Spengler et al developed criteria for gauging the outcome following elective discectomy for a herniated lumbar disc. The authors are from the University of Washington at Seattle and the Seattle Veterans Administration Hospital.
Parameters:
(1) pain relief in back and/or lower extremity
(2) employment
(3) participation in physical activities
(4) need for analgesic medications
Parameter
Good Outcome
Fair Outcome
Poor Outcome
pain relief
> 75% improved
26 to 75% improved
little or no improvement; or worse than before
employment
usual work
usual work with accommodation or lighter work
unable to work
limits on physical activities
none or slight
moderate
greatly limited
analgesics
none or infrequent
mild used frequently
potent used regularly
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