Surgery — What You Need to Know
A Balanced View
Putting the evidence together:
| When fusion works | When evidence does not support fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Spondylolisthesis, fractures, tumors, infections | Chronic low back pain without identifiable cause |
| Pain source | Clear structural problem | Cannot be identified |
| Surgical success rate | High | Low |
| Long-term advantage | Yes | No difference from rehabilitation at long-term follow-up |
| Guideline recommendation | Recommended | Not recommended |