Predictors of an unfavorable outcome 1.5 and 12 years after a first, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery.

Purpose: To identify predictors of both intermediate and long-term unfavorable outcomes after first time, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery.

Methods: Patients (n = 120) who had undergone lumbar disc surgery were followed up 1.5 and 12 years thereafter.

Degeneration and Instability and the Relation to Patients' Function Late After Lumbar Disc Surgery: Data from a 12-Year Follow-Up.

Objective: To investigate the excess risk of degeneration and segmental instability in operated segments late after lumbar disc surgery in patients with presurgically stable segments, and whether local pathological findings relate to patients' back health.

Design: This retrospective analysis reports on 69 patients 12 years after first-time, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery. Two independent radiologists evaluated the patients' lumbar functional x-rays; the Back Pain Rating Score (LBP-RS) assessed back-specific function.