A bibliometric analysis of patient-reported outcome measures in adult spinal deformity, and the future of patient-centric outcome assessments in the era of predictive analytics

Surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD) is associated with high resource utilization, high costs, and potential complications. In order to generate consensus for treatment paradigms and to demonstrate value, it is crucial to accurately assess clinical outcomes. Historically, objective assessments in ASD were performed by providers, and in recent decades the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become widely incorporated. Here, we report results of a bibliometric analysis of PROMs in ASD, synthesizing a global view of the topic and mapping trends in the field. In the modern era, enabling advancements in predictive modeling and machine learning, along with technology within smartphones and wearables, may supplement traditional patient-centric outcomes assessments and overcome some of their limitations.