The preoperative and the 3-month postoperative clinical evaluations included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) , with scores of 0–5  (Table 2).Table 2mRS37 and smRS scales, the latter translated from Swedish. The mRS was used in clinical evaluations pre- and 3 months postoperatively. The smRS was used for patient’s self-assessment of their degree of independent daily function or disabilities in the long-term evaluationsModified Rankin Scale, mRSSelf-assessed modified Rankin Scale, smRSHeadline in the questionnaire: “Disability/need for assistance”0No symptoms at allNo problems1No significant disability despite symptoms: able to carry out all usual duties and activitiesSome problems that do not restrict my lifestyle2Slight disability: unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistanceMinor disability, some restrictions to my lifestyle, no need for assistance3Moderate disability: requiring some help, but able to walk without assistanceSome disability, which clearly restricts my lifestyle, need for assistance4Moderately severe disability: unable to walk without assistance, and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistanceSevere disability, dependent but not in constant need of assistance5Severe disability: bedridden, incontinent, and requiring constant nursing care and attentionVery severe disability, in need of constant care, day and night