Surgical Treatment
Decompression vs. Fusion — At a Glance
| Factor | Decompression | Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Remove pressure on the nerves | Stabilize unstable vertebrae |
| Best for | LSS without instability | LSS with instability, slippage, or deformity |
| Surgery time | About 1–2 hours | 2–3 hours or more |
| Hospital stay | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Effect on back pain | Moderate | Superior |
| Effect on leg pain | Excellent | No significant difference |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Return to work | Good | Somewhat lower |
| Reversibility | Relatively reversible | Irreversible (permanent) |
| Long-term risk | Possible instability | Adjacent segment disease (ASD) |