Predictive factors for return to work after lumbar discectomy

Background. Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints leading to disability and work absence. This study was performed to determine the rate and contributing factors of return to work in the postoperative phase after lumbar discectomy. Methods. This cohort study was performed among 142 patients attending the orthopedics spine clinic of a teaching hospital during 2016. Initially, the demographic and occupational characteristics and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were fulfilled, and patients were followed with regard to time off, work return and type of job after surgery. Results. 113 participants (79.5%) returned to work in 3 months. Male gender, higher literacy, non-manual job, less physical activity, non-smoking, formal work agreement, lower working hours and higher income were associated with return to previous work. Also, shorter preoperative duration of LBP, longer hospital stay, lower severity of LBP, lower ODI score and poor perceived prognosis of return to work were associated with return to previous work. Conclusions. Return to work after discectomy is seen in more than two-thirds of patients and is related to factors such as pain intensity and body mass index. However, return to previous versus modified job is a multifactorial issue.