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.