Objective:
To evaluate the quality of life of patients after spine surgery related to the return to work activities.
Methods:
Retrospective review of medical records of patients operated for degenerative spinal disease and application of questionnaire about quality of life (SF-36) in the preoperative and postoperative periods at one month, six months, one year and two years. Patients were divided into three groups: those who returned to work, who were away from work and retired patients. Then the statistical analysis was conducted and the evolution of quality of life was assessed according to the return to activity.
Results:
Evaluating patients for the variable return to activity, it was found statistically significant difference in the time for the variables: functional, physical, pain, vitality, social and mental. For patients who did not return to activity, the evolution was statistically significant for the variables: functional, physical, pain, vitality and social. For retired patients the outcome was statistically significant for all domains, except for "General".
Conclusion:
The quality of life has improved in all groups postoperatively, being observed more significant results in the group that returned to their work activities.
Spine/surgery; Working conditions; Return to work; Quality of life
