The majority of studies investigating the outcome of lumbar decompression surgery have been retrospective in nature and have not used validated measures of outcome. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the short and long term outcome of lumbar decompression surgery in terms of function, disability, general health and psychological well being.

Eighty-four patients undergoing lumbar spinal stenosis surgery were recruited into this study. Patients were assessed using validated measures of outcome pre-operatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months and one year post-operatively.

A significant reduction in pain (p< 0.001) was observed at the 6 week post-operative stage, this did not change at the subsequent assessment stages. Only some of the SF~36 categories were sensitive to change. The sub-categories that were sensitive to change were; physical function (p< 0.05); bodily pain (p< 0.001); and social function (p< 0.05). Improvements were observed in these categories at the 6 week and 6 month reviews. A gradual reduction in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was observed with time, with changes principally being observed between the 6 week and 6 month review, and 6 week and one year review stages (p< 0.05). Minimal changes were observed in the psychological assessments with time. The outcome of surgery could not be predicted reliably from psychological, functional or pain measures.

Lumbar decompression surgery leads to a reduction in pain and some improvements in function.