Systematic review and meta-analysis of predictors of return to work after spinal surgery for chronic low back and leg pain

Monika, Halicka, Rui, Duarte, Sharon, Catherall, Michelle, Maden, Michaela, Coetsee, Martin, Wilby and Christopher, Brown (2022) Systematic review and meta-analysis of predictors of return to work after spinal surgery for chronic low back and leg pain. The Journal of Pain, 23 (8). pp. 1318-1342.

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Abstract

Spinal surgeries to treat chronic low back pain (CLBP) have variable success rates, and despite the significant personal and socioeconomic implications, we lack consensus for prognostic factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the evidence for preoperative predictors of return to work (RTW) after spinal surgery for CLBP. We searched electronic databases and references (January 1984 to March 2021), screened 2,622 unique citations, and included 8 reports (5 low and 3 high risk-of-bias) which involved adults with ≥3 months duration of CLBP with/without leg pain undergoing first elective lumbar surgery with RTW assessed ≥3 months later. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis where possible found that individuals less likely to RTW were older (odds ratio [OR] = .58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.72), not working before surgery, had longer sick leave (OR = .95; 95% CI: 0.93-0.97), higher physical workload, legal representation (OR = .61; 95% CI: 0.53-0.71), psychiatric comorbidities and depression (moderate quality-of-evidence, QoE), and longer CLBP duration and opioid use (low QoE), independent of potential confounders. Low quality and small number of studies limit our confidence in other associations. In conclusion, RTW after spinal surgery for CLBP likely depends on sociodemographic and affective psychological factors, and potentially also on symptom duration and opioid use. PERSPECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes and evaluates existing evidence for preoperative predictors of return to work after spinal surgery for chronic low back pain. Demonstrated associations between return to work and sociodemographic, health-related, and psychological factors can inform clinical decision-making and guide further research.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Chronic low back pain, spinal surgery, lumbar spine, predictors, return to work
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2022 10:28
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:11
DOI:	10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.003
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3150588