The ODI remains a valid and vigorous measure and has been a worthwhile outcome measure .
The behavior of the instrument is incompletely understood , particularly in sensitivity to real change .
The Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI ) has become one of the principal condition-specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders .
To review the versions of this instrument , document methods by which it has been vali date d , collate data from scores found in normal and back pain population s , provide curves for power calculations in studies using the ODI , and maintain the ODI as a gold st and ard outcome measure .
It has now been 20 years since its original publication .
External transpedicular fixation test of the lumbar spine correlates with the outcome of subsequent lumbar fusion.
External transpedicular fixation was applied to the lower lumbar spine in a prospect i ve study on 42 patients with chronic low back pain combined with suspected instability of the lumbar segments ; the diagnosis was failed disk surgery , spondylolisthesis , and degenerative disk disease . The aim was to realign the involved segments , to restore disk height , and to record changes in pain and performance during the external fixation test .  Pain was recorded on a visual analog scale , and performance was assessed using the Oswestry disability score . As independent observer assessed the test and treatment results . Twenty-nine patients experienced relief of pain and performed better in the fixator ; they were subjected to anterior interbody fusion , the external frame being kept as a stabilizing device for an additional four months . Twenty-two patients have had follow-up evaluations for two years . One and two years after successful lumbar fusion , significantly ( p < 0.02 ) better pain and performance scores were recorded ; the results of lumbar fusion corresponded to the preoperative fixation test . A temporary external fixation test may be a useful procedure in patients considered for subsequent spondylodesis
The ODI remains a valid and vigorous measure and has been a worthwhile outcome measure .
The behavior of the instrument is incompletely understood , particularly in sensitivity to real change .
The Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI ) has become one of the principal condition-specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders .
To review the versions of this instrument , document methods by which it has been vali date d , collate data from scores found in normal and back pain population s , provide curves for power calculations in studies using the ODI , and maintain the ODI as a gold st and ard outcome measure .
It has now been 20 years since its original publication .