Spinal canal remodelling after stabilization of thoracolumbar burst fractures

Summary Spinal canal areas were measured prospectively in 22 consecutive burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction, preoperatively, within 1 week postoperatively and 1 year after operation. Preoperative canal encroachment averaged 38% (range 10%–70%) of the estimated original area. The 11 patients with neurological impairment had a significantly more severe initial canal encroachment (mean 48%) than those who were neurologically intact (mean 33%). Postoperatively, canal encroachment had decreased to a mean of 18% (range 0%–62%). Within 12 to 15 months postoperatively, canal encroachment was further reduced by resorption of bone fragments to a mean of 2%. The largest observed remaining encroachment was 29%. The amount of bone resorption correlated significantly with the persistent postoperative encroachment. A critical appraisal of the methods used to assess the pre-fracture canal area revealed that reconstructing the vertebral foramen of the fractured vertebra on CT scans substantially overrated the original area as compared with averaging the canal area of the two adjacent vertebrae.     

AF钉间接减压复位治疗胸腰椎重度爆裂骨折

目的: 探讨AF钉间接减压治疗重度胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床效果。方法: 50例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者用间接减压复位内固定植骨术。结果: 随访6个月~9年, 平均3. 5年。伤椎高度由术前的40%恢复到术后的95%, 椎管狭窄指数术前平均2, 术后平均<1。术后除12例全瘫病例无神经功能恢复外, 不完全截瘫患者, 术后神经功能按Frankel分级, 均有Ⅰ级以上恢复。结论: AF钉系统具有操作简单、固定可靠, 能有效的间接减压, 并能很好的恢复脊柱的解剖序列, 是一种治疗重度胸腰椎爆裂骨折的首选方法。     

活体肝移植供者生活质量调查研究

目的调查活体肝移植供者的生活质量,了解影响该人群生活质量的因素。方法应用调查研究设计,采用中文版SF-36生活质量量表调查活体肝移植供者的生活质量。结果 18例供者躯体相关生活质量分为84.78±13.21,心理相关生活质量分为80.71±14.65,总分为165.49±22.63。在＂总体健康＂、＂活力＂维度上的得分中青年组高于中年组（P〈0.05）,在＂躯体疼痛＂维度上的得分男性组高于女性组（P〈0.05）。结论活体肝移植供者的生活质量与正常人群接近。供者年龄是影响术后生活质量的因素。     

采用钛网融合器治疗胸腰段脊柱爆裂骨折

目的探讨钛网融合器治疗胸腰段爆裂骨折的手术方法、临床效果、生物力学特点及其适应证。方法采用前路减压、钛网和钛钢板重建脊柱稳定性治疗胸腰段脊柱爆裂骨折患者22例。骨折部位:T127例,L114例,L21例。按照Frankel分级:A级4例,B级6例,C级12例。20例有后凸畸形,后凸角平均为19.5°(12°～29°)。受伤至手术时间为4d～7个月。结果术后平均随访1.2(0.6～2.0)年,神经功能均恢复1级以上,15例患者术后能控制排尿。后凸角为3°～8°,平均5°。内固定物本身未引起并发症,疗效满意。结论治疗胸腰段脊柱爆裂骨折,应经前路减压、彻底去除对脊髓的致压物,钛网融合器加钛钢板可以重建脊柱的稳定性,符合脊柱生物力学,具有重要应用价值。     

Vertebral body spread in thoracolumbar burst fractures can predict posterior construct failure

Background Context

The load sharing classification (LSC) laid foundations for a scoring system able to indicate which thoracolumbar fractures, after short-segment posterior-only fixations, would need longer instrumentations or additional anterior supports.

前、后路手术治疗胸腰段爆裂骨折的疗效比较

目的评价前、后路手术治疗胸腰段爆裂骨折的效果及特点。方法1999年9月～2004年11月,对43例平均年龄为30.4岁的胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者根据伤情选择手术方式,17例采用前路手术,26例采用后路手术。术前神经功能按Frankel分级评定:A级3例,B级12例,C级19例,D级9例。结果所有患者获平均36.7个月(8～51个月)随访。术后伤口均一期愈合,未出现神经损伤症状加重等严重并发症。除3例完全性截瘫患者神经功能无变化外,其余病例均获较明显改善,前、后路手术Frankel分级分别改善1.6、1.3级。结论前、后路手术各有其特点,前路手术减压更为充分,术后脊柱序列维持较好。     

Pain regulation and health-related quality of life after thoracolumbar fractures of the spine

Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine rank among the severest injuries of the human skeleton. Especially in younger patients they often result from high-energy accidents. Recently, a shift in paradigm towards more aggressive treatment strategies including anterior procedures could be observed. However, so far only few data exist reflecting the quality of life (QoL) after such injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate medium-term QoL and further to identify factors that influence the clinical outcome in patients with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Data of 906 patients who were treated during a 10-year period in our institution were evaluated retrospectively. Only patients with single-level traumatic injuries aged between 18 and 65 years without neurological deficits, concomitant injuries of other locations and internal comorbidities were included into the investigation (n = 204). Three different treatment groups (i.e. non-operative, dorsal and dorsoventral stabilisation) were compared to healthy controls as well as different pain populations. The QoL was assessed using established questionnaires (SF-36, HFAQ, VAS-Spinescore, PRQ, and PTSD). Sixty-five percent of the included patients (n = 133) were studied at an average follow-up of 5.3 ± 1.7 years after injury. All treatment groups revealed an identical gender and age distribution. More severe and unstable injuries were found in the surgical groups associated with higher treatment costs and a longer inability to work. Compared to healthy controls, QoL was compromised to the same extent in all groups. Furthermore, all patients treated in this study did significantly better than low back pain individuals with regard to QoL and pain regulation parameters. In our study, patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures showed a reduced QoL compared to healthy controls. Thus, patients do not seem to regain their former QoL. However, the level of discomfort was comparably low in all groups, even in patients with more severe injuries requiring extensive surgery. Overall, outcome and QoL after traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine rather seem to be determined by the severity of injury than by pain regulation or other psychosocial factors which is likely the case in low back pain disorders.     

椎弓根螺钉短节段固定联合椎体成形术治疗单节段胸腰段骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折

【摘要】 目的：探讨椎弓根螺钉短节段固定联合椎体成形术治疗单节段胸腰段骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析我院2008年1月～2012年3月收治的86例单节段胸腰段爆裂椎体骨折患者的临床资料,对其中32例合并骨质疏松症的患者进行随访分析。男14例,女18例;年龄56～78岁,平均64.5岁;跌倒伤14例,车祸伤9例,高处坠落伤5例,重物砸伤4例;骨折节段：T11 3例;T12 10例;L1 15例;L2 4例。手术时均在骨折上下椎置入椎弓根螺钉,安装连接棒,通过体位结合撑开实现骨折椎体复位,然后在伤椎注入骨水泥。应用VAS及SF-36量表评估患者疼痛及生活质量改变情况,通过X线片测量计算伤椎椎体前缘高度恢复、受伤节段后凸矫正及丢失情况,随访观察治疗效果。结果：所有患者均顺利完成手术,术中无明显并发症。随访12～36个月,平均16.5个月。术后VAS评分（2.43±1.81分）及末次随访时VAS评分（2.17±1.81分）与术前（7.67±2.25分）比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;末次随访SF-36评分（123.5±22.3分）与术前（95.7±17.5分）比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术前Cobb角为22.3°±3.6°,术后Cobb角矫正至5.2°±1.2°,末次随访时为6.0°±2.3°,丢失0.8°±1.5°;术前椎体高度（56.4±5.8）%,术后椎体高度恢复至（95.3±2.9）%,末次随访时为（91.4±3.7）%,丢失（4.0±2.5）%。3例出现椎旁静脉骨水泥栓塞,无明显症状,无内固定断裂。结论：后路短节段椎弓根螺钉固定联合椎体成形术能够有效恢复并维持伤椎高度,减少后凸畸形矫正丢失及内固定失败的发生,具有良好的疗效。     

Decision-making in burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine

The most common site of injury to the spine is the thoracolumbar junction which is the mechanical transition junction between the rigid thoracic and the more flexible lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is another site which is more prone to injury. Absence of stabilizing articulations with the ribs, lordotic posture and more sagitally oriented facet joints are the most obvious explanations. Burst fractures of the spine account for 14% of all spinal injuries. Though common, thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures present a number of important treatment challenges. There has been substantial controversy related to the indications for nonoperative or operative management of these fractures. Disagreement also exists regarding the choice of the surgical approach. A large number of thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures can be treated conservatively while some fractures require surgery. Selecting an appropriate surgical option requires an in-depth understanding of the different methods of decompression, stabilization and/or fusion. Anterior surgery has the advantage of the greatest degree of canal decompression and offers the benefit of limiting the number of motion segments fused. These advantages come at the added cost of increased time for the surgery and the related morbidity of the surgical approach. Posterior surgery enjoys the advantage of being more familiar to the operating surgeons and can be an effective approach. However, the limitations of this approach include inadequate decompression, recurrence of the deformity and implant failure. Though many of the principles are the same, the treatment of low lumbar burst fractures requires some additional consideration due to the difficulty of approaching this region anteriorly. Avoiding complications of these surgeries are another important aspect and can be achieved by following an algorithmic approach to patient assessment, proper radiological examination and precision in decision-making regarding management. A detailed understanding of the mechanism of injury and their unique biomechanical propensities following various forms of treatment can help the spinal surgeon manage such patients effectively and prevent devastating complications.     

后路椎体次全切除减压重建治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的:探讨后路椎体次全切除减压重建治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床疗效.方法:2004年11月～2006年12月共收治胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者28例,其中坠落伤12例,重物压伤7例,车祸伤9例.合并颅脑伤3例,股骨骨折1例,脾破裂1例,跟骨骨折2例.新鲜骨折26例,陈旧骨折2例.均为单椎体爆裂骨折,T11 4例,T12 10例,L1 8例,L2 4例,L3 2例.均经后路行椎体次全切除椎管减压、椎体前中柱重建及植骨融合内固定术.采用ASIA分级进行神经功能评估.通过术前、术后即刻及末次随访时的X线及CT片比较伤椎前缘高度变化及椎管容积的变化评估骨折复位、减压及骨融合情况.结果:手术时间2～5h,平均3.8h;出血量650～2300ml,平均985ml.胸膜损伤1例,行胸腔闭式引流治愈,无血管、神经损伤和感染等并发症发生.随访5～25个月,平均14.5个月.脊髓功能除6例A级无恢复外均有不同程度的恢复.椎体前缘高度术前平均为正常椎体的45.45%.术后即刻为95.82%.末次随访时为94.43%,与术前比较明显改善(P<0.05);椎管容积(CT测量实际椎管容积占正常椎管容积的百分比)术前平均为44.19%,术后即刻为94.79%,末次随访时为96.21%,与术前比较明显改善(P<0.05).末次随访时植骨全部获得融合,无假关节形成.结论:后路椎体次全切除减压、前中柱重建治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折可有效恢复椎体高度及椎管容积,是安全有效的手术方式.     

Health-related quality of life after osteoporotic fractures

Objective: To estimate the impact of osteoporosis fractures on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in postmenopausal women. Methods: To compare the impact on HRQOL of different osteoporotic fractures, 600 consecutive women 55–75 years old with a new fracture (inclusion fracture) were invited by mail. After exclusions by preset criteria (high-energy fractures, ongoing osteoporosis treatment, or unwillingness to participate), 303 women were included, 171 (56%) of whom had a forearm, 37 (12%) proximal humerus, 40 (13%) hip, and 55 (18%) vertebral fracture, respectively, and all were investigated and treated according to the current local consensus program for osteoporosis. In addition, HRQOL was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire and compared with local, age-matched reference material. Examinations were performed 82 days (median) after the fracture and 2 years later. Results: HRQOL was significantly reduced at baseline regarding all SF-36 domains after vertebral fractures and most after hip fractures, but only regarding some domains after forearm and humerus fracture. After 2 years, improvements had occurred after all types of fractures, and after forearm or humerus fracture, HRQOL was completely normalized in all domains. However, 2 years after hip fracture, HRQOL was still below normal regarding physical function, role-physical and social function, while after vertebral fracture, scores were still significantly lower for all domains, physical as well as mental. Patients with one or more previous fractures before the inclusion fracture had lower HRQOL at baseline and after 2 years, compared with those with no previous fracture. Patients with osteoporosis (T-score <–2.5 in hip or spine) had lower HRQOL than those with normal BMD. Conclusion: Vertebral and hip fractures have a considerably greater and more prolonged impact on HRQOL than forearm and humerus fractures. The number of fractures was inversely correlated to HRQOL. These differences should be taken into account when making priorities in health care programs.     

Quality of life in osteogenesis imperfecta

The purpose of this study was to quantify the physical and mental health of a diverse adult cohort of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) utilizing a validated health self-assessment questionnaire (SF-36). In addition, a specific demographic questionnaire and a functional questionnaire were utilized to assess more specifically the physical limitations imposed by osteogenesis imperfecta in adulthood. The results of the SF-36 revealed significantly lower physical function scores compared to the U.S. adult norms. However, the SF-36 mental component scores were equal to the U.S. adult norms. The demographic questionnaire revealed high levels of educational achievement, as well as employment, despite significant physical impairments. The functional questionnaire clearly demonstrated limitations mostly related to ambulation.     

椎弓根螺钉治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的探讨椎弓根螺钉在胸腰椎爆裂性骨折治疗中的疗效。方法回顾性分析2002年以来应用椎弓根螺钉的治疗45例胸腰椎骨折患者资料。全部患者采用后路椎管减压,椎体植骨加椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗。结果全部病例得到随访,平均20个月(6～60个月),其中18例脊髓不全损伤患者Frankel分级提高l～3级(平均2级)。A级10例有2例恢复到B级,1例恢复到C级,其余患者部分术后感觉平面下降或下肢感觉部分恢复,运动功能无明显改善。术后遗留轻度腰背痛3例,1例螺钉松动,无一例发生感染。随访病例均行X线片检查,后凸角由术前平均25°(11°～35°)矫正到术后10°(0°～15°),椎体前缘高度矢状径指数术前30°(15°～55°),恢复到术后85°(72°～100°)。结论后路椎管减压,椎体植骨加椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折是一种较理想的手术方法。此方法操作简单、安全,在解除神经及硬膜囊压迫的同时扩大了椎管,杜绝了继发性椎管狭窄,增加了脊柱稳定性,值得推广。     

The effect of surgery and remodelling on spinal canal measurements after thoracolumbar burst fractures

Bone fragments in the spinal canal after thoracolumbar spine injuries causing spinal canal narrowing is a frequent phenomenon. Efforts to remove such fragments are often considered. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of surgery on spinal canal dimensions, as well as the subsequent effect of natural remodelling, previously described by other authors. A base material of 157 patients operated consecutively for unstable thoracolumbar spine fractures at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg during the years 1980-1988 were evaluated, with a minimum of 5-years follow-up. Of these, 115 had suffered burst fractures. Usually the Harrington distraction rod system was employed. Patients underwent computed tomography (CT) preoperatively, postoperatively and at follow-up. From digitized CT scans, cross-sectional area (CSA) and mid-sagittal diameter (MSD) of the spinal canal at the level of injury were determined. The results showed that the preoperative CSA of the spinal canal was reduced to 1.4 cm2 or 49% of normal, after injury. Postoperatively it was widened to 2.0 cm2 or 72% of normal. At the time of follow-up, the CSA had improved further, to 2.6 cm2 or 87%. The extent of widening by surgery depended on the extent of initial narrowing, but not on fragment removal. Remodelling was dependent on the amount of bone left after surgery. The study shows that canal enlargement during surgery is caused by indirect effects when the spine is distracted and put into lordosis. Remodelling will occur if there is residual narrowing. Acute intervention into the spinal canal, as well as subsequent surgery because of residual bone, should be avoided.     

椎弓根钉固定及高压分步注射椎体成形术治疗老年胸腰椎爆裂骨折并神经损伤

目的探讨椎弓根螺钉内固定结合高压注射椎体成形术治疗老年胸腰椎爆裂性骨折并神经损伤的疗效。方法回顾分析椎弓根螺钉内固定结合经椎弓根高压分步注射骨水泥治疗老年胸腰椎爆裂性骨折并神经损伤患者22例,随访平均19月。术后观察骨折椎体前缘压缩率、椎管侵占率、Cobb角、神经功能改善情况及并发症。结果椎体前缘压缩率由术前的58.7%恢复为术后7.0%,后凸Cobb角由术前平均24.0°矫正至6.6°,椎管侵占率由术前52.6%恢复为术后11.8%,术后与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.01)。VAS术前平均8.7分,术后2.2分。脊髓功能恢复按Frankel分级,除1例A级病例术后截瘫症状无明显恢复外,其他病例均达到1级或1级以上的恢复。有2椎体发生椎体外骨水泥渗漏,无肺栓塞、感染和神经损伤等并发症发生。未发现内固定松动、断裂现象。结论椎弓根螺钉内固定结合椎体成形术有利于同时解决胸腰椎骨折对神经的压迫、脊柱的不稳定及骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折造成的顽固性胸腰背疼痛等问题。高压分步注射可降低骨水泥渗漏的风险。     

The quality of life of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients waiting for an antireflux operation

Background The purpose of this trial was to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients waiting for an antireflux operation.Methods A total of 120 patients waiting for a laparoscopic fundoplication were sent questionnaires measuring their symptoms and quality of life.Results Ninety-five of the patients still needing an operation returned the questionaires and were included in the analysis. Thirty-one of 84 patients (37%) felt that the symptoms had worsened, and 51/90 (57%) were unsatisfied. Thirty percent suffered from throat or airway infections, 25% from swallowing difficulties, 48% from retrosternal pain, and 18% had asthma. The mean GERD HRQL score (0–45) was 21.7 (95% confidence interval, 19.7–23.7). Short Form-36 scores of this population were significantly worse when compared to patients with inguinal hernia or moderate asthma.Conclusions Patients waiting for a fundoplication seem to have a significantly decreased health-related quality of life due to poor symptom control regardless of continuous medical treatment.     

2种内固定方法治疗胸腰段椎体爆裂骨折的回顾性研究

目的 探讨短节段固定和长节段椎弓根内固定在治疗胸腰段椎体爆裂骨折的疗效。方法 回顾性分析自2006-03-2012-06行手术治疗的68例胸腰段椎体爆裂骨折的临床资料,对2组的手术时间、术中出血量、影像学指标以及脊髓功能恢复情况等进行比较。结果 65例获得随访,其中短节段固定组31例,长节段固定组34例,随访时间为12-37个月（平均18.4个月）。65例中出现断钉3例,均为短节段固定组,螺钉松动4例,其中1例为长节段固定组,3例为短节段固定组。短节段组的手术时间和术中平均出血量均要明显少于长节段组,2组间手术前后影像学指标（Cobb角、椎体前缘高度、椎管占位比）比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。2组术后Cobb角以及椎管占位比均明显小于术前,椎体前缘高度相比术前则明显增加。2组神经功能恢复情况差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论 短节段固定与长节段椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰段椎体爆裂性骨折均能取得良好效果,短节段固定组创伤较小,但断钉或螺钉松动等并发症的发生率更高。     

经伤椎短节段内固定治疗单节段胸腰椎爆裂骨折术后再发后凸畸形的危险因素分析

目的 :分析单节段胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者后路经伤椎短节段内固定术(SSPI-f)治疗后内固定取出前及内固定取出后再发后凸畸形(kyphosis recurrence,KR)的危险因素。方法:收集2014年1月~2016年1月在本研究合作单位行SSPI-f治疗的单节段胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者的资料,获取患者年龄、骨折节段后凸Cobb角(Cobb angle,CA)、局部Cobb角(regional angle,RA)、椎体楔形角(vertebral wedge angle,VWA)、椎体前缘高度比值(anterior vertebra height ratio,AVH)、椎体后缘高度比值(posterior vertebra height ratio,PVH)、椎体前后缘高度比值(anteroposterior ratio,A/P)、上位椎间盘角(upper intervertebral angle,UIVA)、下位椎间盘角(lower intervertebral angle,LIVA)、体重指数(body mass index,BMI)、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、胸腰椎损伤分类及损伤程度评分系统(thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score,TLICS)评分、载荷评分(load-sharing classification,LSC)、糖尿病病史。将术后矫正度丢失10°定义为术后KR。按照术后有无KR将其分为KR组与无KR组(NKR组),并将其按照取出内固定前以及取出内固定后分别进行分析。采用Logistic回归分析筛选危险因素,通过ROC曲线分析计算阈值。结果:共纳入5个研究中心的196例患者,内固定取出前发生KR 14例(KR组),将KR组与NKR组进行比较后发现,年龄(P0.001)、BMI(P0.001)为取出内固定前发生KR的危险因素;年龄临界值为58.5岁[曲线下面积(AUC)=0.885],BMI临界值为29.1kg/m~2(AUC=0.962)。内固定取出后总体矫正度丢失7.5°±4.4°,其中65例(33.2%)患者出现KR;将KR组与NKR组进行比较后发现,女性(P0.001)、年龄(P0.001)、BMI(P0.001)、L1骨折(P0.001)、A3.3型骨折(P=0.001)、术前UIVA(P=0.014)为取出内固定后发生KR的危险因素;T12骨折(P0.001)、A3.1型骨折(P0.001)、术前AVH大(P0.001)为保护因素;年龄临界值为50.5岁(AUC=0.789),BMI临界值为26.6kg/m~2(AUC=0.740),术前UIVA临界值为-4.2°(AUC=0.650),术前AVH临界值为60.5%(AUC=0.254)。结论:年龄58.5岁、BMI29.1kg/m~2为单节段胸腰椎爆裂骨折经伤椎短节段内固定术后内固定取出前发生KR的危险因素;女性、年龄50.5岁、BMI26.6kg/m~2、L1骨折、A3.3型骨折、术前UIVA-4.2°为取出内固定后发生KR的危险因素,T12骨折、A3.1型骨折、术前AVH60.5%为保护因素。     

Health-related quality of life in adults after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects--a questionnaire study

Background and Aim

Long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vertebral sequelae are common after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects (CDDs). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these sequelae on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult survivors after CDD repair.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire, including 36-Item Health Survey Form (SF-36), 36-item Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), 55-item Psychosocial Survey, 9-item survey for Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index, and a symptoms query, was sent to 94 adult survivors of CDD and to 400 healthy control subjects. One SD lower than the age-adjusted national average in the 36-Item Health Survey Form score for physical or mental health was considered as low HRQoL.

Results

Sixty-nine patients with CDD (72%) and 162 (41%) control subjects returned the questionnaire. The initial presentation was critical in less than 10% of patients with CDD. Forty-five patients with diaphragmatic hernia had primary closure; in 1 patient with diaphragmatic hernia, a patch was used. Twenty-four patients had plication of diaphragmatic eventration. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (20% vs 2%), recurrent intestinal obstruction (7% vs 0%), and recurrent abdominal pain (12% vs 2%) was significantly higher in patients with CDD than in control subjects, whereas no difference in the incidence of respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other health problems not associated with CDD was found. Scores in GIQLI, Psychosocial Survey, and Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index did not differ between patients with CDD and control subjects. Health-related quality of life was low in 17 (25%) of 69 patients with CDD, which exceeded 1.5 times the expected value. There was no correlation between the type or severity of the primary defect and HRQoL at the time of the study.

Conclusion

Most adults with repaired CDD have good or satisfactory HRQoL. Congenital diaphragmatic defect-associated symptoms with or without acquired diseases significantly impair HRQoL in one fourth of the patients.