Subject Area
Neurosurgery
Article Type
Original Study
Abstract
Background: The optimal timing for lumbar spine surgery (LSS) relative to symptom duration remains debatable. While surgical delays are common, their impact on postoperative outcomes is not fully elucidated. This study evaluated the relationship between preoperative symptom duration and postoperative outcomes following LSS.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 60 adults undergoing LSS (decompression and/or fusion) at a single university hospital. Participants were stratified into three groups based on symptom duration:Months, 3-12 months, and >12 months. The primary outcome was functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), global perceived effect (GPE), and patient satisfaction. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables.
Results: All patients demonstrated significant improvement in ODI (41.5±16.9 to 28.5±8.6, p12 months group. Complication rates were comparable across all groups.
Conclusions: Earlier surgical intervention within 3 months of symptom onset is associated with superior functional recovery, pain relief, and patient perception of improvement after LSS. These findings advocate for timely surgical decision-making to optimize patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Zahra, Ahmed Anas and Basha, Ayman Mohamed
(2026)
"Impact of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Postoperative Outcomes following Lumbar Spine Surgery,"
Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 55
:
Iss.
4
, Article 5.
Available at:
https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1559
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
