Depressive burden is associated with a poorer surgical outcome among lumbar spinal stenosis patients: a 5-year follow-up study

Background contextIn lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), conservative treatment is usually the first choice of treatment. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is indicated. Psychological factors such as depression and anxiety are known to affect the outcome of surgery. Previous studies on depression and surgery outcome using long follow-up times are scarce.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of depressive symptoms on the surgical outcome during a 5-year follow-up among patients with LSS.Study designA prospective observational study.Patient samplePatient sample included 102 LSS patients who needed surgical treatment.Outcome measuresThe outcome of surgery was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale pain assessment, and self-reported walking capacity.MethodsThe patients completed a set of questionnaires preoperatively and 3 and 6 months, as well as 1, 2, and 5 years after the surgery. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory. The depressive burden was estimated by summing all individual Beck Depression Inventory scores. Statistical analyses included cross-sectional group comparisons and linear regression analyses. No conflicts of interest.ResultsOn 5-year follow-up, a high depressive burden associated with a poorer outcome of surgery when assessed with the ODI. In linear regression analysis, a high depressive burden associated with higher ODI score.ConclusionsEven slightly elevated long-term depressive symptoms in LSS patients are associated with an increased risk of a poorer functional ability after decompressive surgery.