Score systems for spinal disorders are used to evaluate the disease severity and to measure the outcome objectively. The use of spinal scales could enable us to:
1. Evaluate and grade the disease objectively.
2. Develop algorithms for treatment selection.
3. Measure the outcome, treatment effectiveness.
4. Communicate better.
Many of spinal scales are for outcome assessment. Outcome assessment is complex and involves multiple dimensions including symptoms, general well-being, function, work disability, and satisfaction with treatment. A scale system should conform some standards in terms of reliability, validity, responsiveness, and practicality of the measures.
Nomenclature & Classification of Lumbar Disc Pathology
Recommendations of the Combined Task Force of the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology. By David F. Fardon, MD and Pierre C. Milette, MD.