Effect of Body Mass Index on Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes After Single-level Discectomy

Abstract

Objectives: Disk herniation is a common health problem leading to work disability. Discectomy is the generally used treatment method for cases not responding to conservative care. Rehabilitation improves functional outcomes, but there is little data on outcomes of patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after discectomy in Iran. We examined the influence of obesity on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes following single-level discectomy. Methods: This was a prospective study evaluating 143 patients admitted to rehabilitation facility after discectomy between January 2009 and September 2011. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on body mass index: nonobese (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and moderately obese (30 to 40 kg/m2). Functional independence measure (FIM) scores, length of stay (LOS), FIM efficiency, as well as standing and walking days for each patient were assessed. FIM was also assessed after 1 month follow-up. Results: FIM at follow-up increased significantly in comparison with admission values in all patients (P<0.001). There was no difference between groups in admission FIM, discharge FIM, FIM change, FIM efficiency, and FIM at follow-up. There was no difference between groups considering the outcomes of standing and walking. Conclusions: Body mass index did not affect FIM after single-level discectomy and does not influence the inpatient rehabilitation outcomes.