Table 1.

Definitions of outcome parameters

Parameter	Definition	Scale/unit	Time points
Neurologic status	Degree of neurologic deficit	ASIA scale24	Pre- and postoperative, first follow-up visit
Performance status	Level of daily functioning	Karnofsky25	Preoperative
Consultation time	Time from first surgical consultation until date of surgery	Days	NA
Ambulatory function	Able to walk at least 4 steps20	Days	NA
Blood loss	Estimated blood loss	Milliliters	NA
Complication	Any unexpected and undesirable medical event that required additional intervention or monitoring	NA	Peri- and postoperative
Operating time	Time from first incision until wound closure (“skin to skin”)	Minutes	NA
Hospital stay	Date of surgery until date of discharge	Days	NA
Follow-up time	Date of surgery until date of death	Months	NA

ASIA American Spinal Injury Association