Modified Macnab criteria used to grade overall clinical outcome
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Excellent | Complete resolution of all symptoms and free of pain; no restriction of mobility; able to return to normal work and activities |
| Good | Marked reduction of pain with the patient generally satisfied, returning to work or usual daytime activities, and taking analgesics seldom or not at all |
| Fair | Some improved functional capacity; still handicapped and/or unemployed |
| Poor | Continued objective symptoms of root involvement; additional operative intervention needed at index level, irrespective of repeated operations or length of postoperative follow-up |
| Worse | Clinical symptoms considered worse than before receiving procedure |