Outcome Reporting in Spine Surgery: A Review of Historical and Emerging Trends.

The general objectives of spine surgery are to alleviate pain, restore neurologic function, and prevent or treat spinal deformities or instability. The accumulating expanse of outcome measures has allowed us to more objectively quantify these variables and, therefore, gauge the success of treatments, ultimately improving the quality of the delivered health care. It has become increasingly evident that spinal conditions and their accompanying interventions affect all aspects of a patient's life, including their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.