Preoperative SF-36 responses as a predictor of reoperation following lumbar fusion

This study examined preoperative SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item questionnaire) data in patients who required a subsequent surgical procedure following lumbar spine fusion to identify potential predictors of this adverse surgical outcome. Of the 235 patients treated by lumbar fusion, 27 patients required an additional procedure. Analysis of preoperative SF-36 responses revealed higher scores in social function (P=.013), and pain (P=.021) for the 208 patients who underwent only the initial fusion versus the 27 patients requiring a subsequent intervention. This study suggests that components of the SF-36 carry prognostic value for lumbar spinal surgery.