Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Lumbar spine surgery in Israeli Arabs and Jews: a comparative study with emphasis on pain perception
Reuven Gepstein1, Zeev Arinzon, Yoram Folman
1Spinal Care Unit, Sapir Medical Center (Meir Hospital), Kfar Saba, Israel.
Background:
Surgery for spinal stenosis is a frequent procedure in elderly patients. Presentation, hospital course, and outcome of disease including pain perception may vary among patients of different ethnic origin.
Objectives:
To evaluate whether differences in various medical indicators can explain differences in pain perception between two ethnic groups.
Methods:
We conducted a case-control study on the experience of two spinal units treating a mixed Arab and Jewish population, and compared the data on 85 Arab and 189 Jewish patients undergoing spinal lumbar surgery.
Results:
Arab patients were younger (P = 0.027), less educated (P < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (P = 0.004) and included a higher proportion of diabetics (P = 0.013). Preoperative pain intensity (P = 0.023) and functional disability (P = 0.005) were more prominent, and factors associated with pre- or postoperative pain perception differed between the two ethnic groups. Despite these differences, results on follow-up were similar with respect to pain perception and level of disability.
Conclusions:
A better understanding of ethnic differences is crucial for predicting surgery outcomes.
