Table 4

Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis of predicting factors for unsatisfactory outcome of sciatica

Univariate analysisMultivariate analysis
VariableNOR95% CIp ValueOR95% CIp Value
Randomisation
 Surgery1150.960.51 to 1.800.899
 Conservative1161.00
Gender
 Female751.270.66 to 2.460.472
 Male1561.00
Age
 ≥401372.221.11 to 4.470.0232.361.11 to 5.000.024
 <40941.00
Mentally demanding job
 Yes1391.170.57 to 2.370.669
 No761.00
Physical job
 Yes851.390.71 to 2.700.339
 No1321.00
Smoking
 Yes841.090.57 to 2.090.792
 No1421.00
BMI
 ≥251251.190.62 to 2.290.605
 <251011.00
Sciatica provoked by sitting
 Yes1800.730.35 to 1.510.397
 No511.00
Coughing, sneezing
 Yes1631.060.53 to 2.120.881
 No681.00
Bragard's test
 Positive621.910.97 to 3.740.059
 Negative1541.00
Sensory disturbance
 Yes2001.450.47 to 4.470.514
 No241.00
VAS leg pain
 ≥70892.951.54 to 5.640.0012.801.39 to 5.620.004
 <701421.00
VAS back pain
 ≥70341.680.74 to 3.800.211
 <701961.00
McGill affective score
 High (3–5)176.2272.23 to 17.38<0.0014.481.43 to 14.080.010
 Low (0–2)2091.00
MRI-level herniation
 L5S11250.690.37 to 1.310.256
 L3L4/L4L51061.00
MRI-sequester
 Yes840.850.43 to 1.680.643
 No1221.00
SF-36 mental health*
 Impaired662.251.16 to 4.350.014
 Not impaired1631.00
VAS general health
 ≥70601.360.68 to 2.740.382
 <701681.00
  • Only the numbers of the potential predictors with a p<0.10 in the univariate analysis were shown in the multivariate logistic regression.

  • *The scores on the SF-36 Mental Health subscale were dichotomised using 1 SD below the Dutch reference population.

  • BMI, body mass index; VAS, visual analogue scale.