title: Predictors of an unfavorable outcome 1.5 and 12 years after a first, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery.
abstract: To identify predictors of both intermediate and long-term unfavorable outcomes after first time, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery.
  
  
  
  Patients (n = 120) who had undergone lumbar disc surgery were followed up 1.5 and 12 years thereafter. Baseline assessments were carried out 5-8 days after surgery. Clinical outcome was assessed in both follow-ups using the Low Back Pain Rating Scale. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and linear regression.
  
  
  
  Unfavorable outcomes were found in 50.5 % (1.5 years) and 52.6 % (12 years) of patients available for follow-up examination. Low pre-operative physical activity and severe pain in the first week after surgery were predictive of an unfavorable post-operative outcome at both follow-ups.
  
  
  
  Identified predictors suggest that particular emphasis should put on comprehensive post-operative care at large and encouragement to adapt a physically active lifestyle in particular in rehabilitation concepts after first time uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. karin.pieber@meduniwien.ac.at.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pieber
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Salomon
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Inschlag
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amtmann
authors.affiliation: German Institute for Health Research, Bad Elster, Germany.
authors.forename: Karl-Ludwig
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Resch
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Gerold
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ebenbichler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017586:Diskectomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D011379:Prognosis; D057185:Sedentary Behavior
keywords: Lumbar disc surgery; Pain; Physical activity; Predictors; Unsatisfactory outcomes