Similar improvements in the Oswestry disability index were found in the somatised and
non-somatised groups. Somatised patients who had a good outcome on the Oswestry
disability index had an increased number of orthopaedic consultations (50 of 83 patients
(60%) vs 29 of 73 patients (39.7%); p = 0.16) and waited less time for their surgery (5.5
months) (SD 5.26) vs 10.1 months (SD 6.29); p = 0.026). No other identifiable factors were
found. A shorter wait for surgery appeared to predict a good outcome. Early review by a
spinal surgeon and a reduced waiting time to surgery appear to be of particular benefit to
somatised patients.