Preoperative predictors for the return to work of herniated disc patients.

This study assessed socio-demographic, physical, psychological, and work-related factors predicting the ability to work 6 months after operation in disc herniation patients. After nucleotomy 214 patients answered questionnaires on job satisfaction, their desire for a disability pension, preoperative sick leave, and completed the QLQ-C30, and SCL-27A questionnaires. Additionally, data on the severity of injury and duration of pain were extracted from the clinical reports. 182 patients answered the follow-up questionnaire 6 months after operation by telephone. Socio-demgraphic and psychological factors did not influence the return to work. Factors found to be related to the ability to work were job satisfaction, preoperative sick leave, pain, and the desire for a disability pension. Using multiple regression analysis, the ability to work 6 months after rehabilitation was predicted on the basis of job satisfaction, a preoperative sick leave of less than 6 weeks, and a low pain intensity preoperatively. The results are discussed with respect to their socioeconomic implications.