Impact of Spine Surgery on Psychosexual Functioning, Marital Satisfaction, and Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: A sedentary lifestyle among young and middle-aged individuals contributes to spinal pathologies, significantly affecting quality of life (QOL). Sexuality is a key determinant of well-being, and spinal conditions—characterized by motor and sensory deficits, pain, stress, and anxiety—can impair sexual function. However, studies using validated scales to assess sexual functioning in these patients are scarce. Aim: Evaluate sexual functioning, marital satisfaction, and QOL in patients undergoing spine surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective, questionnaire-based study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023. Fifty-three sexually active patients (aged 20–50 years) undergoing elective spine surgery were included. Validated scales such as the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Score (MSS) for marital well-being, the changes in sexual functioning questionnaire for males (CSFQ-M) and females (CSFQ-F) for sexual dysfunction, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability assessment, and the WHO-QOL BREF for overall QOL were used. Assessments were done preoperatively and at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPF version 25, with a significance level of P < .005. Results: Preoperatively, all quality-of-life domains were affected, especially the psychological domain. The ODI showed that 94% of patients were crippled before surgery, but by six months, all had minimal disability. All participants had sexual dysfunction and marital distress preoperatively; most regained normal sexual function by three months and marital satisfaction by six months. Conclusion: Spinal pathologies significantly impact psychosexual functioning, marital satisfaction, and QOL. This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to postoperative recovery.