European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Review Meta Analysis
Pain and disability after first-time spinal fusion for lumbar degenerative disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) is frequently and increasingly used in lumbar degenerative disorders despite conflicting results and recommendations. A thorough understanding of patient outcomes after LSF is required to inform decisions regarding surgery and to improve post-surgery management. The current study aims to evaluate the course of pain and disability in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine after first-time LSF. ⋯ There is a substantial improvement in pain and disability after first-time LSF for degenerative disorders. However, long-term outcomes indicate that leg pain might be more reduced and for a longer period of time than axial back pain and disability. Registration PROSPERO CRD42015026922. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.