Preoperative Factors Predict Postoperative Trajectories of Pain and Disability Following Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Study Design: Longitudinal analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective: Investigate potential predictors of poor outcome following surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary Of Background Data: LSS is the most common reason for an older person to undergo spinal surgery, yet little information is available to inform patient selection.

Patients undergoing surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis experience unique courses of pain and disability: A group-based trajectory analysis.

Objective: Identify patient subgroups defined by trajectories of pain and disability following surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, and investigate the construct validity of the subgroups by evaluating for meaningful differences in clinical outcomes.

Methods: We recruited patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis from 13 surgical spine centers who were deemed to be surgical candidates. Study outcomes (leg and back pain numeric rating scales, modified Oswestry disability index) were measured before surgery, and after 3, 12, and 24 months.

Improving postoperative patient reported benefits and satisfaction following spinal fusion with a single preoperative education session.

Background Context: Patient expectations have been demonstrated to influence recovery following spine surgery. Addressing patient expectations specifically in regards to pain and postsurgical healing is an important factor in improving recovery patterns. Presurgical education can potentially help manage patient expectations.