Study on the Long-term Quality of Life and Influencing Factors in Elderly Patients After Vertebroplasty Based on the EQ-5D Chinese Utility Score System: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background The quality of life in elderly patients after vertebroplasty is influenced by various factors. Although the EQ-5D scale has been widely used to assess quality of life, the factors affecting the long-term postoperative quality of life of elderly vertebroplasty patients in China have not been thoroughly studied. Methods This study is a retrospective research that included 519 patients aged 65 and above who underwent elective vertebroplasty. We collected baseline data from these patients and conducted telephone follow-ups 12 months post-operation to evaluate their EQ-5D health utility values and EQ-VAS scores. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting quality of life. Results Of the 519 patients, the majority were female (78.0%), with ages ranging from 65 to 95 years and an average age of 75.2 years. Twelve months post-operation, pain/discomfort was the most commonly reported issue by 68.4% of patients. The median EQ-5D health utility value was 0.783, with a range between 0.450 and 0.887; the median VAS score was 75, ranging from 60 to 85. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that older age, hormone use, higher ASA grades, non-drinking habits, and low albumin levels were independent risk factors affecting the long-term quality of life in elderly patients after vertebroplasty. Additionally, a history of tumors, the number of vertebral compression fractures, and bone density were also crucial influencing factors. Conclusions Based on the EQ-5D Chinese utility scoring system, we evaluated the quality of life of patients aged 65 and above 12 months after vertebroplasty. This study identified several factors related to the postoperative quality of life in elderly vertebroplasty patients, providing crucial evidence for further clinical decisions and patient education.