scholarly journals Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Foraminoplasty and Decompression for the Treatment of Intraspinal Tophaceous Gout: A Case Series

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyu Shao ◽  
Xinji Chen ◽  
Tingxiao Zhao ◽  
Mengran Jin ◽  
Yazeng Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Tophaceous Gout ◽  
Japanese Orthopedic Association ◽  
Endoscopic Decompression ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Unique Approach

Abstract Background: This study reports a case series of transforaminal endoscopic decompression for symptomatic intraspinal gout treatment.Methods: In the past three years, the technique of transforaminal endoscopic decompression has been applied for the treatment of symptomatic intraspinal gout, and detailed information on 8 consecutive patients pre- and postoperatively has been recorded for further research.Results: Here, we present a consecutive series of 8 patients who underwent transforaminal endoscopic decompression for the treatment of intraspinal gout in our hospital from 2016 to 2019. These 8 patients all suffered from low back and leg pain and varying degrees of neurologic deficits. After at least 1 year of follow-up, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (m-JOA) score and the MOS 36-Item Short-from Health Survey (SF-36) score were significantly improved compared with before surgery. All patients were satisfied with the results of the operation, and no complications were experienced.Conclusion: Transforaminal endoscopic decompression may be a unique approach to treat intraspinal gout because of its small trauma, rapid recovery, and reliable effect.

scholarly journals Prognosis for Recovery of Foot Drop after Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression of Far Lateral Lumbar 5-Sacral 1 Herniated Disc: Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (22.2) ◽  
pp. E97-E103
Author(s):  
Albert Telfeian
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Motor Score ◽  
Endoscopic Decompression ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Background: Foot drop that results from compression of the exiting L5 nerve as a result of far lateral disc herniation (FLDH) at L5-S1 poses a significant surgical challenge to the minimallyinvasive spine surgeon given the narrow corridor for an extraforaminal approach because of the high iliac crest. Objectives: Here we describe our experience with transforaminal endoscopic decompression for the treatment of foot drop secondary to FLDH at L5-S1. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: This study took place in a single-center, academic hospital. Methods: A technique for the transforaminal endoscopic treatment of foot drop secondary to L5-S1 FLDH is presented in a series of 5 consecutive patients treated over a period of 3 years. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data with 1-year follow-up are presented. Results: A consecutive series of 211 patients who underwent transforaminal endoscopic treatment for lumbar radiculopathy between 2011 and 2014 are presented. Seventy-seven patients had L5- S1 discectomies and 5 of those patients presented with foot drop and FLDH. The mean visual analog scale score for radicular pain improved from an average pain score before surgery of 7.2 to 0.8 one year after surgery, and the mean motor score for anterior tibialis strength improved from an average motor score before surgery of 2.6 to 4.8 one year after surgery. Limitations: Small case series evaluated retrospectively with one year follow-up. Conclusions: Transforaminal endoscopic surgical access to FLDH pathology may be a unique approach to the treatment of foot drop because it allows for neural decompression of disc and foraminal pathology without requiring significant destabilizing bone removal. Key words: E

Microdiscectomy Improves Pain-Associated Depression, Somatic Anxiety, and Mental Well-Being in Patients With Herniated Lumbar Disc

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Lebow ◽  
Scott L. Parker ◽  
Owoicho Adogwa ◽  
Adam Reig ◽  
Joseph Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Somatic Anxiety ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Herniated Lumbar Disc ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract BACKGROUND: Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled. All were available for 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale for low-back pain (BP-VAS), visual analog scale for leg pain (LP-VAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 mental component summary scale (SF-36-MCS) were 6.3 ± 2.5, 6.3 ± 2.5, 19 ± 11, 9 ± 7, and 4 ± 14. BP-VAS and LP-VAS significantly improved by 6 weeks. Significant improvement in SF-36-MCS was observed by 6 weeks postoperatively, improvement in MSPQ score was observed 3 months postoperatively, and improvement in the ZUNG depression score was observed 12 months postoperatively. No statistical difference occurred during the remainder of follow-up for any outcome measured once improvement reached statistical significance. Eighteen patients were somatized preoperatively, 67% of which were nonsomatized 1 year postoperatively. Ten patients were clinically depressed preoperatively, 70% of which were nondepressed 1 year postoperatively. Improvement in SF-36-MCS, ZUNG, and MSPQ correlated (P < .001) with improvement in BP-VAS and LP-VAS. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients somatized or depressed preoperatively returned to good mental well-being postoperatively. Improvement in pain and overall mental well-being was seen immediately after discectomy. Improvement in somatic anxiety and depression occurred months later. Microdiscectomy significantly improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.

scholarly journals Microdiscectomy Improves Pain-Associated Depression, Somatic Anxiety, and Mental Well-Being in Patients With Herniated Lumbar Disc

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Lebow ◽  
Scott L. Parker ◽  
Owoicho Adogwa ◽  
Adam Reig ◽  
Joseph Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Somatic Anxiety ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Herniated Lumbar Disc ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract BACKGROUND: Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled. All were available for 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale for low-back pain (BP-VAS), visual analog scale for leg pain (LP-VAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 mental component summary scale (SF-36-MCS) were 6.3 ± 2.5, 6.3 ± 2.5, 19 ± 11, 9 ± 7, and 4 ± 14. BP-VAS and LP-VAS significantly improved by 6 weeks. Significant improvement in SF-36-MCS was observed by 6 weeks postoperatively, improvement in MSPQ score was observed 3 months postoperatively, and improvement in the ZUNG depression score was observed 12 months postoperatively. No statistical difference occurred during the remainder of follow-up for any outcome measured once improvement reached statistical significance. Eighteen patients were somatized preoperatively, 67% of which were nonsomatized 1 year postoperatively. Ten patients were clinically depressed preoperatively, 70% of which were nondepressed 1 year postoperatively. Improvement in SF-36-MCS, ZUNG, and MSPQ correlated (P < .001) with improvement in BP-VAS and LP-VAS. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients somatized or depressed preoperatively returned to good mental well-being postoperatively. Improvement in pain and overall mental well-being was seen immediately after discectomy. Improvement in somatic anxiety and depression occurred months later. Microdiscectomy significantly improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.

scholarly journals 63 Chronic Femoral Osteomyelitis Case Series: Outcomes and Economic Impact at A United Kingdom Based Tertiary Centre

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Lau ◽  
Z Arshad ◽  
A Aslam ◽  
A Thahir ◽  
M Krkovic
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Tertiary Centre ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eq Vas

Abstract Introduction Osteomyelitis refers to an inflammatory process affecting bone and bone marrow. This study reviews chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment and outcomes, including economic impact. Method We retrospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 14 chronic femoral osteomyelitis patients treated between January 2013 and January 2020. Data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, complications, treatment protocol and costs. Functional outcome was assessed using EuroQOL five-dimensional interview administration questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L™) and EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS™). Results Of these, 92.9% had one or more osteomyelitis risk factor, including smoking and diabetes. Samples from 78.6% grew at least one pathogen. Only 42.9% achieved remission after initial treatment, but 85.7% were in remission at final follow-up, with no signs of recurrence throughout the follow-up period (mean: 21.4 months). The average treatment cost was £39,249.50 with a net mean loss of £19,080.10 when funding was considered. The mean-derived EQ-5D score was 0.360 and the mean EQ-VAS score was 61.7, lower than their values for United Kingdom’s general population, p = 0.0018 and p = 0.013 respectively. Conclusions Chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment is difficult, resulting in significant economic burden. With previous studies showing cheaper osteomyelitis treatment at specialist centres, our net financial loss incurred suggests the need for management at specialised centres.

Application of a Targeted and Quantificational Foraminoplasty Device in Percutaneous  Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation: Preliminary Clinical Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Liu ◽  
Junlong wu ◽  
Honglei Zhang ◽  
Rui Zuo ◽  
Jiabin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leg Pain ◽  
Fluoroscopy Time ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Disk Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disk Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disk ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
Endoscopic Discectomy ◽  
Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy

Abstract ObjectivePercutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is minimally invasive and has been widely used to treat patients with lumbar disk herniation(LDH) due to its safety and efficiency. However, due to the unique anatomy of the L5-S1 level, the PTED procedure is often difficult to perform in the region. ZESSYS, a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device, may help to overcome these anatomical limitations. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and the short-term effects of PTED with ZESSY at the L5-S1 level.MethodsBetween January to August of 2018, Fifty-six patients with lumbar disk herniation at the single level of L5–S1 and underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were segregated into the the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group. The puncture time, foraminoplasty time, decompression time and fluoroscopy time evaluated for the operation efficiency. Clinical outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale(VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) score. The MacNab criteria were used to evaluate patient subjective satisfaction at 12-month follow-up postoperatively.ResultsThe average puncture time (5.29±2.05 minutes), foraminoplasty time (12.82±2.52 minutes) and fluoroscopy time (26.29±5.96 seconds) were all significantly shorter in the ZESSYS group than in the TESSYS group (average puncture time 8.07±3.13 minutes, p<0.01; foraminoplasty time, 17.18±2.92 minutes, p<0.01; fluoroscopy time, 34.73±6.86 seconds; p<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the decompression time (p=0.057). The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, as well as the ODI score, improved at all time points postoperatively compared with preoprative , in both the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI score between the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group at the same time points (P > 0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate at 12-month follow-up postoperatively was 85.7% in the TESSYS group and 89.3% in the ZESSYS group (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device named ZESSYS was more efficient in the puncture and foraminoplasty procedures, effectively protecting the exiting nerve and minimizing the level of radiation exposure. The device is efficient and safe for PTED in treating lumbar disk herniation at the L5-S1 level.

Single-position prone lateral transpsoas approach: early experience and outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S. Harrison Farber ◽  
Komal Naeem ◽  
Malika Bhargava ◽  
Randall W. Porter
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Consecutive Case ◽  
Intraoperative Radiation ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Transpsoas Approach ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Level Fusion

OBJECTIVE Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) via a transpsoas approach is a workhorse minimally invasive approach for lumbar arthrodesis that is often combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation. There has been increasing interest in performing single-position surgery, allowing access to the anterolateral and posterior spine without requiring patient repositioning. The feasibility of the transpsoas approach in patients in the prone position has been reported. Herein, the authors present a consecutive case series of all patients who underwent single-position prone transpsoas LLIF performed by an individual surgeon since adopting this approach. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive case series of adult patients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent single-position prone LLIF for any indication between October 2019 and November 2020. Pertinent operative details (levels, cage use, surgery duration, estimated blood loss, complications) and 3-month clinical outcomes were recorded. Intraoperative and 3-month postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for interbody subsidence. RESULTS Twenty-eight of 29 patients (97%) underwent successful treatment with the prone lateral approach over the study interval; the approach was aborted in 1 patient, whose data were excluded. The mean (SD) age of patients was 67.9 (9.3) years; 75% (21) were women. Thirty-nine levels were treated: 18 patients (64%) had single-level fusion, 9 (32%) had 2-level fusion, and 1 (4%) had 3-level fusion. The most commonly treated levels were L3–4 (n = 15), L2–3 (n = 12), and L4–5 (n = 11). L1–2 was fused in 1 patient. The mean operative time was 286.5 (100.6) minutes, and the mean retractor time was 29.2 (13.5) minutes per level. The mean fluoroscopy duration was 215.5 (99.6) seconds, and the mean intraoperative radiation dose was 170.1 (94.8) mGy. Intraoperative subsidence was noted in 1 patient (4% of patients, 3% of levels). Intraoperative lateral access complications occurred in 11% of patients (1 cage repositioning, 2 inadvertent ruptures of anterior longitudinal ligament). Subsidence occurred in 5 of 22 patients (23%) with radiographic follow-up, affecting 6 of 33 levels (18%). Postoperative functional testing (Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36, visual analog scale–back and leg pain) identified significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS This single-surgeon consecutive case series demonstrates that this novel technique is well tolerated and has acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes. Larger patient series with longer follow-up are needed to further elucidate the safety profile and long-term outcomes of single-position prone LLIF.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Absenteeism, Pain, and Disability in Nurses With Persistent Low Back Pain Following Cognitive Functional Therapy: A Case Series Pilot Study With 3-Year Follow-Up

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wannes Van Hoof ◽  
Kieran O’Sullivan ◽  
Sabine Verschueren ◽  
Peter O’Sullivan ◽  
Wim Dankaerts
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Functional Therapy ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Objective Persistent low back pain (PLBP) is a common and costly health problem worldwide. Better strategies to manage it are required. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate absenteeism, pain, and disability in nurses with PLBP following a cognitive functional therapy (CFT) intervention. Methods In this case series pilot study, 33 eligible nurses with PLBP were recruited. During the baseline phase (phase A; no intervention), outcome measures were collected on 2 occasions 6 months apart (A1 and A2). During phase B, participants received an individualized CFT intervention for 14 weeks. During phase C (no intervention), outcomes were measured immediately after the intervention, as well as 3, 6, 9, 12, and 36 months after the intervention (secondary outcomes only until 12 months). LBP-related work absenteeism, pain intensity (numerical pain rating scale) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index) were the primary outcomes. Health care seeking, a range of psychological and lifestyle variables, and global perceived effect were secondary outcomes. Results Days of absenteeism due to LBP were significantly reduced in the first and second calendar years after the CFT intervention but not the third and fourth. Disability was significantly reduced immediately after (−4.4; 95% CI = −6.5 to −2.2) and at 3 months (−4.3; 95% CI = −6.6 to −2.0), 9 months (−6.0; 95% CI = −8.1 to −3.9), and 12 months (−4.9; 95% CI = −7.0 to −2.8) after the intervention. Pain was significantly reduced immediately after (−1.2; 95% CI = −1.7 to −0.8) and at 3 months (−1.5; 95% CI = −2.0 to −0.9), 9 months (−1.1; 95% CI = −1.9 to −0.3), and 12 months (−0.9; 95% CI = −1.5 to −0.2) after the intervention. Total health care seeking (consults and proportion of participants) was significantly reduced after the intervention. All psychosocial variables, except for 1, demonstrated significant improvements at all follow-up assessments. Conclusions This case series pilot study demonstrated significant reductions in LBP-related absenteeism, pain intensity, disability, health care seeking, and several psychological and lifestyle behaviors until the 1-year follow-up among nurses with PLBP following an individualized CFT intervention. Further evaluation of the efficacy of CFT in high-quality randomized clinical trials among nurses is recommended.

A Modified Capsular Shift for Atraumatic Anterior-Inferior Shoulder Instability

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1011-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Marquardt ◽  
Wolfgang Pötzl ◽  
Kai-Axel Witt ◽  
Jörn Steinbeck
Keyword(s):  
Shoulder Instability ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Capsular Shift ◽  
Redislocation Rate

Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcome of a modified inferior capsular shift procedure in patients with atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability by analyzing a consecutive series of patients who had undergone a modified inferior capsular shift for this specific type of shoulder instability. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between 1992 and 1997, 38 shoulders of 35 patients with atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability that were unresponsive to nonoperative management were operated on using a modified capsular shift procedure with longitudinal incision of the capsule medially and a bony fixation of the inferior flap to the glenoid and labrum in the 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock position. The patient study group consisted of 9 men and 26 women with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 15-55 years) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 7.4 years (range, 4.0-11.4 years); 1 patient was lost to follow-up directly after surgery. The study group was evaluated according to the Rowe score. Results After 7.4 years, 2 patients experienced a single redislocation or resubluxation, 1 patient had recurrent dislocations, and 1 patient had a positive apprehension sign, which is an overall redislocation rate of 10.5%. The average Rowe score increased to 90.6 (SD = 19.7) points from 36.2 (SD = 13.5) points before surgery. Seventy-two percent of the patients participating in sports returned to their preoperative level of competition. Conclusions Results in this series demonstrate the efficacy and durability of a modified capsular shift procedure for the treatment of atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability.

scholarly journals Treatment of lumbar vertebra epithelioid hemangioma with radiation therapy: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldis P. Siltumens ◽  
Na L. Smith ◽  
Rosalind F. Sharain ◽  
Michael G. Haddock ◽  
W. Michael Hooten
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Epithelioid Hemangioma ◽  
History Of ◽  
Effects Of Radiation

Abstract Background Although epithelioid hemangiomas involving bone have been described in previous case reports and case series, the effects of radiation therapy on vertebral epithelioid hemangioma has not been fully reported. Here we provide a case report of tumor response to radiation therapy in a young adult with a large epithelioid hemangioma involving the fourth lumbar vertebrae. Case presentation A 27-year-old Latino man with a past medical history of type 1 diabetes and a 3-year history of low back pain presented to a hospital emergency department following acute worsening of back pain. On transfer to our tertiary medical center, he described the pain as “shock-like” which originated at the lateral aspect of his right hip and radiated down to his right knee. Paresthesia was also reported along the medial aspect of his lower right leg. Imaging included a computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging which revealed fourth lumbar and right iliac lytic bone lesions. Image-guided biopsies of the lytic lesions were consistent with a diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioma and radiation therapy was recommended as the primary treatment. Our patient’s low back and leg pain were initially managed with acetaminophen, oxycodone, pregabalin, and lidocaine patch 5%. He noted improvement in pain after his third fraction of radiation. Pain intensity continued to decline and oxycodone was discontinued. Conclusions This case report demonstrates an unusual etiology of back and leg pain in a young man and elucidates the palliative effects of radiation therapy for epithelioid hemangioma involving the lumbar spine.

scholarly journals Return to Golf After Lumbar Fusion

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant D. Shifflett ◽  
Michael D. Hellman ◽  
Philip K. Louie ◽  
Christopher Mikhail ◽  
Kevin U. Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fusion Surgery ◽  
Telephone Contact ◽  
Spinal Fusion Surgery ◽  
Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Background: Spinal fusion surgery is being increasingly performed, yet few studies have focused on return to recreational sports after lumbar fusion and none have specifically analyzed return to golf. Hypothesis: Most golfers successfully return to sport after lumbar fusion surgery. Study Design: Case series. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: All patients who underwent 1- or 2-level primary lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative pathologies performed by a single surgeon between January 2008 and October 2012 and had at least 1-year follow-up were included. Patients completed a specifically designed golf survey. Surveys were mailed, given during follow-up clinic, or answered during telephone contact. Results: A total of 353 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 200 responses (57%) to the questionnaire producing 34 golfers. The average age of golfers was 57 years (range, 32-79 years). In 79% of golfers, preoperative back and/or leg pain significantly affected their ability to play golf. Within 1 year from surgery, 65% of patients returned to practice and 52% returned to course play. Only 29% of patients stated that continued back/leg pain limited their play. Twenty-five patients (77%) were able to play the same amount of golf or more than before fusion surgery. Of those providing handicaps, 12 (80%) reported the same or an improved handicap. Conclusion: More than 50% of golfers return to on-course play within 1 year of lumbar fusion surgery. The majority of golfers can return to preoperative levels in terms of performance (handicap) and frequency of play. Clinical Relevance: This investigation offers insight into when golfers return to sport after lumbar fusion surgery and provides surgeons with information to set realistic expectations postoperatively.

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