The Risk of Getting Worse: Predictors of Deterioration After Decompressive Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Multicenter Observational Study

Overall risk of clinically significant deterioration in patient-reported pain and disability after decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is approximately 9%. Predictors for deterioration are decreasing age, current tobacco smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥3, decreasing preoperative ODI, and previous surgery at same or different lumbar level. We suggest that these predictors should be emphasized and discussed with the patients before surgery.