ABSTRACT
To study the predictive value of Japanese orthopaedic association [JOA] score in patients diagnosed with Lumbar disc herniation undergoing discectomy in many hospitals during 2008-2011. Patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation who were candidate for discectomy entered this cross sectional study. The Finneson and preoperative JOA scores were determined. Patients were recalled at least three months after surgery, and the result of discectomy were recorded based on DJOA [the difference between pre and postoperative JOA score]; in addition, patients' satisfaction were measured. Then the correlation coefficient and the linear relationship between the JOA score before surgery and the DJOA were found. Finally in a pilot study on 10 patients, the linear equation was evaluated. 117 patients were eligible to enter the study during the two years course of the study. Patients' mean age was 45 +/- 11 [18-82 y] and were followed for at least three months. The difference between pre and postoperative JOA score [18 +/- 5.2] was statistically significant [P<0.0001]. The correlation coefficient between the preoperative JOA score and DJOA was r=0.82. The linear relationship between preoperative JOA and DJOA was as follows: DJOA= -1.036 x preoperative JOA + 23.635. In a pilot study to estimate discectomy outcome, the correlation coefficient between the actual amount of DJOA and the estimated DJOA was r=0.88. It seems that the preoperative JOA is able to predict discectomy results in patients with lumbar disc herniation. A Longitudinal study in this area is recommended