Study design:

Single-center, multi-surgeon, retrospective review.

Objective:

Evaluate the timing of return to commonly performed activities following minimally invasive spine surgery. Identify preoperative factors associated with these outcomes.

Summary of background data:

Studies have reported return to activities with open techniques, but the precise timing of when patients return to these activities after minimally invasive surgery remains uncertain.

Methods:

Patients who underwent either minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy (MI-L) or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) were included. Patient reported outcome measures, return to drive, return to work and discontinuation of opioids data were reviewed. Regression was conducted to identify factors associated with return to driving by 15 days, return to work by 30 days, and for discontinuing opioids by 15 days. A composite group analysis was also performed for patients who returned to all three activities by 30 days.

Results:

In total, 123 MI-L patients and 107 MI-TLIF patients were included. 88.8% of MI-L patients and 96.4% of MI-TLIF patients returned to driving in 11 and 18.5 days, respectively. 91.9% of MI-L patients and 85.7% of MI-TLIF patients returned to work in 14 and 25 days. 88.7% of MI-L patients and 92.6% of MI-TLIF patients discontinued opioids in a median of 7 and 11 days. 96.2% of MI-L patients and 100% of MI-TLIF patients returned to all three activities, with a median of 27 and 31 days, respectively. Male gender (OR 3.57) and preoperative SF-12 PCS (OR 1.08) are associated with return to driving by 15 days. Male gender (OR 3.23) and preoperative SF-12 PCS (OR 1.07) are associated with return to work by 30 days. Preoperative VAS back was associated with decreased odds of discontinuing opioids by 15 days (OR 0.84).

Conclusion:

Most patients return to activity following MI-L and MI-TLIF. These findings serve as an important compass for preoperative counseling.