Study design: This retrospective study included patients who underwent primary one-level minimally invasive (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative lumbar spine conditions.
Objective: To identify early predictors of failing to achieve the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) minimum clinically important difference (MCID) one-year post-surgery.
Summary of background data: Early identification of patients at risk of failing to achieve ODI-MCID is crucial for early intervention and improved postoperative counseling. Currently, no specific thresholds guide patient follow-up for optimal recovery.
Methods: The assessment included demographic information, surgical details, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs were collected postoperatively at 2-, 6-, and 12-week time points, as well as at 6- and 12-months.
Results: The study included 166 patients, with 34% failing to achieve ODI-MCID at one year. Early VAS back and leg scores were found to be significant predictors of ODI-MCID achievement. The optimal thresholds identified were 2.25 for early VAS back and 4.25 for early VAS leg. A rerun regression identified the thresholds as independent predictors of ODI-MCID, with odds ratios of 0.31 for both measures.
Conclusion: VAS back and leg score thresholds at 6-12 weeks can predict ODI-MCID achievement one year after MIS TLIF. Patients exceeding the identified thresholds may be at risk of failing ODI-MCID and should be monitored closely.
Level of evidence: Level 3.
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