Outcome of lumbar fusion in Washington State workers' compensation.

Study Design: This study covered a large, population-based cohort of workers in the Washington State workers' compensation system who received lumbar fusion between August 1, 1986 and July 31, 1987 to determine work disability status, reoperation rate, and patient satisfaction.

Objectives: To use predictors of outcome of lumbar fusion to design clearer clinical guidelines for lumbar fusion in injured workers.

Methods: Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of work disability and risk of reoperation after fusion.