinal disorders it is not known which is best or exactly how they relate for different conditions. Pre-operatively and two years post surgical results were available in 240 patients. There were 125 males, 115 females. Sub groups numbering 82 discetomy, 78 decompression, 26 revision and 19 fusions were analysed. Average age 55 years (range 23-88). The pre op average ODI was 55% and the LBOS was 29. Correlation was -0.73. The overall post operative score at 2 years was 34% ODI and 37 LBOS, the correlation was better at -0.87. The correlation between the two scores post operatively was very good for Discectomy surgery (-0.916) and fusion surgery (-0.907) but not so close pre operatively with Discectomy (-0.786) and fusion correlation poor at (-0.302). Revision surgery and decompression surgery had similar good correlation post operatively. The correlation of both outcome measures to the Modified Zung depression index was poor. The poor pre operative correlation suggests that thresholds for surgery cannot be compared within registries using different measures. The post operative scores and change in scores correlate better. This is important in comparative studies using different outcomes scores within the same spine registry. No conflict of Interest. Registered database and audit of service standard

Aim

To use Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to determine the effectiveness of lumbar spinal surgery at a single UK institution.

Background. Embodiment- and distraction-based approaches to immersive virtual reality (IVR) show promise in treating persistent low back pain (PLBP). However, which approach is more effective is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of distraction- and embodiment-based IVR on pain processing and patient-reported outcome measures in PLBP. Method. Individuals with PLBP were randomised to receive eight sessions of either distraction- or embodiment-based IVR over two weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after the eighth session. Pain processing was evaluated using conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation (TS). Results. Three participants (n=2 embodiment, n=1 distraction) have completed all eight IVR sessions. Preliminary results indicate a decrease from pre to post-intervention in Numerical Pain Rating Scale score (pre: 5/10, 6/10, 5/10; post: 2/10, 5/10, 2/10) and Pain Catastrophising Scale score (pre: 34/52, 11/52, 38/52; post: 11/52, 8/52, 12/52), with no clear trend in other self-reported measures (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Oswestry low back disability questionnaire, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire, Tampa scale of kinesiophobia). Preliminary results suggest a potential increase in NPRS absolute values from pre- to post-intervention in CPM (pre: -2.7, -2.3, -2.0; post: -3.3, -2.0, -4.3) and TS (pre-1.2, 2.5, 2.4; post: 1.4, 2.5, 3.1). Conclusion. Eight sessions of IVR may reduce pain severity and pain catastrophising in people with PLBP and may increase the efficacy of endogenous pain modulatory systems. Data collection is ongoing to compare the effect of distraction- and embodiment-based IVR. Conflicts of Interest. There are no conflicts of interest. Sources of Funding. This project is funded by the Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau

Aims. The number of patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy has increased. In many countries, public hospitals have limited capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for elective treatment and a need for supplementary private healthcare. It is uncertain whether the management of patients and the outcome of treatment are equivalent in public and private hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the management and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy in public and private hospitals in Norway, and to assess whether the effectiveness of the treatment was equivalent. Methods. This was a comparative study using prospectively collected data from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. A total of 4,750 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy and were followed for 12 months were included. Case-mix adjustment between those managed in public and private hospitals was performed using propensity score matching. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) between baseline and 12 months postoperatively. A mean difference in improvement of the NDI score between public and private hospitals of ≤ 15 points was considered equivalent. Secondary outcome measures were a numerical rating scale for neck and arm pain and the EuroQol five-dimension three-level health questionnaire. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications were also recorded. Results. The mean improvement from baseline to 12 months postoperatively of patients who underwent surgery in public and private hospitals was equivalent, both in the unmatched cohort (mean NDI difference between groups 3.9 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 5.6); p < 0.001) and in the matched cohort (4.0 points (95% CI 2.3 to 5.7); p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed similar results. The duration of surgery and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in public hospitals. Those treated in private hospitals reported significantly fewer complications in the unmatched cohort, but not in the matched cohort. Conclusion. The clinical effectiveness of surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy performed in public and private hospitals was equivalent 12 months after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):64–71

Purposes of the study and background. Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) is a psychologically informed, physiotherapist-led intervention that targets the biopsychosocial complexity of persistent low back pain (LBP). CFT has demonstrated positive outcomes in two randomised controlled trials (RCT) but has not previously been evaluated in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of completing a definitive RCT, that will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of CFT in comparison to usual physiotherapy care (UPC) for people with persistent LBP in the NHS. Methods and results. A two-arm parallel feasibility RCT compared CFT with UPC in participants with persistent LBP. Data concerning study processes, resources, management and patient reported outcome measures (disability, pain intensity, quality of life and psychosocial function) were collected at baseline, three and six-month follow-up, analysed and evaluated in order to establish feasibility. Sixty participants (n=30 CFT and n=30 UPC) were recruited with 71.6% (n=43) retained at six-month follow-up. CFT was delivered to fidelity, relevant and clinically important outcome data were rigorously collected and CFT was tolerated by participants with no safety concerns. The Roland-Morris disability questionnaire was the most suitable primary outcome measure and sample size calculations were completed for a definitive RCT. Intention to treat analysis indicated a signal of effect in favour of CFT with moderate and large between group effect sizes observed across outcome measures at six-month follow-up. Conclusion. It is feasible to conduct a randomised study of CFT in comparison to UPC for NHS patients. A future fully powered clinical and cost effectiveness RCT could be completed. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Research Foundation

There is a need for non-radiographic, objective outcome measures for children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Standing balance and stability is altered in children with AIS. The Margin of Stability (MoS) has been used to compare gait stability in clinical populations. Our objective was to compare the MoS in anterior-posterior (MoS. AP. ) and mediolateral (MoS. ML. ) directions in girls with AIS to Controls. Girls with AIS and healthy girls walked at three speeds on an instrumented treadmill wearing retroreflective markers, surrounded by motion capture cameras. The MoS. AP/ML. was calculated at left and right heel strike. Data was processed in Visual 3D. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare MoS. AP/ML. between group, speed and the interaction between group and speed. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare the MoS to Cobb angle. Statistical significance was accepted when p > 0.05. A priori power analysis suggested 12 participants per group. Three Cases and four Controls were recruited. Girls with AIS all had right-sided main thoracic curves (Lenke type 1a, 61.3° ± 10.0°). MoS. AP. was significantly bigger for Cases compared to Controls on the left (p=0.038) and right foot (p=0.041). There was no significant difference between Cases and Controls for MoS. ML. , but there was a visual trend for a smaller MoS. ML. in Cases. There was no significant difference for speed or the interaction between group and speed for MoS. AP. or MoS. ML. In Cases, MoS. AP. increased with increasing Cobb angle on the left (r. 2. =0.687, p=0.054) and right (r. 2. =0.634, p=0.067) and MoS. ML. decreased with increasing Cobb angle on the left (r. 2. =-0.912, p=0.002). Further subjects are being recruited. Girls with Lenke type 1a AIS are more stable in the AP direction and less stable in the ML direction than Controls during treadmill walking. AP stability increases and ML stability decreases with increasing Cobb angle. This research suggests that the MoS could be used as an outcome measure for children with AIS. Continued work is required to increase the power of this study. Further work could consider these changes during walking overground, measuring an MoS or MoS-like measure using a wearable device, and in different curve types

Purpose and Background. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) can affect 56–80% of physiotherapists. Patient handling is reported as a significant risk factor for developing WRMSD with the back most frequently injured. Physiotherapists perform therapeutic handling to manually assist and facilitate patients’ movement to aid rehabilitation, which can increase physiotherapists risk of experiencing high forces during patient handling. Methods and Results. A descriptive cross-sectional study was completed to explore and quantitatively measure the movement of ten physiotherapists during patient handling, over one working day, in a neurological setting. A wearable 3-dimensional motion analysis system, Xsens (Movella, Henderson, NV), was used to measure physiotherapist movement and postures in the ward setting during patient treatment sessions. The resulting joint angles were reported descriptively and compared against a frequently used ergonomic assessment tool, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Physiotherapists adopted four main positions during patient handling tasks: 1) kneeling; 2) half-kneeling; 3) standing; and 4) sitting. Eight patient handling tasks were identified and described: 1) Lie-to-sit; 2) sit-to-lie; 3) sit-to-stand; facilitation of 4) upper limb; 5) lower limb; 6) trunk; and 7) standing treatments; and 8) walking facilitation. Kneeling and sitting positions demonstrated greater neck extension and greater lumbosacral flexion during treatments which scores highly with the RULA. Conclusion. This research identified that patient treatment tasks were more often performed in kneeling or sitting positions than standing. Current moving and handling guidance teaches moving and handling in a standing position; loading and stresses experienced by the physiotherapists may differ in sitting or kneeling positions. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of funding. None. This work has been presented as a poster at the CSP conference Glasgow 2023

Purpose of study and background. Spinal muscle area (SMA) is often employed to assess muscle functionality and is important for understanding the risk individuals may have of developing back pain or the risk of postural instability and falls.. However, handgrip strength (HGS) has also been utilized as a measure of general muscle capacity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between SMA and HGS to assess whether the latter could be used as an accurate indicator of the former. Methods. 150 participants (75 males and 75 females, aged 47–70 years) were selected from the UK Biobank dataset. Handgrip strength values were extracted and averaged over left and right values. Abdominal MRI images were examined and cross-sectional area of the erector spinae and multifidus determined at the L3/4 level and summed to provide a total muscle area. Results. HGS and SMA (mean±sd) were 39.6 ± 7.4 kg and 4664 ± 868 mm. 2. for males and 24.7 ± 5.9 kg, and 3822 ± 579 mm. 2. for females. Pearson correlation between HGS and SMA was r = 0.41 for males (p = <0.001), r = 0.40 for females (p = <0.001), and r = 0.61 for the combined groups (p<0.001). Conclusion. Significant correlations were found between HGS and SMA for individual sexes and combined groups. However, although HGS may be a useful measure for predicting modifications in group responses in spinal muscle function, for example, following an intervention, it does not have the power to confidently predict muscle values at an individual participant level. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Prince Sattam University, KSA, provided a PhD scholarship for Salman Alharthi

Aims. Symptomatic spinal stenosis is a very common problem, and decompression surgery has been shown to be superior to nonoperative treatment in selected patient groups. However, performing an instrumented fusion in addition to decompression may avoid revision and improve outcomes. The aim of the SpInOuT feasibility study was to establish whether a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) that accounted for the spectrum of pathology contributing to spinal stenosis, including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch and mobile spondylolisthesis, could be conducted. Methods. As part of the SpInOuT-F study, a pilot randomized trial was carried out across five NHS hospitals. Patients were randomized to either spinal decompression alone or spinal decompression plus instrumented fusion. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at baseline and three months. The intended sample size was 60 patients. Results. Of the 90 patients screened, 77 passed the initial screening criteria. A total of 27 patients had a PI-LL mismatch and 23 had a dynamic spondylolisthesis. Following secondary inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 patients were eligible for the study. Six patients were randomized and one underwent surgery during the study period. Given the low number of patients recruited and randomized, it was not possible to assess completion rates, quality of life, imaging, or health economic outcomes as intended. Conclusion. This study provides a unique insight into the prevalence of dynamic spondylolisthesis and PI-LL mismatch in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis, and demonstrates that there is a need for a definitive RCT which stratifies for these groups in order to inform surgical decision-making. Nonetheless a definitive study would need further refinement in design and implementation in order to be feasible. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):573–579

Aims. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with associated rotation, often causing distress due to appearance. For some curves, there is good evidence to support the use of a spinal brace, worn for 20 to 24 hours a day to minimize the curve, making it as straight as possible during growth, preventing progression. Compliance can be poor due to appearance and comfort. A night-time brace, worn for eight to 12 hours, can achieve higher levels of curve correction while patients are supine, and could be preferable for patients, but evidence of efficacy is limited. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of ‘full-time bracing’ versus ‘night-time bracing’ in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. UK paediatric spine clinics will recruit 780 participants aged ten to 15 years-old with AIS, Risser stage 0, 1, or 2, and curve size (Cobb angle) 20° to 40° with apex at or below T7. Patients are randomly allocated 1:1, to either full-time or night-time bracing. A qualitative sub-study will explore communication and experiences of families in terms of bracing and research. Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement informed study design and will assist with aspects of trial delivery and dissemination. Discussion. The primary outcome is ‘treatment failure’ (Cobb angle progression to 50° or more before skeletal maturity); skeletal maturity is at Risser stage 4 in females and 5 in males, or ‘treatment success’ (Cobb angle less than 50° at skeletal maturity). The comparison is on a non-inferiority basis (non-inferiority margin 11%). Participants are followed up every six months while in brace, and at one and two years after skeletal maturity. Secondary outcomes include the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire and measures of quality of life, psychological effects of bracing, adherence, anxiety and depression, sleep, satisfaction, and educational attainment. All data will be collected through the British Spine Registry. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):873–880

Aims. To determine the value of scoliosis surgery, it is necessary to evaluate outcomes in domains that matter to patients. Since randomized trials on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are scarce, prospective cohort studies with comparable outcome measures are important. To enhance comparison, a core set of patient-related outcome measures is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of AIS fusion surgery at two-year follow-up using the core outcomes set. Methods. AIS patients were systematically enrolled in an institutional registry. In all, 144 AIS patients aged ≤ 25 years undergoing primary surgery (median age 15 years (interquartile range 14 to 17) were included. Patient-reported (condition-specific and health-related quality of life (QoL); functional status; back and leg pain intensity) and clinician-reported outcomes (complications, revision surgery) were recorded. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analyzed using Friedman’s analysis of variance. Clinical relevancy was determined using minimally important changes (Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r), cut-off values for relevant effect on functioning (pain scores) and a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS; Oswestry Disability Index). Results. At baseline, 65 out of 144 patients (45%) reported numerical rating scale (NRS) back pain scores > 5. All PROMs significantly improved at two-year follow-up. Mean improvements in SRS-22r function (+ 1.2 (SD 0.6)), pain (+ 0.6 (SD 0.8)), and self-image (+ 1.1 (SD 0.7)) domain scores, and the SRS-22r total score (+ 0.5 (SD 0.5)), were clinically relevant. At two-year follow-up, 14 out of 144 patients (10%) reported NRS back pain > 5. Surgical site infections did not occur. Only one patient (0.7%) underwent revision surgery. Conclusion. Relevant improvement in functioning, condition-specific and health-related QoL, self-image, and a relevant decrease in pain is shown at two-year follow-up after fusion surgery for AIS, with few adverse events. Contrary to the general perception that AIS is a largely asymptomatic condition, nearly half of patients report significant preoperative back pain, which reduced to 10% at two-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):265–273

Aims. Historically, patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been nursed postoperatively in a critical care (CC) setting because of the challenges posed by prone positioning, extensive exposures, prolonged operating times, significant blood loss, major intraoperative fluid shifts, cardiopulmonary complications, and difficulty in postoperative pain management. The primary aim of this paper was to determine whether a scoring system, which uses Cobb angle, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and number of levels to be fused, is a valid method of predicting the need for postoperative critical care in AIS patients who are to undergo scoliosis correction with posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all AIS patients who had undergone PSF between January 2018 and January 2020 in a specialist tertiary spinal referral centre. All patients were assessed preoperatively in an anaesthetic clinic. Postoperative care was defined as ward-based (WB) or critical care (CC), based on the preoperative FEV1, FVC, major curve Cobb angle, and the planned number of instrumented levels. Results. Overall, 105 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 15.5 years (11 to 25) with a mean weight of 55 kg (35 to 103). The mean Cobb angle was 68° (38° to 122°). Of these, 38 patients were preoperatively scored to receive postoperative CC. However, only 19% of the cohort (20/105) actually needed CC-level support. Based on these figures, and an average paediatric intensive care unit stay of one day before stepdown to ward-based care, the potential cost-saving on the first postoperative night for this cohort was over £20,000. There was no statistically significant difference between the Total Pathway Score (TPS), the numerical representation of the four factors being assessed, and the actual level of care received (p = 0.052) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.187). Binary logistic regression analysis of the TPS variables showed that the preoperative Cobb angle was the only variable which significantly predicted the need for critical care. Conclusion. Most patients undergoing posterior fusion surgery for AIS do not need critical care. Of the readily available preoperative measures, the Cobb angle is the only predictor of the need for higher levels of care, and has a threshold value of 74.5°. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):713–719

Aims. To identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent disc herniation (sRDH) after primary single-level lumbar discectomy. Secondary outcome was the incidence and risk factors for five-year sRDH reoperation. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted using prospectively collected data and patient-reported outcome measures, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), between 2008 and 2019. Postoperative sRDH was identified from clinical notes and the centre’s MRI database, with all imaging providers in the region checked for missing events. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate five-year sRDH incidence. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent variables predictive of sRDH, with any variable not significant at the p < 0.1 level removed. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Complete baseline data capture was available for 733 of 754 (97.2%) consecutive patients. Median follow-up time for censored patients was 2.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.0 to 5.0). sRDH occurred in 63 patients at a median 0.8 years (IQR 0.5 to 1.7) after surgery. The five-year Kaplan-Meier estimate for sRDH was 12.1% (95% CI 9.5 to 15.4), sRDH reoperation was 7.5% (95% CI 5.5 to 10.2), and any-procedure reoperation was 14.1% (95% CI 11.1 to 17.5). Current smoker (HR 2.12 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.56)) and higher preoperative ODI (HR 1.02 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.03)) were independent risk factors associated with sRDH. Current smoker (HR 2.15 (95% CI 1.12 to 4.09)) was an independent risk factor for sRDH reoperation. Conclusion. This is one of the largest series to date which has identified current smoker and higher preoperative disability as independent risk factors for sRDH. Current smoker was an independent risk factor for sRDH reoperation. These findings are important for spinal surgeons and rehabilitation specialists in risk assessment, consenting patients, and perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):315–322

Background. Disability is an important multifaceted construct. Identifying sources of disability could help optimise patient care. The aim of this study was to test an approach that not only estimates severity of disability, but also identifies the source(s) of this disability. Methods. An online survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample, recruited via email and social media invitations. Two generic measures of disability, the 8-item Universal Disability Index (UDI8) and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) were used to estimate the prevalence and severity of disability in this sample. Non-zero UDI8 item responses generated conditional sub-questions, in which participants could attribute their activity limitations to one or more sources (pain, fatigue, worry, mood, and other). This allowed for a decomposition of UDI8 scores into source components. Results. 403 participants enrolled; 334 completed all UDI8 and GARS items. Of these, 85.3% (285/334) reported at least one restricted activity via the UDI8, while 43.4% (145/334) reported some reduced independence via the GARS. Disability severity increased with age until approximately 40 years, after which it decreased gradually. Pain component scores were high in all individuals with higher and lower disability severity, whereas fatigue component scores were highest in individuals reporting higher disability severity. Worry, mood, and other component scores were not high at any level of disability severity. Conclusions. This approach should be used to identify the prevalence, severity and sources of disability in the general population and in specific patient groups. Conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding. No funding obtained

Background. Disability is an important multifaceted construct. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a brief, generic self-reported disability questionnaire: the Universal Disability Index (UDI). Methods. Convenience sampling was used to collect general population data via an online survey. Data were randomly divided into training and validation subsets. The dimensionality and structure of eight UDI questionnaire items were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA, training subset) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, validation subset). To assess concurrent validity, the UDI summed score from the full dataset was compared to the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) disability scores. Internal consistency was also assessed. Results. 403 participants enrolled; 364 completed at least one UDI item. Three single-factor versions of the UDI were assessed (8-item, 7-item, and 6-item). All versions performed well during EFA and CFA (182 cases assigned to each), but none met the RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) criterion (≤ 0.08). All versions of the UDI had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.90) and were strongly correlated (Pearson's r > 0.7) with both GARS and GCPS disability scores, indicating concurrent validity. Conclusions. A brief, generic self-reported disability questionnaire was found to be valid and to possess good psychometric properties. The UDI has a single factor structure and either a 6-item, 7-item or 8-item version can be used to measure disability. For brevity and parsimony, the 6-item UDI is recommended, but further testing of all versions is warranted. Conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding. No funding obtained

Objectives. Understanding lumbar facet joint involvement and biomechanical changes post spinal fusion is limited. This study aimed to establish an in vitro model assessing mechanical effects of fusion on human lumbar facet joints, employing synchronized motion, pressure, and stiffness analysis. Methods and Results. Seven human lumbar spinal units (age 54 to 92, ethics 15/YH/0096) underwent fusion via a partial nucleotomy model mimicking a lateral cage approach with PMMA cement injection. Mechanical testing pre and post-fusion included measuring compressive displacement and load, local motion capture, and pressure mapping at the facet joints. pQCT imaging (82 microns isotropic) was carried out at each stage to assess the integrity of the vertebral endplates and quantify the amount of cement injected. Before fusion, relative facet joint displacement (6.5 ± 4.1 mm) at maximum load (1.1 kN) exceeded crosshead displacement (3.9 ± 1.5 mm), with loads transferred across both facet joints. After fusion, facet displacement (2.0 ± 1.2 mm) reduced compared to pre-fusion, as was the crosshead displacement (2.2 ± 0.6 mm). Post-fusion loads (71.4 ± 73.2 N) transferred were reduced compared to pre-fusion levels (194.5 ± 125.4 N). Analysis of CT images showed no endplate damage post-fusion, whilst the IVD tissue: cement volume ratio did not correlate with the post-fusion behaviour of the specimens. Conclusion. An in vitro model showed significant facet movement reduction with stand-alone interbody cage placement. This technique identifies changes in facet movement post-fusion, potentially contributing to subsequent spinal degeneration, highlighting its utility in biomechanical assessment. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of funding. This work was funded by EPSRC, under grant EP/W015617/1

Spinal deformations are posture dependent. Official data from the Netherlands show that youth are encountering increasing problems with the musculoskeletal system (>40% back pain, and sport injury proneness). Prolonged sloth and slumped sitting postures are causative factors. Dutch youth are “champion sitting” in Europe. The effects of sitting on the development of posture and function of locomotion (stiffness) during growth have only been reported clearly in classic textbooks (in German) of practical anatomy and orthopaedics. Research with relevant clinical examinations is being done to understand epidemiological data on the increasing posture-dependent problems. A cohort of adolescents (15–18 years) in secondary school was assessed for sagittal postural deviations while bending. 248 children completed a questionnaire, and tests were done on neuromuscular tightness. The femorotibial angle was used to measure hamstring tightness. Measurement of the dorsiflexion of the foot was used to assess the tightness of calf muscles and Achilles tendons. All adolescents were photographed laterally while performing the finger–floor test (used to test flexibility), assessed as a knockout test: “Can you reach the floor or not?” The spinal profiles while bending were classified as abnormal arcuate or angular kyphosis. Hamstring tightness was present in 62.1% of the cohort in both legs, and in 18.2% unilaterally. Achilles tendon tightness was present bilaterally in 59.3%, and unilaterally in 19.4%. Activities with presence of stiffness (finger–floor distance), in descending order, were football, running, no sports, field hockey, tennis, dance, and gymnastics. 93.5% of the soccer players had tight hamstrings in both legs compared with none of those performing gymnastics. The correlation of the finger–floor test with tight hamstrings was 73.2%. For sagittal bending deformities, the correlation between form and function deficits cannot be made yet. 80 of 248 spines were rated by the examiners as having deformed flexion. Since Andry (1741) and at the zenith of continental orthopaedics and anatomy around 1900, the prolonged flexed positions of a young spine were indicated as being the main cause of deformity by overload and shear loads on immature discs and cartilage, preventing normal development of the discs. Nachemson proved that the intradiscal pressure in sitting adults was extremely high, so it follows that children must also be at risk. Evidence suggests that youth, generally because of their sedentary and “screenful lifestyle”, will encounter serious problems in growth, manifesting as incongruent neuro-osseous growth (Roth), serious neuromuscular tightness (being prone to injury), and spinal deformations, leading to pain

Background. FORECAST is a prospective longitudinal cohort study exploring mechanism-based prognostic factors for pain persistence in sciatica. Here, we share an update on this largest deeply-phenotyped primary care sciatica cohort. Methods/results. Our cohort includes 180 people with sciatica (score >4 on Stynes’ Sum Score), aged 18–85, within 3 months of symptom onset. Psychosocial factors, self-reported sensory profiling, clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing (QST), biological samples (blood and skin samples), and Magnetic Resonance Neurography of lumbar nerve roots were collected at baseline. Pain persistence was determined at three and twelve months with the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI) and a numeric pain rating scale (NRS) as primary outcomes. Recruitment nears completion, with 160 participants enrolled to date. 127 and 96 participants have completed 3 and 12 months follow-up respectively. Overall, 56% of our cohort are female, with a mean age (SD) of 54.14yrs (16.57). Ethnicity data approximates local populations. SBI at baseline was (median [IQR]) 13[10-17], and interim longitudinal data shows stepwise improvement at 3 and 12 months. Baseline ‘average’ pain intensity was 5.56 (2.15) for leg pain, and 4.14(2.82) for low back pain (LBP). Overall, pain scores decreased at 3 and 12 months, with greater reductions in leg pain than LBP at 12 months. However, around 55–80% and 40–65% of people reported persistent pain at 3 and 12 months respectively. Conclusion. Leg pain severity was moderate and higher than LBP at baseline. All primary outcome measures demonstrate improvement over time, however 40–65% of patients report persistent pain at 12 months. Conflicts of interest. LR: Paid facilitation of post-graduate courses internationally. SK, MT, FP, KM, WS, CP, CR, SC: No conflicts of interest. GC: Editor in Chief of Health Psychology Review. Director of board of directors, MentalCHealth Care setting NoordWestVlaanderen. JF: Copyright holder of ODI (Oswestry Disability Index). Served on a data monitoring committee for a clinical trial of 2 different surgical approaches to cervical disc herniation (FORVAD). Member of HTA Prioritisation Committee B: Inside hospital Care from 2015-February 2019. Member of HTA Interventional Procedures Panel from 2010–2015. Trustee and board member of 3 spine related charities – Back to Back; British Scoliosis Research Foundation and BackCare. Expert instructed by both claimant and defendant solicitors in negligence and person injury cases. GB: Paid consultancy (RNA-seq) with Ivy Farm and Coding.bio. ABS: Paid post-graduate lecturing internationally. Co-chair NeupSig sciatica working group (unpaid). Sources of funding. This project is funded by UKRI and Versus Arthritis as part of the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) Advanced Pain Discovery Platform (APDP), a co-funded initiative by UKRI (MRC, BBSRC, ESRC), Versus Arthritis, the Medical Research Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company Ltd (Grant MR/W027003/1). Additional funding has been received from the back to back charity to expand longitudinal components of the study. LR has received support with PhD fees from the CSP charitable trust. ABS is supported by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Career Development Fellowship. (222101/Z/20/Z). WS is partly funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London. FP is funded by a Dorothy Hodgkin Career Development Fellowship in Chemistry in association with Somerville College. GB is supported by the Wellcome Trust (223149/Z/21/Z) and Diabetes UK (19/0005984). GC and KRM are partly funded by UKRI and Versus Arthritis as part of the Advanced Pain Discovery Platform (APDP) PAINSTORM (MR/W002388/1). The UKRI and Versus Arhthritis (APDP) are the major funders of FORECAST. All other funders provided either some people support, or funded projects with legacy data that we reuse