[Loading and performance capacity after immobilization operations of the spine].

BACKGROUND: The results of spondylodesis depend on various medical and non-medical factors. Prerequisites for a good functional result are a well-founded assessment of the indications and a technically successful execution of the intervention. Furthermore, non-medical factors also play an important role. APPRAISAL: Attention must be paid to personal context factors and environmental conditions. In addition to psychological disorders and social background conditions, the economic considerations of the patient and expected pension payments influence the desire and willingness to return to gainful employment. ASESSMENT: Based on the physical findings, the criteria for assessment of the suitability for old-age pension insurance, the reduction in earning capacity for the obligatory social insurance and establishment of the severity of the resulting impairment/handicap according to the Social Compensation Act and the Act for the Severely Handicapped (Social Act IX) in Germany are systematically presented.