The Influence of Patient Perceptions on the Decision to Undergo Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Abstract
Introduction: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative condition among older adults associated with narrowing of the spinal canal. Spine surgery is considered an elective procedure.
Study Aim: The aim of this study was to examine patient-related factors that may affect surgical treatment decision-making for LSS.
Methods: Data from the Alberta Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Study were used to investigate the association between baseline factors and spine surgery within two years. Possible predictors were examined in crude and multivariable analyses
Results: In univariate analyses the Oswestry Disability Index, Health Utilities Index, Swiss Spinal Stenosis physical function and symptom severity subscales, and patients’ beliefs and perceptions were associated with the decision to undergo surgery. In multivariable analysis only beliefs about benefits of spine surgery and dissatisfaction living with symptoms were significant.
Conclusion: Patients’ beliefs and perceptions are more important in their surgical decision-making than other factors like disability, sex and age.