Abstracts Posters SICOT-SOF meeting Gothenburg 2010 _2_

Poster
Topic: General Orthopaedics
Abstract number: 24914
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION PROGRAM FOR
PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Keith LUK 1 , T. WAN 2 , Y.W WONG 1 , K. CHEUNG 1 , K.YK; CHAN 1 , A. CHENG 3 , M.
KWAN 3 , K. LAW 3 , P. LEE 3 , G.L.Y CHEING 4
1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (HONG KONG), 2 St. Theresa’s Hospital,
Hong Kong (HONG KONG), 3 The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong
(HONG KONG), 4 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HONG KONG (HONG
KONG)
INTRODUCTION: To examine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary functional
restoration program for patients with chronic low back pain and to identify factors that
can predict the vocational outcomes. METHODS: Sixty-five chronic low back pain
subjects who have been off work for 16.6 ± 21.4 months (range: 0 to 20 months)
participated in a 12-week multidisciplinary treatment program. Assessment was
conducted at the start (baseline), midway, end of the program, and at a 6-month
follow-up. Based on their vocational outcomes, the subjects were classified into the
return-to-work and the not-return-to-work groups. Demographic data and baseline
measurements were identified and tested as outcome predictors. RESULTS: No
significant pain reduction or improvement in the psychological performance was
demonstrated during the training period. Interestingly, significant pain reduction was
observed at the 6-month follow-up. The rehabilitation program effectively helped
regain physical function and the ability to work. 52% of the program graduates
returned to work after the 6-month follow-up, and they showed more improvement in
self-perception of disability and physical function compared to the not-return-to-work
group. The pre-program employment status and age of the participants were the
most important predictors for the vocational outcomes. The prediction model correctly
classified 71% and 77% of the program graduates who returned or did not return to
work, respectively. DISCUSSION: The rehabilitation program was effective in
regaining the physical function and the ability to return to work. The pre-program
employment status and age of the participants were the most important predictors for
the vocational outcomes of the program graduates.
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