Return to Work After Lumbar Surgery: a Nationwide Survey of Spinal Surgeons' Practices

NCT07193758 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: S70903
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This national cross-sectional survey investigates the current practices and perceptions of Belgian spinal surgeons regarding return to work (RTW) after lumbar surgery for radicular pain. The study aims to (1) assess surgeons' advice on RTW and sick leave, (2) identify barriers and facilitators encountered when providing RTW guidance, and (3) explore how these factors relate to surgeon characteristics such as demographics, hospital setting, and professional experience. The results will inform clinical practice recommendations and support the development of targeted interventions to improve RTW guidance.

Conditions

Lumbar Surgery; Fusion of Spine, Lumbar Region; Lumbar Decompression; Radicular Pain; Radicular Pain Related to Lumbosacral Disc Disease; Disc Herniation With Radiculopathy

Keywords

Radicular pain; Lumbar surgery; Lumbar decompression; Lumbar discectomy; Lumbar fusion; Survey; Spinal surgeons; Return to work; Sick leave advice

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Reported practices regarding return to work advice and sick leave following lumbar surgery

  Measured using a custom-designed online questionnaire. Topics include timing of advice, recommended duration of sick leave, and content of return-to-work guidance. Results reported as frequencies and percentages.

  Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Reported barriers and facilitators to providing return to work guidance

  Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)

• Surgeon demographics and practice characteristics

  Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)

• Reported confidence and perceived responsibility in discussing return to work

  Through study completion, an average of 3 months (anticipated January 2026)

Study Arms (1)

Belgian spinal surgeons

Belgian spinal surgeons who are members of the Spine Society of Belgium (SSBe). The survey will be distributed through the SSBe membership list.

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Belgian spinal surgeons (orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons) who perform lumbar surgery.

You may qualify if:

• Orthopaedic surgeons or neurosurgeons who perform lumbar surgery in Belgium.
• Members or affiliates of the Spine Society of Belgium (SSBe), as survey distribution will occur through the SSBe member list.
• Willing to participate in the survey, as evidenced by voluntary completion of the online questionnaire. Informed consent is implied after reading the participant information sheet.

You may not qualify if:

• Surgeons not performing lumbar surgery.
• Surgeons not affiliated with SSBe.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven: lead

Study Sites (1)

UZ Leuven

Leuven, 3000, Belgium

Location

Study Officials

• Sofie Rummens, MD, PhD

  UZ Leuven

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 10, 2025
• First Posted: September 26, 2025
• Study Start: October 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 26, 2026
• Study Completion: April 26, 2026
• Last Updated: April 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BE (1)