Investigating the influence of locus of control on post-operative spinal surgery outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32469/cvp7mm86Keywords:
Locus of control, Spinal outcomesAbstract
Study Design: Retrospective cohort.
Objective: To investigate the relationship between locus of control and post-operative spine outcomes.
Methods: Retrospective study including patients treated at the [Institution] from 2019-2022 was performed. Patients were identified via CPT codes and contacted via phone to complete a validated survey on Health Locus of Control.
Results: Higher internal locus scores were associated with lower NDI/ODI scores (p = 0.00). The influence of the internal locus on NDI/ODI was found to have a large effect size. A higher doctor locus of control was associated with lower NDI/ODI scores (p=0.00). The influence of the doctor locus on NDI/ODI was found to have a medium effect. Internal and doctor loci had significant effects on VAS (p=0.00).
Conclusions: Higher scores on the internal locus demonstrated significantly lower pain and disability index scores post-operatively. This finding suggests patients with higher sense of ownership of their condition tend to experience greater therapeutic benefit post-operatively
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Chausse, Brennan Spellman, Amanda Faust, Michaela Thomson, Emily Leary, Don Moore
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