Gender differences in lumbar disc herniation surgery

• BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although there have been numerous publications on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) treated surgically, there has been little interest in sex differences. It has been shown in many studies that sex differences may be important in certain diseases. We therefore reviewed consecutive register material from one institution for possible gender differences in pre- and postoperative parameters in patients operated for lumbar disc herniation.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative parameters for all patients operated on at the Department of Orthopedics, Lund University Hospital over 6 years (2000-2005 inclusive) (301 patients, 165 males) were analyzed regarding sex differences.RESULTS: Statistically significant and clinically relevant sex differences were found. Preoperatively, females had more pronounced back pain and disability, and also lower quality of life in some respects. At 1-year followup, females reported a higher rate of consumption of analgesics, a higher degree of postoperative back and leg pain, and less improvement regarding disability and some aspects of quality of life. Relative improvement, rate of return to work, and satisfaction with the outcome of surgery were not, however, statistically significantly different between females and males.INTERPRETATION: There are statistically significant differences between the sexes in lumbar disc herniation surgery regarding basic demographic status and postoperative status, whereas the surgical effect is similar. Further investigations should focus on whether there is a true sex difference or whether these differences are due to selection for surgery, differences in proneness to seek medical advice or to accept/choose surgery, or other unknown factors.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Ortopedi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Orthopaedics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adolescent

Adult

Aged

Aged, 80 and over

Back Pain

Female

Follow-Up Studies

Humans

Intervertebral Disc Displacement

Lumbar Vertebrae

Male

Middle Aged

Outcome Assessment (Health Care)

Pain Measurement

Patient Satisfaction

Quality of Life

Registries

Sex Distribution

Sex Factors

Treatment Outcome

Journal Article

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)