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. 2015 Aug 15;40(16):1270-6.
doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001010.

Factors Associated With Work Ability in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy

Eunice Ng  1 , Venerina Johnston, Johanna Wibault, Håkan Löfgren, Åsa Dedering, Birgitta Öberg, Peter Zsigmond, Anneli Peolsson
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Free article

Factors Associated With Work Ability in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy

Eunice Ng et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). .
Free article

Abstract

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy.

Summary of background data: Surgery is a common treatment of cervical radiculopathy in people of working age. However, few studies have investigated the impact on the work ability of these patients.

Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy (n = 201) were recruited from spine centers in Sweden to complete a battery of questionnaires and physical measures the day before surgery. The associations between various individual, psychological, and work-related factors and self-reported work ability were investigated by Spearman rank correlation coefficient, multivariate linear regression, and forward stepwise regression analyses. Factors that were significant (P < 0.05) in each statistical analysis were entered into the successive analysis to reveal the factors most related to work ability. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index.

Results: The mean Work Ability Index score was 28 (SD, 9.0). The forward stepwise regression analysis revealed 6 factors significantly associated with work ability, which explained 62% of the variance in the Work Ability Index. Factors highly correlated with greater work ability included greater self-efficacy in performing self-cares, lower physical load on the neck at work, greater self-reported chance of being able to work in 6 months' time, greater use of active coping strategies, lower frequency of hand weakness, and higher health-related quality of life.

Conclusion: Psychological, work-related and individual factors were significantly associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy. High self-efficacy was most associated with greater work ability. Consideration of these factors by surgeons preoperatively may provide optimal return to work outcomes after surgery.

Level of evidence: 3.

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