A validation of the Oswestry Spinal Risk Index

Eur Spine J. 2016 Jan;25(1):247-251. doi: 10.1007/s00586-014-3665-4. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the Oswestry Spinal Risk Index (OSRI) in an external population. The OSRI predicts survival in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

Methods: We analysed the data of 100 patients undergoing surgical intervention for MSCC at a tertiary spinal unit and recorded the primary tumour pathology and Karnofsky performance status to calculate the OSRI. Logistic regression models and survival plots were applied to the data in accordance with the original paper.

Results: Lower OSRI scores predicted longer survival. The OSRI score predicted survival accurately in 74% of cases (p = 0.004).

Conclusions: Our study has found that the OSRI is a significant predictor of survival at levels similar to those of the original authors and is a useful and simple tool in aiding complex decision making in patients presenting with MSCC.

Keywords: Metastases; Prognosis; Spinal cord compression; Spine; Survival.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Clinical Decision-Making / methods*
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery