The impact of workers' compensation on outcomes of surgical and nonoperative therapy for patients with a lumbar disc herniation: SPORT

Early Versus Delayed Microdiscectomy for Chronic Sciatica Lasting 4-12 Months Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of delaying surgery on clinical outcome in patients with chronic sciatica secondary to lumbar disc herniation.

METHODS

Patients with sciatica lasting 4-12 months and lumbar disc herniation at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level were randomized to undergo microdiscectomy (early surgery) or to receive 6 months of nonoperative treatment followed by surgery if needed (delayed surgery). Outcomes were leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index score (ODI), back pain, SF-36 physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) summary scores, employment, and satisfaction measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 64 patients in the early surgery group, 56 underwent microdiscectomy an average of 3 ± 2 weeks after enrollment. Of the 64 patients randomized to nonoperative care, 22 patients underwent delayed surgery an average of 53 ± 24 weeks after enrollment. The early surgery group experienced less leg pain than the delayed surgery group, which was the primary outcome, at 6 months after surgery (early surgery 2.8 ± .4 vs delayed surgery 4.8 ± .7; difference, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, .5-3.5). The overall estimated mean difference between groups significantly favored early surgery for leg pain, ODI, SF36-PCS, and back pain. The adverse event rate was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting with chronic sciatica treated with delayed surgery after prolonging standardized non-operative care have inferior outcomes compared to those that undergo expedited surgery.

Do Outcomes Differ After Proximal Hamstring Repair for Patients Receiving Workers' Compensation?

Background

Patients with workers' compensation (WC) insurance claims are often shown to experience inferior patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after an orthopaedic surgical intervention compared with patients without WC claims.

Purpose

To compare the postoperative PROs of patients with WC claims (WC patients) versus those without WC claims (non-WC patients) after proximal hamstring repair (PHR).

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

WC patients who underwent PHR between November 2011 and to September 2020 were propensity score matched at a 1:2 ratio to non-WC patients according to age, sex, and body mass index. Comorbidity data were collected as well as minimum 1-year postoperative PRO scores for the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the 12-Item Short From Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). The type of work was characterized according to national WC insurance guidelines as light (maximum 20 lbs [9.1 kg]), medium (maximum 50 lbs [22.7 kg]), or heavy (≥50 lbs) [>/=22.7 kg].

Results

A total of 30 patients (10 WC and 20 non-WC) were included. The work type and baseline demographic characteristics of patients did not differ between groups. There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative PRO scores as measured by the LEFS (P = .488), HOS (P = .233), or SF-12 PCS (P = .521). However, the WC cohort showed inferior SF-12 MCS scores compared with the non-WC group (49.28 ± 9.97 vs 54.26 ± 9.69, respectively; P = .032). The WC status was also associated with an increased time needed for patients to return to full-duty work capacity (21 ± 9 vs 9 ± 8 weeks; P = .005).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that WC and non-WC patients who undergo PHR have comparable outcomes. Differences in SF-12 MCS scores and return to work time for full-duty capacity warrant further investigation.

A clinical model to predict postoperative improvement in sub-domains of the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score for degenerative cervical myelopathy

PURPOSE

The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score consists of six sub-domains and is used to quantify the severity of cervical myelopathy. The current study aimed to assess for predictors of postoperative mJOA sub-domains scores following elective surgical management for patients with cervical myelopathy and develop the first clinical prediction model for 12-month mJOA sub-domain scores.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [Byron F.] Last name [Stephens], Author 2 Given name: [Lydia J.] Last name [McKeithan], Author 3 Given name: [W. Hunter] Last name [Waddell], Author 4 Given name: [Anthony M.] Last name [Steinle], Author 5 Given name: [Wilson E.] Last name [Vaughan], Author 6 Given name: [Jacquelyn S.] Last name [Pennings], Author 7 Given name: [Jacquelyn S.] Last name [Pennings], Author 8 Given name: [Scott L.] Last name [Zuckerman], Author 9 Given name: [Kristin R.] Last name [Archer], Author 10 Given name: [Amir M.] Last name [Abtahi] Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Last Author listed should be Kristin R. Archer METHODS: A multivariable proportional odds ordinal regression model was developed for patients with cervical myelopathy. The model included patient demographic, clinical, and surgery covariates along with baseline sub-domain scores. The model was internally validated using bootstrap resampling to estimate the likely performance on a new sample of patients.

RESULTS

The model identified mJOA baseline sub-domains to be the strongest predictors of 12-month scores, with numbness in legs and ability to walk predicting five of the six mJOA items. Additional covariates predicting three or more items included age, preoperative anxiety/depression, gender, race, employment status, duration of symptoms, smoking status, and radiographic presence of listhesis. Surgical approach, presence of motor deficits, number of surgical levels involved, history of diabetes mellitus, workers' compensation claim, and patient insurance had no impact on 12-month mJOA scores.

CONCLUSION

Our study developed and validated a clinical prediction model for improvement in mJOA scores at 12 months following surgery. The results highlight the importance of assessing preoperative numbness, walking ability, modifiable variables of anxiety/depression, and smoking status. This model has the potential to assist surgeons, patients, and families when considering surgery for cervical myelopathy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Patterns of opioid dispensing and associated wage replacement duration in workers with accepted claims for low back pain: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify patterns of opioid dispensing in Australian workers with low back pain (LBP) and determine the association of dispensing patterns with wage replacement duration. Australian workers' compensation claimants with LBP and at least 1 day of wage replacement were included. We used group-based trajectory modelling to identify opioid dispensing patterns over a two-and-a-half-year period from reported LBP onset and quantile regression to compare wage replacement duration between each dispensing pattern group. Opioids were dispensed to one-third of workers with LBP (N = 3205, 33.3%) at least once during their claim. Three dispensing patterns were identified. Most had a short-term low-volume opioid dispensing pattern (N = 2166, 67.6%), whereas 798 (24.9%) had a long-term moderate-volume pattern and 241 (7.5%) had a long-term high-volume pattern. Workers with dispensed opioids had significantly longer wage replacement duration than those without dispensed opioids (median [weeks]: 63.6 vs 7.1, respectively). In addition, moderate-volume and high-volume long-term dispensing groups had significantly longer wage replacement duration compared with the short-term dispensing group (median [weeks]: 126.9, 126.0, and 30.7, respectively). Without controlling for pain severity, these results offer limited evidence that opioids lead to longer wage replacement duration. Further research controlling for pain severity, psychosocial factors, and recovery expectations is required to confirm whether the relationship between opioid dispensing pattern and wage replacement duration is causal in nature.

Workers' Compensation Status and Outcomes Following Lumbar Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of preoperative workers' compensation (WC) status on patient-reported outcome measures following lumbar decompression with or without fusion.

METHODS

All patients undergoing lumbar decompression with or without fusion at a single academic institution between 2013 and 2017 were identified. Patients were split into groups based on WC status: no workers' compensation (NWC), WC), or retired. Intragroup analysis used paired t tests. Outcomes between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis H test. Multiple linear regression analysis determined if WC status was a predictor of change in patient-reported outcome measures. Subgroup analysis was conducted for WC patients who returned to work.

RESULTS

Of 571 included patients, 242 (43.4%) had NWC, 83 (14.5%) had WC, and 246 (43.1%) were retired. Comparing within groups, WC patients showed significant improvement in Short Form-12 Health Survey Physical Component Score, Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale (VAS) back pain, and VAS leg pain (all P < 0.001) after surgery. However, WC patients improved less than NWC or retired patients in Short Form-12 Health Survey Physical Component Score (P = 0.010), VAS back pain (P = 0.028), and VAS leg pain (P = 0.015). WC was an independent predictor of decreased improvement in Short Form-12 Health Survey Physical Component Score (β = -4.31, P = 0.001), VAS back pain (β = 0.90, P = 0.034), and VAS leg pain (β = 1.50, P = 0.002) on multivariate analysis. WC patients who did not return to work was an independent predictor of decreased improvement in VAS back pain (β = 1.39, P = 0.016) and VAS leg pain (β = 2.11, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

WC patients improve less than NWC patients. However, WC patients who return to work have similar VAS back and neck pain improvements as NWC patients.

Discectomy Compared with Standardized Nonoperative Care for Chronic Sciatica Due to a Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial with 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials evaluating acute sciatica have not demonstrated prolonged improvements in terms of patient-reported pain and function. For chronic sciatica, however, microdiscectomy has been found to be superior at 1 year. Whether this effect persists during the second year is not known. The purpose of the present study was to report the 2-year outcomes following lumbar microdiscectomy as compared with standardized nonoperative care for the treatment of chronic sciatica resulting from a lumbar disc herniation.

METHODS

The present study is a secondary analysis of a previously reported randomized controlled trial with extension to 2 years of follow-up. Patients with radiculopathy for 4 to 12 months resulting from an L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniation were randomized to microdiscectomy or 6 months of nonoperative care followed by surgery if needed. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed at 2 years for the primary outcome (the intensity of leg pain) (range of possible scores, 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst pain]) as well as for secondary outcomes (including the Oswestry Disability Index score, the intensity of back pain, and quality of life).

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomized in the present study. Twenty-four (38%) of the 64 patients who had been randomized to nonoperative care crossed over to surgical treatment by 2 years following enrollment. At the 2-year time point, the follow-up rate was approximately 70%. At 2 years, the operative group had less leg pain than the nonoperative group (mean, 2.8 ± 0.4 compared with 4.2 ± 0.4; treatment effect, 1.3 [95% confidence interval, 0.3 to 2.4]). The treatment effect favored surgery for all secondary outcome measures at 6 months and 1 year and for back pain intensity and physical function at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2 years, the present study showed that microdiscectomy was superior to nonoperative care for the treatment of chronic sciatica resulting from an L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniation. However, the difference between the groups did not surpass the minimal clinically important difference at 2 years as was reached at earlier follow-up points, likely as the result of patients crossing over from nonoperative to operative treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Receiving Long-Term Disability or Pursuing a Legal Claim May Prevent Recovery From Chronic Dizziness

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Chronic dizziness (CD) and imbalance have multiple etiologies. CD is strongly linked with psychiatric and psychological comorbidities, thus an interdisciplinary approach, including psychopharmacological interventions, is recommended. Despite the use of this comprehensive treatment approach, the recovery of individuals with CD that pursue long-term disability (LTD) insurance or legal claims (LC) appears hampered. As such, we aimed to compare symptom recovery from CD in an interdisciplinary setting between patients receiving LTD/LC versus those who were not, and to explore the factors that may contribute to changes in symptom severity.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Dizziness-related diagnoses were extracted from the charts of 195 adults in an outpatient interdisciplinary neurotology clinic in Toronto, Canada. Patients with baseline Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Dizziness Catastrophizing Scale (DCS) assessments between August 2012 and July 2018 and a mean follow-up visit within approximately 10 months were included. The study participants were categorized as "LTD/LC+" (n = 92) or "LTD/LC-" (n = 103), referring to either receiving or pursuing LTD/LC or not, respectively.

RESULTS

There were differences in the mean percentage changes in DHI (t[187] = 3.02, P = .003) and DCS (t[179] = 2.63, P = .009) scores between LTD/LC+ and LTD/LC- patients. LTD/LC+ patients showed 8.0% and 7.6% mean increases in DHI and DCS scores, respectively, whereas LTD/LC- patients showed 21.5% and 25.9% reductions in DHI and DCS scores, respectively, controlling for age, sex, and baseline illness severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving or pursuing LTD insurance or a legal claim did not improve from CD and dizziness catastrophizing compared to those who were not. Future studies are required to test these findings prospectively and to determine the factors that may contribute to symptom recovery, including the anxiety-aggravating effects of the LTD/LC process and the deleterious consequences of developing a sick-role while afflicted with a chronic illness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Lumbar Discectomy and Reoperation Among Workers' Compensation Cases in Florida and New York: Are Treatment Trends Similar to Other Payer Types?

The aim of this study was to better understand current treatment trends and revision rates for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the workers’ compensation (WC) population compared with other payer types.

Comparison of the Minimally Invasive Tubular Transmuscular Approach with the Conventional Microsurgical Approach for Microsurgical Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Prospective Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

 The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of the minimally invasive transmuscular approach using a tubular retractor system (Metrx) with the conventional microsurgical standard approach (CM) for microsurgical treatment of lumbar disk herniation.

METHODS

 This is a prospective randomized controlled study with a 1:1 distribution of patients in CM and Metrx study groups. Two hundred and twenty-seven (117 CM and 110 Metrx) patients were included. The primary outcome parameters are postoperative pain intensity reduction, length of hospitalization, postoperative quality of life, and daily life performance based on the standardized questionnaires: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Prolo scores. The secondary outcome parameters are intraoperative variables: surgery duration, blood loss, and fluoroscopy dose.

RESULTS

 There were no significant statistical differences in the primary outcome measures between the two groups with respect to postoperative pain relief (median VAS pre-op to 3 months post-op for sciatica: 9-2 [CM] vs. 8-2 [Metrx]; for lumbago: 7-2.5 [CM] vs. 6-3 [Metrx]), the length of hospitalization (median of 5 days), or the frequency of occupational reintegration after 3 months (59.1 vs. 60.7%).

CONCLUSION

 The microsurgical therapy of lumbar disk herniation via a Metrx approach is a safe and effective treatment option and is equivalent to the CM approach.

Non-surgical treatment with XSHHD for ruptured lumbar disc herniation: a 3-year prospective observational study

Background

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is mainly caused by annular fiber disruption with a discrete leakage of nucleus pulposus pressing on a nerve, resulting in back pain and radiating pain. Most patients with LDH can be treated conservatively, but there are many different conservative treatments. Furthermore, most previous studies did not evaluate the long-term efficacy of these treatments and the prognosis. Therefore, an effective and safe therapeutic strategy is lacking for patients with LDH. In this study, we evaluated Xiao Sui Hua He decoction (XSHHD) in the treatment of LDH.

Methods

This was a rigorous prospective observational 3-year follow-up study. We recruited 69 participants with ruptured lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) between February 2014 and February 2016. Patients took XSHHD orally twice a day for 6 months. The primary outcome measurements were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and straight leg raising test (SLRT). The secondary outcome measurements was nucleus pulposus protrusion volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical outcomes were measured at baseline (Visit 1), and at 3, 6, 12, and 36 months (Visit 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively)..

Results

Sixty-three patients were followed-up for 3 years after treatment. SLRT and ODI after non-surgical treatment improved significantly compared with baseline (P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences at 6 months vs 36 months for SLRT and ODI. VAS scores (leg, back) after 3 years of treatment were statistically significantly different compared with baseline (P < .001; Z = − 6.93, − 6.637). The baseline protrusion volume was 2018.61 ± 601.16 mm³, and the volume decreased significantly to 996.51 ± 387.42 mm3 at 36 months (t = 12.863; P < .001). The volume of protrusion resorption rate (VPRR) at 36 months was 47.24 ± 23.99%, with significant resorption in 23 cases, partial resorption in 23 cases, no resorption in 15 cases, and increased volume in 2 cases.

Conclusions

This study showed that non-surgical treatment with XSHHD was effective, and the study clarified the natural outcomes in LDH.

Worker's Compensation Terminology

Injuries to the spine comprise a high percentage of workplace injuries. Spine surgeons' evaluation of injured workers requires attention to facts specific to worker's compensation claims including whether the injury occurred in the scope of employment, whether a work incident was causally related to the injury, and whether the injury contributed to a significant degree to the patient's overall medical condition. An injured worker's compensation is subject to state-specific guidelines and is largely dependent on the degree of disability and whether the disability is temporary or permanent. Here, we review the background, organization, and key terms used in the worker's compensation system.

The impact of income support systems on healthcare quality and functional capacity in workers with low back pain: a realist review

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of work disability. While absent from work, workers with LBP may receive income support from a system such as workers' compensation or social security. This study examines how and in what contexts income support systems impact the healthcare quality for people with work disability and LBP and their functional capacity. We performed a realist review. Five initial theories about the relationship between income support systems and outcomes were developed, tested, and refined by acquiring and synthesising academic literature from purposive and iterative electronic database searching. This process was supplemented with gray literature searches for policy documents and semistructured interviews with experts in income support, health care, and LBP. Income support systems influence healthcare quality through funding restrictions, healthcare provider administrative burden, and allowing employers to select providers. They also influence worker functional capacity through the level of participation and financial incentives for employers, measures to prove the validity of the worker's LBP, and certain administrative procedures. These mechanisms are often exclusively context-dependent, and generate differing and unintended outcomes depending on features of the healthcare and income support system, as well as other contextual factors such as socioeconomic status and labour force composition. Research and policy design should consider how income support systems may indirectly influence workers with LBP through the workplace.

Likelihood of Return to Duty Is Low After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in an Active-duty Military Population

BACKGROUND

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is considered a viable surgical treatment option in the symptomatic, postmeniscectomy knee and as a concomitant procedure with ACL revision and articular cartilage repair. Although promising outcomes have recently been reported in active and athletic populations, MAT has not been well-studied in the high-demand military population.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of active-duty military patients who underwent MAT returned to full, unrestricted duty? (2) What demographic and surgical variables, if any, correlated with return to full, unrestricted duty?

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2015, three fellowship-trained sports surgeons (TMD, SJS, BDO) performed 110 MAT procedures in active-duty military patients, of which 95% (104 patients) were available for follow-up at a minimum 2 years (mean 2.8 ± SD 1.1 year). During the study period, indications for MAT generally included unicompartmental pain and swelling in a postmeniscectomized knee and as a concomitant procedure when a meniscal-deficient compartment was associated with either an ACL revision reconstruction or cartilage repair. Demographic and surgical variables were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoints were the decision for permanent profile activity restrictions and military duty termination by a medical board. The term "medical board" implies termination of military service because of medical reasons. We elected to set statistical significance at p < 0.001 to reduce the potential for spurious statistical findings in the setting of a relatively small sample size.

RESULTS

Forty-six percent (48 of 104) of eligible patients had permanent profile activity restrictions and 50% (52 of 104) eventually had their military duty terminated by a military board. Only 20% (21 of 104) had neither permanent profile activity restrictions nor medical-board termination and were subsequently able to return to full duty, and only 13% (13 of 104) continued unrestricted military service beyond 2 years after surgery. Age, gender, tobacco use, and BMI did not correlate with return to full duty. Combat arms soldiers were less likely to have permanent profile activity restrictions (odds ratio 4.76 [95% confidence interval 1.93 to 11.8]; p = 0.001) and were more likely to return to full duty than soldiers in support roles (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.09 to 0.65]; p = 0.005), although these findings did not reach statistical significance. Officers were more likely to return to full duty than enlisted soldiers at more than 2 years after surgery (OR 17.44 [95% CI 4.56 to 66.65]; p < 0.001). No surgical variables correlated with return-to-duty endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons should be aware of the low likelihood of return to military duty at more than 2 years after MAT and counsel patients accordingly. Based on this study, MAT does not appear to be compatible with continued unrestricted military duty for most patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic study.

Surgery versus Conservative Care for Persistent Sciatica Lasting 4 to 12 Months

BACKGROUND

The treatment of chronic sciatica caused by herniation of a lumbar disk has not been well studied in comparison with acute disk herniation. Data are needed on whether diskectomy or a conservative approach is better for sciatica that has persisted for several months.

METHODS

In a single-center trial, we randomly assigned patients with sciatica that had lasted for 4 to 12 months and lumbar disk herniation at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level in a 1:1 ratio to undergo microdiskectomy or to receive 6 months of standardized nonoperative care followed by surgery if needed. Surgery was performed by spine surgeons who used conventional microdiskectomy techniques. The primary outcome was the intensity of leg pain on a visual analogue scale (ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe pain) at 6 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes were the score on the Oswestry Disability Index, back and leg pain, and quality-of-life scores at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

RESULTS

From 2010 through 2016, a total of 790 patients were screened; of those patients, 128 were enrolled, with 64 in each group. Among the patients assigned to undergo surgery, the median time from randomization to surgery was 3.1 weeks; of the 64 patients in the nonsurgical group, 22 (34%) crossed over to undergo surgery at a median of 11 months after enrollment. At baseline, the mean score for leg-pain intensity was 7.7 in the surgical group and 8.0 in the nonsurgical group. The primary outcome of the leg-pain intensity score at 6 months was 2.8 in the surgical group and 5.2 in the nonsurgical group (adjusted mean difference, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 3.4; P<0.001). Secondary outcomes including the score on the Owestry Disability Index and pain at 12 months were in the same direction as the primary outcome. Nine patients had adverse events associated with surgery, and one patient underwent repeat surgery for recurrent disk herniation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center trial involving patients with sciatica lasting more than 4 months and caused by lumbar disk herniation, microdiskectomy was superior to nonsurgical care with respect to pain intensity at 6 months of follow-up. (Funded by Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01335646.).

Outcomes and value in elective cervical spine surgery: an introductory and practical narrative review

How we determine a successful clinical outcome and the value of a spine intervention are two major questions surrounding clinical spine research. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), both LEGACY and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures, are becoming ubiquitous throughout the literature. Spine surgeons need a facile understanding of the financial landscape of their environment to influence change. In the current introductory, narrative review on outcomes and value in cervical spine surgery, we aim to: (I) define relevant outcome and cost terminology, (II) review recent cervical spine surgery literature, divided by specific pathology with a focus on LEGACY and PROMIS measures, and (III) discuss value and cost as they pertain to postoperative return to work and ambulatory surgery centers surgeries.

Surgical outcome of workman's comp patients undergoing endoscopic foraminal decompression for lumbar herniated disc

Background

Worker's compensation (WC) patients undergoing spine surgery typically experience delayed return to work (RTW) compared with non-WC patients, especially those approved for surgery undergoing traditional open spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the observe RTW rates in WC patients after minimally invasive "selective endoscopic discectomy" (SED™) for a lumbar herniated disc.

Methods

Clinical outcomes using the modified Macnab criteria and RTW data were analyzed in 118 WC patients following the outpatient SED™ procedure in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) using only local anesthesia with or without sedation. This endoscopic transforaminal decompression was trademarked by Anthony Yeung as SED.

Results

Single-level SED™ was performed in 62 patients, a two-level in 48 patients, a three-level decompression in 6, and a four-level decompression in another two patients, respectively. Patient selection was augmented by diagnostic and therapeutic injections performed preoperatively to determine how many levels of spine segments required surgical intervention. At the two-year follow-up, Excellent Macnab outcome in 36 patients, Good in 53, Fair in another 21, and Poor in the remaining eight patients, respectively. Of the 118 WC patients, 89 (75.42%) were released back to their original job within in 6 weeks from the index operation. The average time to work release was 4.2 months. Twenty-one patients who had previous spine surgery were working. Twenty-nine of the 118 study patients (24.58%) were unable to return to their original job.

Conclusions

In the hands of a well-trained endoscopic spine surgeon, RTW rates with SED™ are higher than with traditional open translaminar surgery. Therefore, endoscopic surgery should be considered for WC patients and further be validated as a cost-effective alternative to open spine surgery.

Why does the adverse effect of inappropriate MRI for LBP vary by geographic location? An exploratory analysis

BACKGROUND

Early magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI) for nonspecific low back pain (LBP) not adherent to clinical guidelines is linked with prolonged work disability. Although the prevalence of eMRI for occupational LBP varies substantially among states, it is unknown whether the risk of prolonged disability associated with eMRI varies according to individual and area-level characteristics. The aim was to explore whether the known risk of increased length of disability (LOD) associated with eMRI scanning not adherent to guidelines for occupational LBP varies according to patient and area-level characteristics, and the potential reasons for any observed variations.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 59,360 LBP cases from 49 states, filed between 2002 and 2008, and examined LOD as the outcome. LBP cases with at least 1 day of work disability were identified by reviewing indemnity service records and medical bills using a comprehensive list of codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) indicating LBP or nonspecific back pain, excluding medically complicated cases.

RESULTS

We found significant between-state variations in the negative impact of eMRI on LOD ranging from 3.4 days in Tennessee to 14.8 days in New Hampshire. Higher negative impact of eMRI on LOD was mainly associated with female gender, state workers' compensation (WC) policy not limiting initial treating provider choice, higher state orthopedic surgeon density, and lower state MRI facility density.

CONCLUSION

State WC policies regulating selection of healthcare provider and structural factors affecting quality of medical care modify the impact of eMRI not adherent to guidelines. Targeted healthcare and work disability prevention interventions may improve work disability outcomes in patients with occupational LBP.

A predictive model and nomogram for predicting return to work at 3 months after cervical spine surgery: an analysis from the Quality Outcomes Database

OBJECTIVEBack pain and neck pain are two of the most common causes of work loss due to disability, which poses an economic burden on society. Due to recent changes in healthcare policies, patient-centered outcomes including return to work have been increasingly prioritized by physicians and hospitals to optimize healthcare delivery. In this study, the authors used a national spine registry to identify clinical factors associated with return to work at 3 months among patients undergoing a cervical spine surgery.METHODSThe authors queried the Quality Outcomes Database registry for information collected from April 2013 through March 2017 for preoperatively employed patients undergoing cervical spine surgery for degenerative spine disease. Covariates included demographic, clinical, and operative variables, and baseline patient-reported outcomes. Multiple imputations were used for missing values and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with higher odds of returning to work. Bootstrap resampling (200 iterations) was used to assess the validity of the model. A nomogram was constructed using the results of the multivariable model.RESULTSA total of 4689 patients were analyzed, of whom 82.2% (n = 3854) returned to work at 3 months postoperatively. Among previously employed and working patients, 89.3% (n = 3443) returned to work compared to 52.3% (n = 411) among those who were employed but not working (e.g., were on a leave) at the time of surgery (p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression the authors found that patients who were less likely to return to work were older (age > 56-65 years: OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.85, p < 0.001; age > 65 years: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.97, p = 0.02); were employed but not working (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.20-0.29, p < 0.001); were employed part time (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.76, p < 0.001); had a heavy-intensity (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.54, p < 0.001) or medium-intensity (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46-0.76, p < 0.001) occupation compared to a sedentary occupation type; had workers' compensation (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28-0.53, p < 0.001); had a higher Neck Disability Index score at baseline (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51-0.70, p = 0.017); were more likely to present with myelopathy (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.63, p < 0.001); and had more levels fused (3-5 levels: OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35-0.61, p < 0.001). Using the multivariable analysis, the authors then constructed a nomogram to predict return to work, which was found to have an area under the curve of 0.812 and good validity.CONCLUSIONSReturn to work is a crucial outcome that is being increasingly prioritized for employed patients undergoing spine surgery. The results from this study could help surgeons identify at-risk patients so that preoperative expectations could be discussed more comprehensively.

Patients Undergoing Revision Microdiskectomy for Recurrent Lumbar Disk Herniation Experience Worse Clinical Outcomes and More Revision Surgeries Compared With Patients Undergoing a Primary Microdiskectomy

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent disk herniation treatment aims to optimize outcomes. This study compares the demographics and patient-reported outcomes of patients who underwent primary or revision lumbar microdiskectomy surgery for recurrent disk herniation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of consecutive patients who underwent primary or revision lumbar microdiskectomies between January 2008 and December 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: primary (primary) and revision (recurrent). Herniated disks were confirmed preoperatively using MRI. Patient-reported outcomes included Visual Analog Scales (VAS) scores for the back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index scores, 12-Item Short Form Mental and Physical Survey scores, and the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Mental and Physical Survey scores.

RESULTS

One hundred ten patients met inclusion criteria: 72 from primary cohort and 38 from recurrent cohort. Recurrent patients experienced presurgical symptoms for significantly less time. On bivariate analysis, recurrent patients reported significantly worse preoperative VAS-back and VAS-leg scores. On multivariate analysis, recurrent patients reported significantly worse postoperative VAS-back, VAS-leg, and Oswestry Disability Index scores. Recurrent patients were less likely to be satisfied with surgical outcomes and to feel that surgery had met or exceeded their expectations.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing revision microdiskectomy are likely to experience worse postoperative symptoms and disability relative to patients undergoing primary microdiskectomy.

Effect of spinal decompression on back pain in lumbar spinal stenosis: a Canadian Spine Outcomes Research Network (CSORN) study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Surgical decompression is usually offered for improvement of neurogenic claudication in patients with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis. These patients often have associated low back pain (LBP) and little is known about the effect of decompression on this symptom.

PURPOSE

The goal of the present study is to specifically quantify the improvement in LBP following surgical decompression for lumbar canal stenosis and to identify factors associated with changes in LBP in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a multicenter, retrospective review of consecutive spine surgery patients enrolled by the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic lumbar spine stenosis without instability between 2014 and 2017.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in LBP on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).

METHODS

Patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome was change in LBP on the NRS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the relationship between the outcome and potential factors associated with achieving minimal clinical important difference in back pain using a backward selection procedure.

RESULTS

In all, 1,221 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 64 years and 58% were males. Baseline back pain scores were available in 1,133 patients and follow-up evaluations were available in 968/1,133 (85%) patients at 3 months, 649/903 (72%) patients at 12 months, and 331/454 (73%) at 24 months. LBP significantly improved 3 months after surgery and the improvement was sustained at 24 months (p<.001). We found that 74% of patients reached the minimal clinical important difference in back pain. Predictive factors for sustained improvement (12 and 24 months) in LBP after surgical intervention were absence of narcotic usage or compensation claims and increased severity of LBP before surgery (high NRS).

CONCLUSIONS

Alleviation of clinically significant LBP was observed at 3 months after lumbar decompression surgery for neurogenic claudication and was maintained at 12 and 24 months after surgery in the majority of patients.

Persistent radiculopathy after surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation: causes and treatment options

PURPOSE

Lumbar disc surgery is a common procedure in the USA. It is frequently performed with good or excellent results in most patients. This article reviews common causes of persistent radiculopathy after surgical intervention.

METHODS

We performed an extensive review of the literature as well as applying our own experience.

RESULTS

Common causes of persistent leg pain following operative intervention include re-herniation, epidural fibrosis, biochemical/physiologic changes in the nerve root, and psychosocial issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with persistent leg pain after surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation can pose a challenging clinical problem. Summary of these topics and available treatment options are reviewed.

Lumbar Disk Herniation and SPORT: A Review of the Literature

The Spine Patient Outcomes Related Trial (SPORT) is arguably one of the most impactful and insightful studies conducted in spine surgery. Designed as a prospective, multicenter study with a randomized and observational cohort, SPORT has provided vast data on the pathogenesis, treatment effects, clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness of both disk herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis. With regards to lumbar disk herniation, SPORT has demonstrated a sustained benefit from surgical intervention and acceptable cost-effectiveness at 2, 4, and 8 years postoperatively. Myriad subgroup analyses have subsequently been performed that have also resulted in clinically relevant findings. These analyses have assessed optimal timing for surgery, incidence and risk factors for reoperation, impact of obesity and other comorbidities, influence of epidural injections, and evaluation of socioeconomic factors. This has resulted in significant findings that may allow spine surgeons to optimize patient outcomes while managing expectations appropriately.

Predicting Likelihood of Surgery Before First Visit in Patients With Back and Lower Extremity Symptoms: A Simple Mathematical Model Based on More Than 8,000 Patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To create a data-driven triage system stratifying patients by likelihood of undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of presentation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Low back pain (LBP) and radicular lower extremity (LE) symptoms are common musculoskeletal problems. There is currently no standard data-derived triage process based on information that can be obtained before the initial physician-patient encounter to direct patients to the optimal physician type.

METHODS

We analyzed patient-reported data from 8006 patients with a chief complaint of low back pain and/or LE radicular symptoms who presented to surgeons at a large multidisciplinary spine center between September 1, 2005 and June 30, 2016. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of initial visit. A model incorporating these risk factors was created using a random sample of 80% of the total patients in our cohort, and validated on the remaining 20%.

RESULTS

The baseline 1-year surgery rate within our cohort was 39% for all patients and 42% for patients with LE symptoms. Those identified as high likelihood by the center's existing triage process had a surgery rate of 45%. The new triage scoring system proposed in this study was able to identify a high likelihood group in which 58% underwent surgery, which is a 46% higher surgery rate than in nontriaged patients and a 29% improvement from our institution's existing triage system.

CONCLUSION

The data-driven triage model and scoring system derived and validated in this study (Spine Surgery Likelihood-11), significantly improved existing processes in predicting the likelihood of undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of initial presentation. This triage system will allow centers to more selectively screen for surgical candidates and more effectively direct patients to surgeons or nonoperative spine specialists.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Preoperative Opioid Use: A Risk Factor for Poor Return to Work Status After Single-level Cervical Fusion for Radiculopathy in a Workers' Compensation Setting

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative case-control study.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are: (1) How preoperative opioid use impacts RTW status after single-level cervical fusion for radiculopathy? and (2) What are other postsurgical outcomes affected by preoperative opioid use?

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Opioid use has increased significantly in the past decade. The use of opioids has a drastic impact on workers' compensation population, an at-risk cohort for poorer surgical and functional outcomes than the general population.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data was retrospectively collected from Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation between 1993 and 2011. The study population included patients who underwent single-level cervical fusion for radiculopathy as identified by current procedural terminology codes and International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. On the basis of opioid use before surgery, two groups were constructed (opioids vs. non-opioids). Using a multivariate logistic regression model, the effect of preoperative opioid use on return to work (RTW) status after fusion was analyzed and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In the regression model, preoperative opioid use was a negative predictor of RTW status within 3-year follow-up after surgery. Opioid patients were less likely to have stable RTW status [odds ratio (OR), 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.65; P=0.05] and were less likely to RTW within the first year after surgery (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37-0.66; P=0.05) compared with controls. Stable RTW was achieved in 43.3% of the opioids group and 66.6% of control group (P=0.05). RTW rate within the first year after fusion was 32.5% of opioids group and 57% of control group (P<0.05).Reoperation and permanent disability rates after surgery were higher in the opioid group compared with the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In a workers' compensation, patients with work-related injury who underwent single-level cervical fusion for radiculopathy and received opioids before surgery had worse RTW status, a higher reoperation rate, and higher rate of awarded permanent disability after surgery.

Risk Factors Associated With Failure to Reach Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Patient-reported Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors associated with failure to reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) for spondylolisthesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The MCID of PROs are often utilized to determine the benefit of spinal procedures. However, negative predictive factors for reaching MCID in patients surgically treated for lumbar spondylolisthesis have been difficult to elucidate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospectively maintained surgical database of patients who were diagnosed with lumbar spondylolisthesis and surgically treated with a single level MIS TLIF from 2010 to 2016 was reviewed. Patients with incomplete PRO survey data or <6-month follow-up were excluded from the analysis. MCID for visual analogue scale (VAS) back, VAS leg, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was obtained from established values in the literature. All risk factors were then assessed for association with failure to reach MCID using bivariate and multivariate regression adjusting for preoperative characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 165, 76, and 73 patients treated with MIS TLIF for spondylolisthesis had complete PRO data for VAS back, VAS leg, and ODI, respectively, and were thus included in the analysis for the respective PRO. Overall, 75.76%, 71.05%, and 61.64% of patients treated with a single level MIS TLIF for spondylolisthesis reached MCID for VAS back, VAS leg, and ODI, respectively. On multivariate analysis, patients were less likely to achieve MCID for VAS back following surgical treatment if they received workers' compensation (P<0.001). No other measured factors were noted to independently correlate with MCID achievement.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that a majority of patients with spondylolisthesis achieve MCID for commonly measured PROs following MIS TLIF for spondylolisthesis. However, worker's compensation insurance status may serve as a negative predictive factor for reaching MCID.

Influence of anxiety and depression symptoms on the quality of life in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery

Objective

Comparative analysis of the quality of life and functionality of patients undergoing lumbar spine arthrodesis due to degenerative lumbar spine disease. The authors sought to correlate the influence of anxious and depressive symptoms before and after surgery.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed, with 32 patients submitted to arthrodesis due to degenerative lumbar spine disease and the visual analogue pain scale pain questionnaire, the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form questionnaire – 36 items (SF-36), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, applied in the preoperative period and four months after the procedure.

Results

There was improvement in the mean scores of the visual analogue pain scale (p < 0.001) and the Oswestry Disability Index (p < 0.001). In the preoperative period, the variables that presented a difference between patients with and without anxiety symptoms were the SF-36 domains of general health (p = 0.031), social aspects (p = 0.008), and mental health (p = 0.035). In the postoperative period, patients without anxiety symptoms showed better results in the vitality (p = 0.004), social aspects (p = 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.011) domains. In the preoperative period, the variable that presented a difference between patients with and without depression was the SF-36 domain of emotional aspects (p = 0.022). In the post-operative period, patients without depression presented better vitality (p < 0.001), social aspects (p < 0.001), emotional aspects (p = 0.004), and mental health results (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Lumbar spine arthrodesis was effective in improving pain, low back pain, functional capacity, limitation due to physical aspects, vitality, and social and emotional aspects. Patients without anxiety and depression symptoms had better results on the scales compared to those with such symptoms.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Diosmin in the Treatment of Radicular Pain

Diosmin has been widely used to treat patients with vascular pain for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Diosmin in the treatment of radicular pain, we conducted an investigator-initiated, randomized, active-controlled noninferiority trial between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2010. Diosmin (50 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to treat the radicular pain in 150 patients for one month. Another 150 patients with the same symptom were given 20% 250 ml mannitol (1 g/kg/day) for 7 days and dexamethasone (10 mg/day) for 3 days intravenously guttae. Short-term relief and long-term relief were measured. Secondary outcomes include improvement in functional and psychological status, return to work, and reduction in anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs intake. Patients treated with oral Diosmin achieved reduction in radicular pain. The total satisfaction rate of Diosmin group was 84.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77.9%, 90.0%], and the complete satisfaction rate was 50.7% (95% CI: 42.4%, 58.9%). No statistically significant difference was found between the Diosmin group and the active-control group regarding patient satisfaction. No adverse effects were found during the study period. Our study suggests that clinical application of Diosmin with a dose of 50 mg/kg/day might reduce the radicular pain. This trial is registered with ISRCTN97157037.

Spine Surgery Outcomes in Workers' Compensation Patients

Occupational spine injuries place a substantial burden on employees, employers, and the workers' compensation system. Both temporary and permanent spinal conditions contribute substantially to disability and lost wages. Numerous investigations have revealed that workers' compensation status is a negative risk factor for outcomes after spine injuries and spine surgery. However, positive patient outcomes and return to work are possible in spine-related workers' compensation cases with proper patient selection, appropriate surgical indications, and realistic postoperative expectations. Quality improvement measures aimed at optimizing outcomes and minimizing permanent disability are crucial to mitigating the burden of disability claims.

An analysis from the Quality Outcomes Database, Part 2. Predictive model for return to work after elective surgery for lumbar degenerative disease

OBJECTIVE

Current costs associated with spine care are unsustainable. Productivity loss and time away from work for patients who were once gainfully employed contributes greatly to the financial burden experienced by individuals and, more broadly, society. Therefore, it is vital to identify the factors associated with return to work (RTW) after lumbar spine surgery. In this analysis, the authors used data from a national prospective outcomes registry to create a predictive model of patients’ ability to RTW after undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative spine disease.

METHODS

Data from 4694 patients who underwent elective spine surgery for degenerative lumbar disease, who had been employed preoperatively, and who had completed a 3-month follow-up evaluation, were entered into a prospective, multicenter registry. Patient-reported outcomes—Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric rating scale (NRS) for back pain (BP) and leg pain (LP), and EQ-5D scores—were recorded at baseline and at 3 months postoperatively. The time to RTW was defined as the period between operation and date of returning to work. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, including an array of preoperative factors, was fitted for RTW. The model performance was measured using the concordance index (c-index).

RESULTS

Eighty-two percent of patients (n = 3855) returned to work within 3 months postoperatively. The risk-adjusted predictors of a lower likelihood of RTW were being preoperatively employed but not working at the time of presentation, manual labor as an occupation, worker’s compensation, liability insurance for disability, higher preoperative ODI score, higher preoperative NRS-BP score, and demographic factors such as female sex, African American race, history of diabetes, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score. The likelihood of a RTW within 3 months was higher in patients with higher education level than in those with less than high school–level education. The c-index of the model’s performance was 0.71.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a novel predictive model for the probability of returning to work after lumbar spine surgery. Spine care providers can use this model to educate patients and encourage them in shared decision-making regarding the RTW outcome. This evidence-based decision support will result in better communication between patients and clinicians and improve postoperative recovery expectations, which will ultimately increase the likelihood of a positive RTW trajectory.

Predictors of seeking financial compensation following motor vehicle trauma: inception cohort with moderate to severe musculoskeletal injuries

BACKGROUND

Compensation related factors have been repeatedly associated with poor recovery following orthopaedic trauma. There is limited research into the factors associated with seeking financial compensation. Further understanding of these factors could facilitate injury recovery by purposeful compensation scheme design. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of seeking financial compensation, namely making a claim and seeking legal representation, following motor vehicle related orthopaedic trauma. The study was conducted in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in motor vehicle crash and workers' compensation schemes.

METHODS

Participants were patients admitted with upper or lower extremity factures following a motor vehicle crash to two trauma hospitals. Data were collected at baseline within two weeks of injury. Participants were followed up at six months. Analysis involved: descriptive statistics for baseline characteristics; comparison of compensable and non-compensable participants with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and chi-squared tests; and logistic regression for predictor models.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 452 participants with a mean age 40 years; 75% male; 74% working pre-injury; 30% in excellent pre-injury health; 56% sustained serious injuries with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) 9-15; 61% had a low-middle range household income; and 35% self-reported at fault in the crash. There was no significant difference in pre-injury/baseline health between compensable and non-compensable participants. Follow up data was available for 301 (67%) participants. The significant predictor of claiming compensation in the adjusted analysis was higher body mass index (BMI) (overweight Odds Ratio [OR] 3.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.63-5.68; obese OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.83-3.20). Participants less likely to claim were: involved in a motorcycle crash (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28-0.82); socioeconomically less disadvantaged (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.82) or least disadvantaged (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.90); at risk for short term harm (injury) due to alcohol consumption (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97); and with fair-poor pre-injury health (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.94). The predictors for seeking legal representation were speaking a language other than English at home (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.2-6.52) and lower household income (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.22-10.72). Participants less likely to seek legal representation were least socioeconomically disadvantaged (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Seeking financial compensation was associated with a higher pre-injury BMI rather than injury-related factors. Seeking legal representation was solely related to socio-economic factors.

Neck Pain, Preoperative Opioids, and Functionality After Cervical Fusion

The use of opioids among patients with workers' compensation claims is associated with tremendous costs, especially for patients who undergo spinal surgery. This study compared return-to-work rates after single-level cervical fusion for degenerative disk disease between patients who received opioids before surgery and patients who underwent fusion with no previous opioid use. All study subjects qualified for workers' compensation benefits for injuries sustained at work between 1993 and 2011. The study population included 281 subjects who underwent single-level cervical fusion for degenerative disk disease with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology code algorithms. The opioid group included 77 subjects who received opioids preoperatively. The control group included 204 subjects who had surgery with no previous opioid use. The primary outcome was meeting return-to-work criteria within 3 years of follow-up after fusion. Secondary outcome measures after surgery, surgical details, and presurgical characteristics for each cohort also were collected. In 36.4% of the opioid group, return-to-work criteria were met compared with 56.4% of the control group. Patients who took opioids were less likely to meet return-to-work criteria compared with the control group (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.76; P=.0028). Return-to-work rates within the first year after fusion were 24.7% for the opioid group and 45.6% for the control group (P=.0014). Patients who used opioids were absent from work for 255 more days compared with the control group (P=.0001). The use of opioids for management of diskogenic neck pain, with the possibility of surgical intervention, is a negative predictor of successful return to work after fusion in a workers' compensation population. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):25-32.].

How do Orthopaedic Surgeons Address Psychological Aspects of Illness?

BACKGROUND

Orthopaedic surgeons have a pivotal role in transitioning the care of orthopedic patients from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial model. In an effort to foster this transition, we designed a study aimed to determine surgeons' attitudes and practice of noticing, screening, discussing psychological illness with patients, as well as making referrals to address psychosocial issues in patients in need. Additionally, we asked surgeons to rank order potential barriers to and reasons for referrals to psychosocial treatment.

METHODS

Orthopaedic surgeons members of the Science and Variation Group and Ankle Platform (N =350) completed demographics, and a 4-part survey assessing the degree to which surgeons notice, assess, screen and refer for psychological treatments, as well ranked ordered barriers to engaging in these processes.

RESULTS

As a group surgeons were neutral to referral for psychological treatment and formal screening of psychological factors, and somewhat likely to notice and discuss psychological factors. Surgeons were more likely to refer for psychological treatment if they engaged in research, or if they reside in South America as opposed to North America. The highest ranked barriers to screening, noticing, discussing and referring for psychological treatment were lack of time, stigma and feeling uncomfortable.

CONCLUSION

Overall surgeons are likely to notice and discuss psychological factors, but less likely to formally screen or refer for psychological treatment. Transition to biopsychosocial models should focus on problem solving these barriers by teaching surgeons communication skills to increase comfort with discussing psychoemotional factors associated with orthopedic problems. The use of empathic communication can be very helpful in normalizing the difficulty of coping with an orthopedic condition, and may facilitate referral.

Pain acceptance potentially mediates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and post-surgery outcomes among compensated lumbar fusion patients

Purpose

Chronic low back pain is highly prevalent and often treatment recalcitrant condition, particularly among workers’ compensation patients. There is a need to identify psychological factors that may predispose such patients to pain chronicity. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether pain acceptance potentially mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and post-surgical outcomes in a sample of compensated lumbar fusion patients.

Patients and methods

Patients insured with the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah and who were at least 2 years post-lumbar fusion surgery completed an outcome survey. These data were obtained from a prior retrospective-cohort study that administered measures of pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, mental and physical health, and disability.

Results

Of the 101 patients who completed the outcome survey, 75.2% were male with a mean age of 42.42 years and predominantly identified as White (97.0%). The majority of the participants had a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Pain acceptance, including activity engagement and pain willingness, was significantly correlated with better physical health and mental health, and lower disability rates. Pain catastrophizing was inversely correlated with measures of pain acceptance (activity engagement r=−0.67, p<0.01, pain willingness r=−0.73, p<0.01) as well as the outcome measures: mental health, physical health, and disability. Pain acceptance significantly mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and both mental and physical health and also the relationship between pain catastrophizing and disability.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the relationship between pain catastrophizing and negative patient outcomes was potentially mediated by pain acceptance. Understanding this mediating relationship offers insight into how pain acceptance may play a protective role in patients’ pain and disability and has potential implications for pain treatments.

Graded group exercise and fear avoidance behavior modification in the treatment of chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND

Approaches in the treatment of general chronic low back pain (CLBP) are multifaceted relative to specific interventions. In the past, passive interventions have commonly been employed with little evidence to support their effectiveness. Recent reviews suggest a focus on active exercises programs that includes pain education and cognitive behavioral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcomes of CLBP patients and describe the approach in persons undergoing a group spinal rehabilitation program using graded exercise, and operant conditioning.

METHODS

Adult patients with CLBP participated in a twice weekly 90 minute exercise sessions for 8-weeks (n= 201). The program consisted of behavioral education, stretching, aerobic exercises, graded progressive resistance exercise, MedX isotonic strengthening, and functional bending lifting task exercises.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patient records were evaluated where the overall ODI improvement was 13.2% (± 14.0) (p< 0.001). There were significant and clinically meaningful improvements in flexibility, VAS, functional lifting tasks (p< 0.001), and lumbar extension strength (p= 0.01) at 8-week follow-up. Questionnaires were delivered via mail with a 21% return rate revealed sustained improvements.

CONCLUSION

CLBP patients undergoing an 8-week intensive exercise approach incorporating both behavioral and physical conditioning principles showed both significant and clinically significant improvements in this observational case series. Long-term benefits were also seen in both the 6 and 12 month follow-up questionnaires although further investigation is warranted due to limited survey return rate and study design.

A systematic review of preoperative predictors for postoperative clinical outcomes following lumbar discectomy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. When conservative treatment fails, a lumbar discectomy can be performed. Surgical treatment via lumbar discectomy is not always successful and may depend on a variety of preoperative factors. It remains unclear which, if any, preoperative factors can predict postsurgical clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE

This review aimed to determine preoperative predictors that are associated with postsurgical clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a systematic review.

METHODS

This systematic review of the scientific literature followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. MEDLINE and PubMed were systematically searched through June 2014. Results were screened for relevance independently, and full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Reporting quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Quality of evidence was assessed using a modified version of Sackett's Criteria of Evidence Support. No financial support was provided for this study. No potential conflict of interest-associated biases were present from any of the authors.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 1,147 studies, of which a total of 40 high-quality studies were included. There were 17 positive predictors, 20 negative predictors, 43 non-significant predictors, and 15 conflicting predictors determined. Preoperative predictors associated with positive postoperative outcomes included more severe leg pain, better mental health status, shorter duration of symptoms, and younger age. Preoperative predictors associated with negative postoperative outcomes included intact annulus fibrosus, longer duration of sick leave, worker's compensation, and greater severity of baseline symptoms. Several preoperative factors including motor deficit, side and level of herniation, presence of type 1 Modic changes and degeneration, age, and gender had non-significant associations with postoperative clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be possible for certain preoperative factors to be targeted for clinical evaluation by spine surgeons to assess the suitability of patients for lumbar discectomy surgery, the hope being to thereby improve postoperative clinical outcomes. Prospective cohort studies are required to increase the level of evidence with regard to significant predictive factors.

How to predict return to work after lumbar discectomy: answers from the NeuroPoint-SD registry

OBJECTIVE

To date, the factors that predict whether a patient returns to work after lumbar discectomy are poorly understood. Information on postoperative work status is important in analyzing the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

METHODS

An observational prospective cohort study was completed at 13 academic and community sites (NeuroPoint–Spinal Disorders [NeuroPoint-SD] registry). Patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy were included. Variables assessed included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), SF-36 physical function score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, systemic illness, workers' compensation status, and preoperative work status. The primary outcome was working status within 3 months after surgery. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were predictive of return to work at 3 months following discectomy.

RESULTS

There were 127 patients (of 148 total) with data collected 3 months postoperatively. The patients' average age at the time of surgery was 46 ± 1 years, and 66.9% of patients were working 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the patients more likely to return to work were those of younger age (44.5 years vs 50.5 years, p = 0.008), males (55.3% vs 28.6%, p = 0.005), those with higher preoperative SF-36 physical function scores (44.0 vs 30.3, p = 0.002), those with lower preoperative ODI scores (43.8 vs 52.6, p = 0.01), nonsmokers (83.5% vs 66.7%, p = 0.03), and those who were working preoperatively (91.8% vs 26.2%, p < 0.0001). When controlling for patients who were working preoperatively (105 patients), only age was a statistically significant predictor of postoperative return to work (44.1 years vs 51.1 years, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of lumbar discectomy patients, preoperative working status was the strongest predictor of postoperative working status 3 months after surgery. Younger age was also a predictor. Factors not influencing return to work in the logistic regression analysis included sex, BMI, SF-36 physical function score, ODI score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, and systemic illness.

Clinical trial registration no.: 01220921 (clinicaltrials.gov)

Low intensity laser and LED therapies associated with lateral decubitus position and flexion exercises of the lower limbs in patients with lumbar disk herniation: clinical randomized trial

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of laser and LED therapies, associated with lateral decubitus position and flexion exercises of the lower limbs in patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH). It is a randomized blinded clinical trial. Fifty-four subjects with LDH L4-L5 and L5-S1 were selected and randomly allocated into groups: laser 904 nm, placebo, and LED 945 nm. The numbers of subjects for each group that completed the treatment were 18, 13, and 18, respectively. Twelve points over the lumbar spine region (L2 to S1) and eight points on the injured thigh in the path of the lumbar roots L5 and S1 were irradiated. Irradiation parameters for each point were as follows: laser wavelength 904 ± 10 nm, average power 0.038 ± 20 % W, irradiated area 0.16 cm(2), energy per point 4 J, and treatment time per point 104 s; LED wavelength 945 ± 15 nm, power 0.1 W, irradiated area 1.0cm(2), energy per point 4 J, and treatment time per point 40 s. Lateral decubitus opposite to the side of the radicular was the standard position for all patients. After phototherapy and laser placebo sessions, the subjects performed sequences of flexion exercises of the lower limbs (ten per session) for 15 daily sessions.

VARIABLES STUDIED

pain intensity assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), degree of flexion of the affected hip measured by the universal goniometer and functional capacity assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index. The three groups had statistically significant improvement in lumbar and radicular pain, in hip mobility, and in the functional disability index (p ≤ 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in radicular pain between the groups, gait claudication and Oswestry Disability Index. We can conclude that in the treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 LDH with radiculopathy, LED, associated with lateral decubitus position and flexion exercises of the lower limbs, showed better therapeutic performance for radicular pain, gait claudication, and functional disability.

Functional Capacity Evaluation Following Spinal Fusion Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to characterize outcomes of functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) amongst patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Injured workers often undergo an FCE upon reaching maximal medical improvement following surgery. To date, few studies have examined the results of FCEs following spinal fusion.

METHODS

Patients undergoing an FCE following a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) were retrospectively identified. Based upon the FCE report, each patient's job-related preoperative physical requirement and postoperative work capability was categorized as light, medium, or heavy. Patients were characterized as being able to meet their preoperative job requirement if their FCE-determined capability was greater than or equal to their preoperative job requirement. Patient characteristics were tested for association with meeting preoperative job requirement using bivariate and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were identified: 71 (41.0%) and 102 (59.0%) underwent TLIF and ACDF, respectively. Of the 71 TLIF and 102 ACDF patients, 41 (58%) and 50 (49%) had light postoperative capabilities, 18 (25%) and 38 (37%) as medium, and 12 (17%) and 14 (14%) as heavy, respectively. Postoperatively, 26 (37%) of TLIF and 55 (54%) of ACDF patients were categorized as meeting their preoperative job requirement. Independent predictors of meeting preoperative job requirement following TLIF (P =0.002) and ACDF (P = 0.037) were lower preoperative job requirement, and younger age for ACDF (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Only one in five patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for occupational injuries is able to perform heavy-duty work postoperatively. Similarly, approximately half of patients are able to perform medium-duty work. Moreover, a majority of patients are unable to return to their preoperative occupational responsibilities. These findings can be used to council patients regarding their likelihood of meeting postoperative work capacity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Evaluating Clinical Practice Guidelines Based on Their Association with Return to Work in Administrative Claims Data

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between non-adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and time to return to work (RTW) for patients with workplace injuries.

DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING

Secondary analysis of medical billing and disability data for 148,199 for shoulder and back injuries from a workers' compensation insurer.

STUDY DESIGN

Cox proportional hazard regression is used to estimate the association between time to RTW and receipt of guideline-discordant care. We test the robustness of our findings to an omitted confounding variable.

DATA COLLECTION

Collected by the insurer from the time an injury was reported, through recovery or last follow-up.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Receiving guideline-discordant care was associated with slower RTW for only some guidelines. Early receipt of care, and getting less than the recommended amount of care, were correlated with faster RTW. Excessive physical therapy, bracing, and injections were associated with slower RTW.

CONCLUSIONS

There is not a consistent relationship between performance on CPGs and RTW. The association between performance on CPG and RTW is difficult to measure in observational data, because analysts cannot control for omitted variables that affect a patient's treatment and outcomes. CPGs supported by observational studies or randomized trials may have a more certain relationship to health outcomes.

The Effect of Workers' Compensation Status on Outcomes of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Comparative, Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Receiving Workers' Compensation benefits has been associated with inferior outcomes after lumbar fusion. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty between patients receiving and those not receiving Workers' Compensation.

METHODS

Patient-reported outcomes, reoperations, complications, and return-to-work status were analyzed at one year after surgery in an observational cohort of consecutive patients who underwent single-level or multilevel cervical disc arthroplasty for symptomatic cervical disc conditions, including radiculopathy or discogenic pain with or without radiculopathy, exclusive of myelopathy.

RESULTS

Of the 189 patients who underwent cervical disc arthroplasty, 144 received Workers' Compensation and forty-five did not. The mean scores on all patient-reported measures improved significantly from preoperative baseline to one year after surgery (p < 0.001), and the improvement in patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between the Workers' Compensation and the non-Workers' Compensation group (respectively, 22.7 compared with 25.0 for the Neck Disability Index; 8.3 compared with 9.6 for the Short Form (SF)-36 physical component summary; 7.9 compared with 9.6 for the SF-36 mental component summary; 3.5 compared with 3.7 for neck pain; and 2.6 compared with 2.8 for arm pain). The two groups also did not differ significantly in the rate of reoperations (7.6% for those receiving Workers' Compensation compared with 13.3% for those not receiving Workers' Compensation) and complications (2.8% compared with 4.4%, respectively). At one year after surgery, the proportion of patients who had returned to work was comparable (77.7% in the Workers' Compensation group and 79.4% in the non-Workers' Compensation group); however, the patients receiving Workers' Compensation had significantly more days off before returning to work (a mean of 145.2 compared with 61.9 days; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

After cervical disc arthroplasty, patients receiving Workers' Compensation had outcomes that were similar to those of patients not receiving Workers' Compensation in terms of patient-reported outcomes, surgery-related complications, reoperations, and return-to-work status. Patients receiving Workers' Compensation remained off work for a longer interval than did patients not receiving Workers' Compensation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Association between compensation status and outcomes in spine surgery: a meta-analysis of 31 studies

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Numerous studies have demonstrated poorer outcomes in patients with Workers' compensation (WC) when compared with those without WC following treatment of various of health conditions, including spine disorders. It is thus important to consider compensation status when assessing treatment outcomes in spine surgery. However, reported strengths of association have varied significantly (1.31-7.22).

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of unsatisfactory outcomes on compensation status in spine surgery patients.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A meta-analysis was performed.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patient sample is not applicable in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Demographics, type of surgery, country, follow-up time, patient satisfaction, return to work and non-union events were the outcome measures.

METHODS

Both prospective and retrospective studies that compared outcomes between compensated and non-compensated patients in spine surgery were included. Two independent investigators extracted outcome data. The meta-analysis was performed using Revman software. Random effects model was used to calculate risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies (13 prospective; 18 retrospective) with a total of 3,567 patients were included in the analysis. Follow-up time varied from 4 months to 10 years. Twelve studies involved only decompression; the rest were fusion. Overall RR of an unsatisfactory outcome was 2.12 [1.74, 2.58; p<.001] in patients with WC when compared with those without WC after surgery. The RR of an unsatisfactory outcome in patients with WC, compared with those without, was 2.09 [1.38, 3.17]; p<.01 among studies from Europe and Australia, and 2.14 [1.48, 2.60]; p<.01 among US studies. The RR of decompression-only procedures was 2.53 [1.85, 3.47]; p<.01,and 1.79 [1.45, 2.21]; p<.01 for fusion. Forty-three percent (209 of 491) of patients with WC did not return to work versus 17% (214 of 1250) of those without WC (RR 2.07 [1.43, 2.98]; p<.001). Twenty-five percent (74 of 292) and 13.5% (39 of 287) of patients had non-union in the compensated and non-compensated groups, respectively. This was not statistically significant (RR 1.33 [0.92, 1.91]; p=.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Workers' compensation patients have a two-fold increased risk of an unsatisfactory outcome compared with non-compensated patients after surgery. This association was consistent when studies were grouped by country or procedure. Compensation status must be considered in all surgical intervention studies.

Do Patient Demographics and Patient-Reported Outcomes Predict 12-Month Loss to Follow-Up After Spine Surgery?

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of patients in a prospective registry.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between patient demographics, outcomes, and loss to follow-up 12 months after spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Obtaining outcomes 12 months after spine surgery remains a challenge. Loss to follow-up is believed to introduce biases and portend poor outcomes. Associations between follow-up, patient demographics, and outcomes in the degenerative spine population have not been studied.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spine disease at a single institution over a 2-year period were enrolled in a prospective registry. Patient demographics, comorbidities, treatment variables, readmissions/reoperations, and all 90-day surgical morbidity were collected. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded at baseline, 3-months, and 12-months after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 1484 patients with baseline and 3-month outcomes were included. Two hundred thirty-three (15.7%) patients were lost to follow-up at 12 months. There was no difference in the baseline demographics (Sex: P = 0.46) and comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade: P = 0.06) of patients who had follow-up at 12-months versus those who did not, except age and employment status. Patients lost to follow-up at 12 months were younger (51.0 vs. 57.1 years; P < 0.001) and a higher proportion were employed preoperatively (45.9% vs. 41.7%, P = 0.24). Preoperative pain, disability, and quality of life was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference in 90-day morbidity (17.2% vs. 16.2%; P = 0.70) and 3-month pain, disability, quality of life, and patient satisfaction (85.0% vs. 88.3%; P = 0.63) (P > 0.05). In multivariate model, only younger age (P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of loss to follow-up at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

In our prospective spine registry the 12-month loss to follow-up rate is approximately 15%. The only independent predictor of loss to follow-up is younger age and preoperative employment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER LUMBAR SURGERY IN DIFFERENT WORK SITUATIONS

Objective:To evaluate the quality of life of patients after spine surgery related to the return to work activities.Methods:Retrospective review of medical records of patients operated for degenerative spinal disease and application of questionnaire about quality of life (SF-36) in the preoperative and postoperative periods at one month, six months, one year and two years. Patients were divided into three groups: those who returned to work, who were away from work and retired patients. Then the statistical analysis was conducted and the evolution of quality of life was assessed according to the return to activity.Results:Evaluating patients for the variable return to activity, it was found statistically significant difference in the time for the variables: functional, physical, pain, vitality, social and mental. For patients who did not return to activity, the evolution was statistically significant for the variables: functional, physical, pain, vitality and social. For retired patients the outcome was statistically significant for all domains, except for "General".Conclusion:The quality of life has improved in all groups postoperatively, being observed more significant results in the group that returned to their work activities.

What Are Long-term Predictors of Outcomes for Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Randomized and Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have illustrated improvements in surgical cohorts for patients with intervertebral disc herniation, there are limited data on predictors of long-term outcomes comparing surgical and nonsurgical outcomes.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We assessed outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment for patients with intervertebral disc herniation and symptomatic radiculopathy at 8 years from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial. We specifically examined subgroups to determine whether certain populations had a better long-term outcome with surgery or nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic lumbar radiculopathy for at least 6 weeks associated with nerve root irritation or neurologic deficit on examination and a confirmed disc herniation on cross-sectional imaging were enrolled at 13 different clinical sites. Patients consenting to participate in the randomized cohort were assigned to surgical or nonoperative treatment using variable permuted block randomization stratified by site. Those who declined randomization entered the observational cohort group based on treatment preference but were otherwise treated and followed identically to the randomized cohort. Of those in the randomized cohort, 309 of 501 (62%) provided 8-year data and in the observational group 469 of 743 (63%). Patients were treated with either surgical discectomy or usual nonoperative care. By 8 years, only 148 of 245 (60%) of those randomized to surgery had undergone surgery, whereas 122 of 256 (48%) of those randomized to nonoperative treatment had undergone surgery. The primary outcome measures were SF-36 bodily pain, SF-36 physical function, and Oswestry Disability Index collected at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually. Further analysis studied the following factors to determine if any were predictive of long-term outcomes: sex, herniation location, depression, smoking, work status, other joint problems, herniation level, herniation type, and duration of symptoms.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat analysis of the randomized cohort at 8 years showed no difference between surgical and nonoperative treatment for the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures of sciatica bothersomeness, leg pain, satisfaction with symptoms, and self-rated improvement showed greater improvement in the group randomized to surgery despite high levels of crossover. The as-treated analysis of the combined randomized and observational cohorts, adjusted for potential confounders, showed advantages for surgery for all primary outcome measures; however, this has the potential for confounding from other unrecognized variables. Smokers and patients with depression or comorbid joint problems had worse functional outcomes overall (with surgery and nonoperative care) but similar surgical treatment effects. Patients with sequestered fragments, symptom duration greater than 6 months, those with higher levels of low back pain, or who were neither working nor disabled at baseline showed greater surgical treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The intent-to-treat analysis, which is complicated by high rates of crossover, showed no difference over 8 years for primary outcomes of overall pain, physical function, and back-related disability but did show small advantages for secondary outcomes of sciatica bothersomeness, satisfaction with symptoms, and self-rated improvement. Subgroup analyses identified those groups with sequestered fragments on MRI, higher levels of baseline back pain accompanying radiculopathy, a longer duration of symptoms, and those who were neither working nor disabled at baseline with a greater relative advantage from surgery at 8 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Nonoperative treatment for lumbosacral radiculopathy: what factors predict treatment failure?

BACKGROUND

Prior studies of nonoperative treatment for lumbosacral radiculopathy have identified potential predictors of treatment failure, defined by persistent pain, persistent disability, lack of recovery, or subsequent surgery. However, few predictors have been replicated, with the exception of higher leg pain intensity, as a predictor of subsequent surgery.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked two research questions: (1) Does higher baseline leg pain intensity predict subsequent lumbar surgery? (2) Can other previously identified "candidate" predictors of nonoperative treatment failure be replicated?

METHODS

Between January 2008 and March 2009, 154 participants with acute lumbosacral radicular pain were enrolled in a prospective database; 128 participants (83%) received nonoperative treatment and 26 (17%) received surgery over 2-year followup. Ninety-four nonoperative participants (73%) responded to followup questionnaires. We examined associations between previously identified "candidate" predictors and treatment failure defined as (1) subsequent surgery; (2) persistent leg pain on a visual analog scale; (3) persistent disability on the Oswestry Disability Index; or (4) participant-reported lack of recovery over 2-year followup. Confounding variables including sociodemographics, clinical factors, and imaging characteristics were evaluated using an exploratory bivariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

With the numbers available, higher baseline leg pain intensity was not an independent predictor of subsequent surgery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22 per point of baseline leg pain; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.53; p = 0.08). Prior low back pain (aOR, 4.79; 95% CI, 1.01-22.7; p = 0.05) and a positive straight leg raise test (aOR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.60-11.9; p = 0.004) predicted subsequent surgery. Workers compensation claims predicted persistent leg pain (aOR, 9.04; 95% CI, 1.01-81; p = 0.05) and disability (aOR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.09-32.7; p = 0.04). Female sex predicted persistent disability (aOR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.03-9.69; p = 0.05) and perceived lack of recovery (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.02-5.84; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher baseline leg pain intensity was not confirmed as a predictor of subsequent surgery. However, the directionality of the association seen was consistent with prior reports, suggesting Type II error as a possible explanation; larger studies are needed to further examine this relationship. Clinicians should be aware of potential factors that may predict nonoperative treatment failure, including prior low back pain or a positive straight leg raise test as predictors of subsequent surgery, workers compensation claims as predictors of persistent leg pain and disability, and female sex as a predictor of persistent disability and lack of recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.