Validation of the Subjective Spine Value: A new single item score for the assessment of spine-specific function

BACKGROUND: Spinal function can be assessed through different patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate a novel single-item score for the assessment of spinal function: The Subjective Spine Value (SSpV). It was hypothesized that the SSpV correlates with the established scores Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI). METHODS: Between 08/2020 and 11/2021 151 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and completed a questionnaire with the ODI, COMI as well as the SSpV. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on their specific pathology (Group 1: Degenerative pathologies, Group 2: Tumor, Group 3: Inflammatory / Infection, Group 4: Trauma). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between the SSpV and the ODI and COMI separately. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, the SSpV correlated significantly with both ODI (p = < 0.001; r = − 0.640) and COMI (p = < 0.001; r = − 0.640). This was also observed across all investigated groups (range − 0.420–0.736). No relevant floor or ceiling effects were noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The SSpV is a valid single-item score for the assessment of spinal function. The SSpV offers a useful tool to efficiently assess spinal function in a variety of spinal pathologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, prospective cohort study.