Assessments of interrater reliability and internal consistency of the Norwegian version of the Berg Balance Scale.

Objective: To investigate the interrater reliability and the internal consistency of the Norwegian version of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) when applied to patients in a geriatric department.

Design: Interrater reliability was measured using the kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation unit and geriatric day hospital in Norway.

Seven-year clinical follow-up after lumbar disc surgery: results and predictors of outcome.

This study evaluates the 7-year outcome of lumbar disc surgery and the predictive value of pre- and perioperative risk factors. The 7-year follow-up rate of a sample of 122 patients was 93% (n = 114). Six per cent of the patients had undergone repeat surgery.

Clinical overall score: outcome evaluation after lumbar disc surgery, assessments of reliability and validity.

In previous studies assessing prognostic factors for the outcome of lumbar disc surgery, a Clinical Overall Score (COS) based on four subsets-pain intensity (VAS), physical signs, functional status (Oswestry) and analgesics--was used as the main outcome criterion. Both the patient's and the examiner's opinions of outcome and return to work were registered. In this paper, assessments are made of reliability and validity regarding the COS.

Background variables (medical history, anthropometric and biological factors) in relation to the outcome of lumbar disc surgery.

In a prospective cohort study 122 patients with herniated intervertebral lumbar disc and no previous low back surgery preoperatively were assessed regarding medical history, anthropometric and biological background variables. The outcome of surgery (traditional methods) was evaluated one year postoperatively, mainly using a composite Clinical Overall Score (COS), including pain intensity, physical signs, functional capacity and analgesics. Return to work was also assessed.

Influence of fibrinolytic factors on scar formation after lumbar discectomy. A magnetic resonance imaging follow-up study with clinical correlation performed 7 years after surgery.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Objectives: To assess the amount of scar tissue by viewing magnetic resonance images, and to evaluate the correlation between the amount of scar tissue and clinical outcome, surgical technique, and fibrinolytic factors.

Summary Of Background Data: The influence of fibrinolytic factors on magnetic resonance images has not been investigated previously.