====== ODI MCID (Oswestry Disability Index – Minimal Clinically Important Difference) ======

**Definition:**  
The **Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID)** for the **Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)** represents the **smallest change in score** that patients perceive as beneficial and which would justify a change in the patient's management.

**Typical Values:**
  * The MCID for ODI generally ranges between **10 to 15 points** (on a 0–100 scale), depending on the population and methodology.
  * Some studies propose **a relative change of 30%** from baseline as an alternative threshold.

**Clinical Use:**
  * Helps clinicians and researchers interpret the **clinical significance** of treatment effects in patients with **low back pain** or spinal conditions.
  * Important for evaluating **surgical outcomes**, **rehabilitation**, or **conservative management**.

**Example:**
  * A patient’s ODI score improves from 50 to 38 after surgery — a **12-point improvement**, which may meet or exceed the MCID, suggesting a meaningful functional gain.

**Notes:**
  * The MCID can vary based on baseline disability, condition treated, and patient expectations.
  * Distinct from **statistical significance** — MCID focuses on **patient-perceived benefit**.