Can a Successful Outcome After Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation Be Defined by the Oswestry Disability Index Raw Score?

Abstract

The 12-month ODI raw score, like the ODI percentage change score, can define a successful outcome with excellent accuracy. Adjustment for the baseline ODI score should be performed when comparing outcomes across groups, and one should consider using cutoffs according to preoperative disability (low, medium, high ODI scores).