Table 4 Comparison of clinical outcomes according to preoperative facet degeneration

VAS

Neck pain

 Pre

Median

7

8

 < 0.001

IQR

5–8

7–8

 F/U

Median

2

2

0.169

IQR

2–3

2–3

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

Arm pain

 Pre

Median

7.5

8

0.055

IQR

7–8

7–8

 F/U

Median

2

2

0.089

IQR

1–3

1–3

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

NDI

 Pre

Median

31

37

 < 0.001

IQR

27–36

32–39

 F/U

Median

14

14

0.528

IQR

11–17

12–17

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

SF-36

Physical functioning

 Pre

Median

50

55

0.548

IQR

45–65

50–65

 F/U

Median

90

85

0.980

IQR

80–95

80–90

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

Social functioning

 Pre

Median

50

48

0.557

IQR

43–55

43–53

F/U

Median

85

83

0.261

IQR

80–90

77.25–88.50

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

Bodily pain

 Pre

Median

22

20.50

0.141

IQR

19–25

17–23.75

 F/U

Median

65.50

61.50

0.170

IQR

57–79

56–73.75

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

Vitality

 Pre

Median

35

35

0.535

IQR

25–40

25–40

 F/U

Median

70

65

0.223

IQR

55–80

60–70

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

Mental health

 Pre

Median

61

62

0.774

IQR

56–64

57–64.75

 F/U

Median

69

70

0.790

IQR

65–74

65.25–74

 Pre vs F/U

 < 0.001

 < 0.001

General health

 Pre

Median

64.50

63

0.320

IQR

54–77

53–74

 F/U

Median

69

67

0.351

IQR

59.75–75.25

58–76

 Pre vs F/U

0.060

0.080