EFFECT OF PRIOR LUMBAR DISKECTOMY ON OUTCOME OF LUMBAR FUSION - A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS USING THE SF-36 MEASURE

This study prospectively measured patient-reported quality-of-life out come in patients undergoing fusion for recurrent symptoms after prior discectomy. Analysis of SF-36 data revealed statistically significant improvement in physical function, social function, and bodily pain I y ear postoperatively. Analysis of variance revealed significant interac tions based on worker's compensation, litigation status, educational l evel, and age. The results support the conclusion that the SF-36 is a useful and applicable tool for measuring patient perception and qualit y-of-life parameters after spinal surgery. SF-36 outcomes demonstrated a reasonable level of success for lumbar fusion in revision spine sur gery, with the most significant improvements noted in the categories o f pain, physical function, and social function.