Returning to work and driving after spinal surgery: A web-based survey investigating the opinions of UK spinal surgeons

Background/Aims: The UK spinal surgical community has no published recommendations advising when patients can return to driving or to work following spinal surgery. This article aimed to establish the advice given by UK spinal surgeons on these two issues to determine whether specific recommendations can be made. Methods: Members of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons were invited to complete a web-based survey examining the post-operative advice given to patients following: (i) lumbar spine discectomy for radicular leg pain; (ii) single level lumbar spinal fusion for mechanical back pain; (iii) anterior cervical decompression and fusion for radicular arm pain. Results: The opinions of 131 spinal surgeons were obtained, revealing a wide variation in the post-operative advice given. Following lumbar discectomy, an earlier return to driving and work is advised compared with patients who have had lumbar and cervical fusion, with 55% of respondents recommending returning to driving within two weeks. Re...