Depression as a Prognostic Factor for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Outcomes
Abstract
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disease common in older adults and is associated with significantly reduced health-related quality of life and increased disability. Depression has been found to be associated with poorer health-related outcomes in patients with spinal conditions. A systematic review was conducted to examine the literature regarding the prognostic value of depression for LSS outcomes. Findings suggest small to moderate prognostic value of depressive symptoms for postoperative outcomes in patients with LSS, with strong evidence for disability. Next, a secondary analysis of a cohort study was conducted to investigate two objectives. The first objective was to investigate the prognostic value of depression for disability and physical function outcomes in LSS patients. While the second objective was to investigate social support as a modifier of the relationship between depression and outcomes of disability/function. Results showed that baseline depressive symptoms score was significantly associated with greater disability (ß=0.3, P