Factors Associated with the Oswestry Disability Index Score One Month after Lumbar Discectomy

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to identify preoperative and early postoperative factors contributing to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score one month after lumbar discectomy, to help with future physiotherapy. [Subjects] The 98 subjects included in our study were diagnosed lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and underwent initial discectomy at our hospital. [Methods] Factors investigated included sex, age, height, weight, hernia level, surgical procedure, smoking habit, profession, leg muscle strength, and degree of back pain, leg pain and numbness, ODI score, and ODI sub-scores. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used for statistical analysis, with the dependent variable being the one month postoperative ODI score, and independent variables comprising the other factors monitored preoperatively listed above, on resumption of activity (5th postoperative day), and on discharge (9th postoperative day). [Results] Factors contributing to the ODI score one month after lumbar discectomy were profession (desk work), back pain before surgery, leg pain on resumption of activity, ODI score, ODI traveling sub-score, and leg pain on discharge. [Conclusion] Early postoperative physiotherapy should comprise ongoing physical therapy to alleviate residual symptoms, patient education focusing on sitting posture, and exercise therapy.