Asian Spine J.  2014 Oct;8(5):659-666. 10.4184/asj.2014.8.5.659.

Characteristics of Back Muscle Strength in Patients with Scheduled for Lumbar Fusion Surgery due to Symptomatic Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

• Park WH
• Lee CS
• Kang KC
• Seo YG

• KMID: 2270249
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2014.8.5.659

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study. PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics of back muscle strength in patients scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Little is known regarding muscle strength in patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative diseases who require fusion surgery.
METHODS
Consecutive 354 patients scheduled for posterior lumbar interbody fusion due to symptomatic degenerative diseases were approached for participation. 316 patients were enrolled. Before surgery, muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal isometric extension strength at seven angular positions (0degrees, 12degrees, 24degrees, 36degrees, 48degrees, 60degrees, and 72degrees) and mean isometric strength was calculated. The Oswestry Disability Index (0-100) and visual analogue scale (0-100) for back pain were recorded. Muscle strength was compared according to gender, age (<60, 60-70, and > or =70 years) and scheduled fusion level (short, <3; long, > or =3).
RESULTS
Isometric strength was significantly decreased compared with previously reported results of healthy individuals, particularly at extension positions (0degrees-48degrees, p<0.05). Mean isometric strength was significantly lower in females (p<0.001) and older patients (p<0.05). Differences of isometric strength between short and long level fusion were not significantly different (p>0.05). Isometric strengths showed significant, but weak, inverse correlations with age and Oswestry Disability Index (r<0.4, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative diseases, back muscle strength significantly decreased, particularly at lumbar extension positions, and in females and older patients.

Keyword

Back muscle strength; Lumbar osteoarthritis; Spinal fusion

MeSH Terms

Back Muscles*
Back Pain
Female
Humans
Muscle Strength
Osteoarthritis, Spine
Spinal Fusion