Spinal Fusion Surgery
What the Guidelines Recommend (Clinical Practice Guidelines 2021)
| Recommendation | Grade | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion with decompression is beneficial for cases with spinal instability, improving quality of life and daily function. However, costs are higher than decompression alone, and return-to-work rates are slightly lower. Complication and reoperation rates also increase, so the indication should be carefully considered based on the condition and surgical approach. | 2 (Suggested) | B |
Key takeaway: For straightforward lumbar spinal stenosis, the difference between decompression alone and decompression plus fusion is limited, while complications increase with fusion. The guidelines emphasize that routine addition of fusion is not recommended. The most important question is: "Is fusion truly necessary in my case?"