Clinical and neuropsychiatric correlates of lumbar spinal surgery in older adults: results of a pilot study

AIM: To improve selection of older lumbar surgical candidates, we surveyed correlates of functioning and satisfaction with surgery.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Prospective sample at lumbar spine surgery clinic. Patients (n = 48) were evaluated before surgery and after 3 months. Dependent variables were functioning and surgical satisfaction.

RESULTS: Baseline variables associated with disability at 3 months included cognitive status and widespread pain. There was clinically significant improvement with moderate effects sizes for anxiety and depression at follow-up. Patients with at least a 30% improvement in disability had better physical health-related quality of life and were less likely to report widespread pain before surgery.

CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, two novel potential predictors of lumbar surgery outcome include diminished cognitive functioning and widespread pain. Further study of these variables on post-surgical functioning and satisfaction may improve patient selection.