Resultados clínicos y funcionales de la cirugía lumbar degenerativa: estudio prospectivo basado en ODI y ENV con seguimiento a 6 y 12 meses en un hospital universitario chileno.

Introduction: Degenerative lumbar pathology is a frequent cause of physical disability and work absenteeism, encompassing a wide spectrum of conditions such as herniated nucleus pulposus, spondylolisthesis, and spinal canal stenosis. Surgical management aims to relieve pain and improve patient functionality; however, medium-term outcomes vary according to surgical technique and case selection. Objective: To evaluate pre- and postoperative clinical outcomes using the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 6 and 12 months in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar pathology at Hospital Cli'nico Universidad de Chile. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted between April 2023 and April 2024. Patients with degenerative lumbar pathology and complete 12-month follow-up were included. Cases of tumor, traumatic, infectious, or emergency etiology were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were analyzed. Results: Of 183 operated patients, 77 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 57 years, 55% were male, and 73% had an ASA II classification. The most frequent pathologies were herniated nucleus pulposus (32 cases) and spondylolisthesis (14 cases). All patients showed significant improvement in VNS and ODI scores at 6 months, with stabilization of results at 12 months. Two complications were recorded (one dural tear and one broken fusion guide). Conclusion: Degenerative lumbar surgery represents a safe and effective alternative in selected patients, providing sustained improvement in pain and functionality. Multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings.