Is there a rational basis for post-surgical lifting restrictions? 2. Possible scientific approach

Malcolm H Pope; Marianne L Magnusson; David G Wilder; Vijay K Goel; Kevin Spratt

doi:10.1007/s005860050154

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Is there a rational basis for post-surgical lifting restrictions? 2. Possible scientific approach

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Peer reviewed

Is there a rational basis for post-surgical lifting restrictions? 2. Possible scientific approach

Malcolm H Pope, Marianne L Magnusson, David G Wilder, Vijay K Goel and Kevin Spratt

European spine journal, Vol.8(3), pp.179-186

06/1999

DOI: 10.1007/s005860050154

PMCID: PMC3611167

PMID: 10413342

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Abstract

Lifting restrictions postoperatively are quite common but there appears to be little scientific basis for them. Lifting restricitions are inhibitory in terms of return to work and may be a factor in chronicity. The mean changes in functional spinal motion unit (FSU) stiffness with in vitro or computer-simulated discectomies, facetectomies and laminectomies were reviewed from the literature. We modified the NIOSH lifting equation to include another multiplier related to stiffness change post surgery. The new recommended lifts were computed for different lifting conditions seen in industry. The reduction of rotational stiffness ranged from 21% to 41% for a discectomy, 1% to 59% for a facetectomy and 4% to 16% for a partial laminectomy. The recommended lifts based on our modified equation were adjusted accordingly. There is no rational basis for current lifting resctrictions. The risk to the spine is a function of many other variables as well as weight (i.e., distance of weight from body). The adjusted NIOSH guidelines provide a reasonable way to estimate weight restrictions and accomodations such as lifting aids. Such resitrictions should be as liberal as possible so as to facilitate, not prevent, return to work. Patients need more advice regarding lifting activities and clinicians should be more knowledgeable about the working conditions and constraints of a given workplace to effectively match the solution to the patient’s condition.

NIOSH

Key words Lifting

Original

Surgery

Low back pain

Return to work

Details

Title: Subtitle: Is there a rational basis for post-surgical lifting restrictions? 2. Possible scientific approach
Creators: Malcolm H Pope - Liberty Worksafe Centre for Health and Safety, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, , , , GB
Marianne L Magnusson - Liberty Worksafe Centre for Health and Safety, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, , , , GB
David G Wilder - Iowa Spine Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA, , , , US
Vijay K Goel - Iowa Spine Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA, , , , US
Kevin Spratt - Iowa Spine Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA, , , , US
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: European spine journal, Vol.8(3), pp.179-186
DOI: 10.1007/s005860050154
PMID: 10413342
PMCID: PMC3611167
NLM abbreviation: Eur Spine J
ISSN: 0940-6719
eISSN: 1432-0932
Publisher: Springer-Verlag; Berlin/Heidelberg
Language: English
Date published: 06/1999
Academic Unit: Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health
Record Identifier: 9984064244102771

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