Research Challenges Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

MONDAY, Nov. 9, 2026 (HealthDay News) -- For adults with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and symptomatic back or leg pain lasting at least three months, the addition of fusion to decompression is not associated with differential effects at 12 months, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.Harrison J. Hansford, Ph.D., from the University of New South Wales Sydney, and colleagues examined the comparative effectiveness of decompression with fusion versus decompression alone among adults aged 18 to 80 years with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and symptomatic back or leg pain lasting at least three months. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and reoperation at 12 months were the primary outcomes.Data were included for 2,252 patients: 1,446 with decompression alone and 806 with decompression with fusion. The researchers found that the ODI scores at 12 months were 22.3 and 20.0 for decompression alone and decompression with fusion, respectively (mean difference, 2.2; 95 percent confidence interval, −1.6 to 6.1). Men with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher had a worse ODI score for decompression with fusion in exploratory analyses. No difference was seen between the groups in reoperation risk at 12 months."This study calls into question the highly prevalent management of pain from lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with fusion," the authors write.Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

Research Challenges Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Related Stories

Nonpharmacologic Therapy Cuts Opioid Use Disorder Risk With Low Back Pain

Knee Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Expensive Medical Bills Increase Expectations Of Pain During Procedures, Study Says

Migraine and Endometriosis: A Hidden Link?