[Assessment of life quality in surgically treated patients with lumbar radiculopathy].

INTRODUCTION

Assessment of life quality in surgically treated patients with lumbar radiculopathy is defined by changes in physical, functional, mental and social status. The aim of the study was evaluation the quality of life in surgically treated patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 50 (24 female, 26 male, mean age 43.5 years) surgically treated patients who had low back pain. The patients were multidisciplinary examined and treated on Medical Rehabilitation Clinic in Novi Sad. Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate the quality of life at beginning and after 6 months of rehabilitation treatment.

RESULTS

Results of the exploring showed that all aspects quality of life in surgically treated patients with lumbar radiculopathy are bed, especially in domains physical functioning, role functioning physical and bodily pain at the beginning of treatment. During six months of the treatment all dimensions of quality of life were more importantly improved in surgically treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Adequate assessment of life quality is important and demands greater period of time to evaluate.