Physical function computer adaptive test outcomes in diabetic lumbar spine surgical patients

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Diabetes is a common comorbidity in spine surgery patients.
• Previous studies indicate diabetes worsens outcomes like pain and disability.
• The impact of diabetes on physical function post-spine surgery using PROMIS PF CAT is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of diabetes on physical function outcomes after lumbar spine surgery.
• To assess outcomes using the PROMIS Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test (PF CAT).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study at a university spine clinic.
• Included patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery with PF CAT and ODI data.
• Statistical analysis included Wilcox tests and linear regression.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients (n=65) had significantly lower PF CAT scores than non-diabetics (n=233) at 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
• Diabetics showed higher Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 3 and 12 months.
• Fewer diabetics achieved minimum clinically important differences in PF CAT and ODI by 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes is linked to reduced physical function up to one year after lumbar spine surgery.
• The PROMIS PF CAT effectively assesses outcomes in diabetic spine surgery patients.
• Many diabetic patients still experience meaningful physical function improvement post-surgery.